SIZZLING CINEMA
Historical dramas, sequels and blockbusters fill summer movie bill
ENTERTAINMENT
Consider it the "Oppenheimer" effect: This summer's films have a historical bent that could be ideal for the country's 250th.
If that isn't enough, look for the usual sequels, superheroes and sci-fiflicks to fill the season.
The big one to watch: Steven Spielberg's "Disclosure Day," a super-secretive close encounter with aliens.
Here's a look at what's ahead:
NOW PLAYING
Animal Farm: George Orwell’s allegory may go down better in animation. Seth Rogen, Woody Harrelson and Glenn Close are among the voices.
The Devil Wears Prada 2: A revisit to the haughty magazine editor and her former minions gets Meryl Streep back in Meryl Streep mode. That’s all.
MAY
MAY 8
The Sheep Detectives: When a farmer (Hugh Jackman) winds up dead, the sheep he read to (you got that right) decide to find the culprit. Lots of big names provide voices.
Billie Eilish — Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D): It’s a concert film, but it’s Billie Eilish, so there’s going to be a spin you didn’t see coming.
Mortal Kombat II: There’s more? Karl Urban returns in the video-game-turned-movie.
MAY 15
In the Grey: Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal get involved in a Guy Ritchie adventure film about operatives working on a heist.
Is God Is: Two sisters go on the hunt for the one who wronged them. Tony winner Kara Young and Mallori Johnson star.
Obsession: Using magic to make someone fall in love with you doesn’t always work. Or so Michael Johnston discovers in this horror film.
The Wizard of the Kremlin: Jude Law plays Vladimir Putin in this thriller about his rise to power.
MAY 22
I Love Boosters: Keke Palmer stars as the head of a group of shoplifters who get under the skin of folks like Demi Moore and Will Poulter. Boots Riley directs.
The Mandalorian and Grogu: Pedro Pascal gets to bring his hit “Star Wars” character to the big screen. Along for the ride? His green sidekick.
MAY 29
The Breadwinner: Nate Bergatze tests his skills as a Mr. Mom when his wife (Mandy Moore) goes away. The question: Will Bergatze be another Adam Sandler?
Backrooms: A YouTube fave, Kane Parsons, adapts his works into the story of people stuck in the backroom of some mall-like place for the rest of their lives.
Pressure: Brendan Fraser plays Dwight Eisenhower in this drama about the 72 hours before D-Day.
JUNE
JUNE 5
Scary Movie: Ready for another horror movie spoof? Since we haven’t had one since 2013, it’s time. Look for “Megan,” “Get Out” and “Sinners” to get hit.
Power Ballad: Two musicians clash when one records the other’s song and it becomes a big hit. Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas play the singers.
Masters of the Universe: Those 1980s toys come to life. Nicholas Galitzine stars as He-Man.
JUNE 12
Stop! That! Train!: RuPaul plays the president in this comedy about a runaway train. Lots of recognizable faces turn up.
Disclosure Day: Since Steven Spielberg is the king of summer releases, this is bound to be a hit. It involves aliens, but that’s as much as anyone will say. Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor and Colman Domingo star.
JUNE 19
Toy Story 5: Those determined toys face a new challenge: screens. When kids turn to tablets, it’s war.
The Death of Robin Hood: Hugh Jackman plays Robin Hood in this dramatic take.
Leviticus: A hit on the film fest circuit, this entry about conversion therapy shows how two boys try to break out.
Girls Like Girls: Hayley Kiyoko turns her song/novel into a film about summer love.
JUNE 26
Supergirl: Milly Alcock plays the young superhero as a counter-culture crime fighter.
Jackass Best and Last: The gang is back, but they say this is the last time. Honest.
Lucky Strike: Continuing a World War II fascination, this stars Scott Eastwood, Colin Hanks and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor in the aftermath of the Battle of the Bulge.
The Invite: Olivia Wilde and Seth Rogen get involved in a relationship with neighbors Penelope Cruz and Edward Norton. Wilde directs.
JULY
JULY 1
Minions and Monsters: Those lovable minions try to make a monster movie in 1920s Hollywood but encounter a new wrinkle: sound.
JULY 3
Young Washington: Just in time for the country’s 250th anniversary, we get this look at the first president before he makes moves. William Franklyn-Miller plays the role.
JULY 10
Moana: Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui in a live-action version of the Disney hit.
Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass: Before her wedding, a woman zips to Hollywood to use her pass on Jon Hamm.
JULY 17
The Odyssey: Christopher Nolan takes on Homer’s epic with Matt Damon and a bunch of other big stars.
JULY 24
The Dink: Pickleball gets its due in this comedy from Ben Stiller.
Evil Dead Burn: It’s the sixth one. If you need to ask, you’re not in the “Evil Dead” family.
Rosebush Pruning: Elle Fanning learns what quirks bend a wealthy family in this satire.
72 Hours: Kevin Hart plays an “older” worker who joins his 20-something colleagues at a bachelor party.
Hadestown: The Musical: The British version of Broadway’s hit gets a screen capture version.
JULY 31
Spider-Man: Brand New Day: Tom Holland returns as the webslinger. Zendaya’s here, too.
AUGUST
AUG. 7
One Night Only: Premarital sex is legal one night a year. So, who hooks up? (This is like “The Purge.”)
Super Troopers 3: The goofy Vermont troopers are back.
AUG. 14
The End of Oak Street: In this, the summer of Anne Hathaway, she and Ewan McGregor play folks who are transported elsewhere.
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie: Guess who’s going to the dogs?
The Brink of War: Jeff Daniels plays Ronald Reagan and Jared Harris plays Mikhail Gorbachev in this account of their Reykjavik Summit.
The Rivals of Amziah King: Matthew McConaughey stars as a honey producer who is threatened by outsiders.
AUG. 21
Insidious: Out of the Further: More mayhem. If you have to ask, you aren’t in the loop.
Mutiny: Jason Statham must clear his name (yet again).
Spa Weekend: Friends go on a girls’ weekend. Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher and Anna Faris are in the mix.
AUG. 28
Coyote vs. Acme: Wile E. Coyote takes on the Acme Corporation.
Idiots: Dave Franco and O’Shea Jackson Jr. take a kid to rehab in a road trip comedy.
Legend of the White Dragon: After losing his title as the White Dragon, Erik Reed returns to clear his name and protect his family. The late Jason David Frank stars.
The Dog Stars: Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin get to star in Ridley Scott’s latest, a thriller about a flu that threatens to wipe out everyone.
