A town without kids, a vacation without rest, a musician without equal, lovers without boundaries and a baseball player without an ump highlight my top five cinema picks for August.
Weapons (Aug. 8)
It’s the eagerly anticipated new feature from comedian-turned-horror-auteur Zach Cregger, whose surprisingly scary “Barbarian†was a twisted hit in 2022. “Weapons†features missing children, their shattered teacher and a town of confused and angry parents. The spooky tag line declares, “The most harmless things can hurt you,†which sounds like further evidence that some of the darkest stories can emerge from the funniest minds. Julia Garner, Josh Brolin and Alden Ehrenreich star.
What’s the buzz: After the success of “Barbarian,†Warner Bros. won the rights to “Weapons†for eight figures in a bidding war.
Why I’m excited: Cregger developed his comic timing over many years as a founding member of mirth brigade The Whitest Kids U’ Know and its eponymous sketch-comedy TV series. Somehow he’s channelled laughs into screams, as “Barbarian†illustrated with terrifying aplomb. So just what is “Weapons†holstering? I’m equal parts amused and afraid to find out.
Nobody 2 (Aug. 15)
In the 2021’s “Nobody,†Bob °¿»å±ð²Ô°ì¾±°ù°ì’s seemingly mild family guy turned bone-crunching vigilante exceeded expectations for critics and audiences alike. The film had a similar unleashed-fury dynamic as “Taken†and “John Wick,†but nobody was complaining — and “Nobody 2†got the green light. So who’s up for round two? The sequel features °¿»å±ð²Ô°ì¾±°ù°ì’s reluctant ass-kicker, Hutch Mansell, long-suffering wife Becca (Connie Nielsen) and kids Brady (Gage Munroe) and Sammy (Paisley Cadorath) seeking holiday fun in a town without pity, but with loads of antagonists — including a bootlegging gang run by Lendina (Sharon Stone).
What’s the buzz: With the hiring of director Timo Tjahjanto, known for his Indonesian action and horror films, “Nobody 2†promises violent fare with heightened genre flair, which should help it stand out from the usual multiplex schlock.
Why I’m excited: °¿»å±ð²Ô°ì¾±°ù°ì’s rocking return and a bold new director are the main draw (it’s Tjahjanto’s English-language debut), but I’m also looking forward to seeing more of returning players Christopher Lloyd and RZA as well as new cast members Stone and Colin Hanks.
It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley (Aug. 15)
A once-in-a-generation musical talent and voice, whose life was cut short by an accidental drowning, Jeff Buckley is now the subject of a documentary that brings audiences back to the artist’s 1990s glory days. Amy Berg’s film focuses primarily on the release of his only studio album, 1994’s “Grace,†considered one of the greatest debuts of all time. The film also delves into the artist’s complicated relationship with the legend of his late musician father, Tim Buckley, who died when Jeff was just eight. Accessible for fans and newcomers alike, the film weaves Buckley’s words and images with memories from the people who knew and loved him best.
What’s the buzz: Before this movie was a 2025 documentary, it might have been an early-2000s biopic starring Brad Pitt, reportedly a Buckley super fan. (He’s an executive producer here.) A strong Sundance bow back in January generated glowing reviews.
Why I’m excited: The doc resonates with me on several levels. As the Star’s rock critic in the 1990s, I interviewed Buckley shortly after “Grace†was released. “It’s such a hard relationship you and I have,†he told me. “It’s so alien, because you will never make an album, or write a song that will be recorded or will last. I mean, I will be dead, and the thing (“Graceâ€) may still be in print — that’s quite possible.†He was blunt, but right, and never to be forgotten.
Splitsville (Aug. 22)
Love to cringe? If you missed “The Climb,â€Â Michael Angelo Covino’s 2019 indie comedy, seek it out before you catch “Splitsville,†his similarly themed followup, this time with a starrier cast. “The Climb”‘s Kyle Marvin rejoins Covino in a four-hander divorce story opposite Adria Arjona and Dakota Johnson, respectively, where sexual digressions don’t just “wash out in the shower.†Having seen the film at its recent Cannes world premiere, I’m happy to report that this marital fracturing will likely induce cackling.Â
What’s the buzz: Call it “Kyle & Adria & Dakota & Michael.†The sharpness of “Splitsville†had the undivided attention of Cannes audiences when it premiered there in May, revealing its summer hit potential.
Why I’m excited: “The Climb†ranks high on my personal list of the funniest films of the previous decade. (There’s something special about Marvin and Covino’s comedic partnership.) The awkward amour of “Splitsville†generates the kind of laughs I’m looking to have again as soon as possible.
Caught Stealing (Aug. 29)
The 1990s are having a moment, with shows like “Seinfeld†and “Friends†engaging fans old and new via streaming. Darren Aronofsky wants in on the action, and to deliver dark laughs and thrills, with his adaptation of Charlie Huston’s novel about down-at-the-heels baseball player Hank Thompson (Austin Butler) in ’90s New York City. Hank becomes enmeshed with a criminal gang — and a missing stash of cash — after innocently agreeing to mind a neighbour’s cat. The blue-chip supporting cast includes Bad Bunny, Vincent D’Onofrio, Regina King, Zoë Kravitz, Matt Smith and Griffin Dunne.
What’s the buzz: Aronofsky’s eclectic art-house filmography is something to behold, encompassing everything from Bible sagas (“Noahâ€) to psychological horror (“Mother!â€). He’s taking a decidedly multiplex turn with “Caught Stealing,†which makes it all the more fascinating. Butler has been a heavy hitter since his Oscar-nominated performance in 2022’s “Elvis,” but the bench strength of “Caught Stealing†is buzzy in its own right.
Why I’m excited: Aronofsky’s films and Butler’s acting are always worth watching.Â
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