In July, all attention will be on Paramount+ for several compelling reasons. The platform will feature the eagerly awaited Season 4 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the moving conclusion of The Chi later in the month, and the much-debated return of Conor McGregor to UFC, which will be shown live on CBS on July 11, followed by availability on Paramount+ the next day.
Besides its attractive TV lineup, Paramount+ has also expanded its film collection significantly, introducing an array of notable new movies. Among these are a workplace comedy boasting a star-studded ensemble featuring Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, and Ben Affleck, a nostalgic small-town monster mystery, and a gripping true story from wartime history that feels almost unbelievable.
Workplace Comedy Fans Rejoice
For those who appreciate Mike Judge’s classic workplace comedy Office Space or his satirical film Idiocracy, Extract serves as a fitting counterpart. However, this time, the focus shifts from the discontent employee to the overwhelmed boss.
Jason Bateman stars as Joel, the owner of Reynolds Extract, a flavoring factory he’s preparing to sell for an early retirement. His plans hit a snag after a hilariously catastrophic assembly-line accident injures employee Step (Clifton Collins Jr.).
Enter Cindy (Mila Kunis), a charming con artist who, intrigued by the accident, secures a job at Reynolds to get a slice of the potential lawsuit. As Joel finds himself attracted to Cindy, he navigates a dull marriage with Suzie (Kristen Wiig). The chaos escalates when Joel, on dubious advice from his slack-jawed friend Dean (Ben Affleck), hires a clueless gigolo to test Suzie’s fidelity, setting the stage for even more complications. Although Extract didn’t garner widespread attention in its 2009 release, Bateman’s portrayal of the beleaguered boss is a highlight worth watching.
Super 8
A Homage to Spielberg with a Twist
Directed by J.J. Abrams, Super 8 is a 2011 film that pays tribute to the iconic movies of Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment. This collaboration marks the first official joint project between Amblin and Abrams’ Bad Robot.
Set in the summer of 1979 in a small Ohio town, the story follows young Joe Lamb (Joel Courtney) who assists his friend Charles (Riley Griffiths) in shooting a zombie film with a Super 8 camera. Their project comes to a halt when a military train derailment unleashes something extraterrestrial. As bizarre occurrences ensue—including dogs mysteriously disappearing and electronic devices going haywire—the local Air Force steps in, and Joe’s father, Jack (Friday Night Lights’ Kyle Chandler), demands to know what’s happening.
Super 8 was a box office success, earning $260 million and capturing the nostalgic essence of classics like E.T. and The Goonies. Viewers should stay for the credits to watch the kids’ completed zombie film.
Hacksaw Ridge
An Unbelievable True Story of Valor
Hacksaw Ridge presents a remarkable real-life account that filmmakers strive to dramatize, with Mel Gibson directing this acclaimed 2016 war film that received six Oscar nominations, winning awards for film editing and sound mixing.
Based on the documentary The Conscientious Objector, the film tells the inspiring story of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), a devout Seventh-day Adventist who enlists as a combat medic during WWII yet refuses to bear arms due to his beliefs. This decision leads to various challenges, including mistreatment during basic training, yet he ultimately heads to Okinawa’s Hacksaw Ridge, where he courageously saves 75 men by lowering them to safety one by one.
Garfield delivers a powerful performance as the steadfast Doss, while Teresa Palmer plays his love interest, Dorothy. Hugo Weaving portrays Doss’s troubled father, a WWI veteran. Be prepared for intense battle scenes in this gripping 84% rated drama.
A Great Start to July
Whatever film you choose to watch first, it’s an excellent time to cozy up with a compelling story. Afterward, there are plenty of other recommendations available to enhance your viewing experience.
