In a brand new feature, The Edge takes a look at ten of the best new releases coming to Netflix UK in July. This month sees the release of a number of nostalgic flicks, some fairly recent blockbusters and a couple of exciting Netflix exclusives.
The Lone Ranger (2nd July)
Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer star in Disney’s 2013 live remake of The Lone Ranger. The film, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, depicts an unlikely partnership between the ‘lone ranger’ John Reid (Hammer) and his native American companion, Tonto (Depp). Together, the duo attempt to bring justice to the American Old West and stop immoral corruption once and for all. Helena Bonham-Carter, Tom Wilkinson and William Fitchner also star.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (7th July)
A widely regarded classic, George Roy Hill’s Oscar-winning 1969 western, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is coming to Netflix. The film tells the story of two Wild West outlaws who in their escape from the law, attempt to migrate to Bolivia in the hopes of finding a better criminal career for themselves. Paul Newman and Robert Redford star as the two cowboy crooks, alongside Katharine Ross and Strother Martin. The film also features an iconic score by Burt Bacharach.
Chris Tucker Live (10th July)
Comedian and actor, Chris Tucker is following in the footsteps of Aziz Ansari, Kevin Hart and Louis C.K, by releasing his first feature-length live comedy special, exclusively on Netflix. Filmed at the Historic Fox Theatre in Tucker’s hometown of Atlanta, the special will showcase his comedic chops – including impersonations – as he shares his experiences from childhood to his mainstream success in Hollywood.
Stan Lee’s Mutants, Monsters & Marvels (15th July)
First released in 2002 – way before the Marvel Cinematic Universe truly came into play- Stan Lee sat down with film director Kevin Smith to talk about his life and comic-book creations. Originally included on the four-disc release of the first Spider-man movie, the documentary gives particular focus to Lee’s infamous web-slinging character.
St. Elmo’s Fire (15th July)
One of the most prominent films of the ‘Brat Pack’ era, St. Elmo’s Fire is finally joining the nostalgic ranks of Netflix. Joel Schumacher’s distinctive coming of age film centres on a group of recently graduated friends, who must adapt to the adult responsibilities and pressures of post-University life. Starring an all-star 80’s ensemble including Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson and Ally Sheedy, this is a true teen classic.
BoJack Horseman: Season 2 (17th July)
The second season of Netflix’s acclaimed original series, BoJack Horseman, is set to hit the streaming service this month. The dark animated sitcom, which depicts a world where anthropomorphic animals and humans live side-by-side, centres on the eponymous BoJack (voiced by Will Arnett); a washed-up sitcom star who clings onto his past successes, whilst simultaneously hungering for a resurgence in his deadbeat career. The series also features the vocal talents of Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Paul F. Tompkins and Breaking Bad‘s Aaron Paul.
Tig (17th July)
This intimate, mixed-media documentary follows the story of comedienne Tig Notaro, who just days after being diagnosed with invasive stage II breast cancer, changed the course of her career with a poignant stand-up set that became legendary overnight. The feature explores Tig’s extraordinary journey, as her career ignites and her life unfolds in grand and unexpected ways – all whilst continuing to battle a life-threatening illness.
Despicable Me 2 (25th July)
Still hungry for more, when it comes to the little yellow minions? Netflix has it covered, with their release of Despicable Me 2. The animated sequel continues with the story of Gru – a supervillain-turned-superdad, voiced by Steve Carell. After adopting three little girls, Gru is trying his best to contend with domestic life – but is soon partnered with an agent of the Anti-Villain League (Kristen Wiig), in order to vanquish a menacing and mysterious plot. The film also features the vocal talents of Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand and Steve Coogan.
The World’s End (25th July)
The third and final instalment of Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg’s Cornetto Trilogy, The World’s End is also headed to Netflix. The film follows a group of old school-mates who are coerced into reliving an epic pub crawl by their troubled friend, Gary King (Pegg). After arriving in their idyllic home-town of Newton Haven and making a start to their alcoholic quest, the group soon discovers that the town has been invaded by an alien race with mysterious intentions. The film also stars Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Paddy Considine, Eddie Marsan and Rosamund Pike.
Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp (31st July)
Back in 2001, David Wain created a satirical romantic comedy film entitled Wet Hot American Summer. The film, which received something of a cult following, featured an ensemble cast that included Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Amy Poehler and Bradley Cooper. Now, in a Netflix exclusive, Wain has produced an eight-episode prequel to the film, which once again takes place in the fictional Jewish summer camp, Firewood. All of the original cast have returned for the series, which launches at the end of the month.
