June entertainment preview
Summertime is here.
With that comes Hollywood’s biggest, most expensive films. From big-budget tentpole movies to horror sequels and remakes that belong in October, studios aim for summertime release dates to accumulate as much money as they can.
The Union’s entertainment preview for June is here to point out the most appealing releases in entertainment for readers, starting with what’s coming out on the big screen:
“Spy” – June 5:
From “Bridesmaids” director Paul Feig comes yet another female-centric comedy that’s already gained a ton of critical acclaim since its limited premiere at the renowned film and music festival South by Southwest.
“Spy” is a CIA thriller that puts McCarthy’s character, who was just a CIA analyst, undercover on the field when a threat is made by an infamous arms dealer. With the mishmash of star power and critical talent behind “Spy,” there’s a big chance Feig will continue his directorial success.
“Spy” stars Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Jude Law and Jason Statham.
“Insidious: Chapter 3” – June 5:
Despite it bearing the title “Insidious: Chapter 3,” this is actually a prequel to “Insidious'” previous two installments. “Chapter 3” focuses on the character of Elise Rainer (Lin Shaye), a psychic who, in this case, helps a girl and her family from the deadly supernatural.
While “Chapter 3” isn’t directed by horror guru James Wan, director of “Insidious,” it will mark the directorial debut for screenwriter and actor Leigh Whannell, who wrote and starred in “Insidious” and “Insidious: Chapter 2.”
“Entourage” – June 5:
Directed by original series creator Doug Ellin, “Entourage” reunites the characters and actors of the HBO series of the same name in an ensemble of eight-seasons-worth of onscreen chemistry and nonstop cameos of Los Angeles’ most eccentric celebrities.
“Entourage” stars Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara and Jeremy Piven — to name a few.
“Jurassic World” – June 12:
With what’ll probably be the highest grossing movie this month, “Jurassic World” occurs 22 years after the events of “Jurassic Park.” Now, the fictional island Isla Nublar is home to a fully functional dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World.
After 10 years, the park’s board decides to create a new attraction — in the form of a new, genetically modified hybrid — in a desperate attempt to regain the public’s interest — as if living, breathing dinosaurs weren’t enough.
Although director Colin Trevorrow is relatively new to big-budget tentpoles such as this, his critical success with “Safety Not Guaranteed” and creative support from directional visionary and executive producer Steven Spielberg puts “Jurassic World” in good hands.
It also helps to have star power from actors like Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and Vincent D’Onofrio.
“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” – June 12:
Although it’s a small independent film that’ll most likely be crushed in the box office its opening weekend, “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is shaping up to be the highest rated movie of June — unless Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out” has anything to say about that.
It has the plot of a Nicholas Sparks novel — teenage boy befriends a teenage girl, one of them is terminally ill — but it’s smartly written script, stellar direction and strong performances make “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” a perfectly entertaining and heart-wrenching teen flick.
“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” was directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, written by Jesse Andrews and stars Thomas Mann, RJ Cyler and Olivia Cooke.
“Inside Out” – June 19:
From the same Oscar-nominated team that brought you “Up,” Disney Pixar and Pete Docter‘s “Inside Out” has already unofficially been given an Oscar nomination since it’s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
It’s an animated feature film that focuses on the emotional roller coaster ride of growing up as a child, but characterizes, not just the film’s young protagonist Riley, but also her individual emotions Joy (Amy Poehler), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith).
June is not only a time for big blockbuster movies but a time to continue the premier of new and returning summer television shows as well:
“The Whispers” – June 1:
The premise follows the events that occur when a paranormal force begins to quietly, and mysteriously, haunt children around the world. The show is led by actress Lily Rabe, as FBI child specialist Claire Bennigan, and actor Milo Ventimiglia as a mysterious man named John Doe. “The Whispers” will premier Monday at 10 p.m. on ABC and will have a 14-episode run.
“Pretty Little Liars” – June 2:
The fan-favorite, long-running thriller about four friends trying to solve the murder of their best friend, while also working against an anonymous foe threatening to reveal their secrets, is set to premiere its sixth season on ABC Family on Tuesday at 8 p.m.
“Hannibal” – June 4:
“Hannibal” initially served as a prequel to the Harris novel series about the famed serial killer and his relationship with FBI agent Will Graham before being discovered as the murderer and cannibal that he is. The show’s second season finale transitioned into the first novel, “Red Dragon,” leading into the third season premiere in which Graham is chasing Hannibal to Europe. Hannibal will return to NBC on Thursday at 10 p.m.
“Sense8” – June 5:
“Sense8” follows a group of people who unexplainably become mentally linked and try to survive from those who see the group as a threat to world order. The cast is made up of a majority of newcomers as well, but there are some bigger names including Naveen Andrews, Doona Bae, Daryl Hannah and Joe Pantoliano and is co-created by “Matrix” creators, Andy and Lana Wachowski.
Netflix will release all 12 episodes of season one on Friday.
“Orange is the New Black” – June 12:
The critically acclaimed and fan-favorite prison comedy about a woman sentenced to fifteen months after being convicted of transporting money for her drug-dealing girlfriend is now entering its third season, which will premiere on Netflix on Friday, June 12.
“True Detective” – June 21:
The five-Emmy-winning, critically acclaimed crime drama returns for a second season with new characters, new setting, and new actors, but with all the same gritty drama and style. The second season will follow police officer and war veteran Paul Woodrugh (Taylor Kitsch) and detectives Ani Bezzerides (Rachel McAdams) and Ray Velcoro (Colin Farrell), as they investigate the murder of Frank Semyon’s (Vince Vaughn), a career criminal and entrepreneur, business partner.
The second season will premiere on HBO on Sunday, June 21 at 9 p.m.
“Ballers” – June 21:
“Ballers” centers around Spencer Strasmore, a retired football player who is trying to reinvent both his images and his clients as a financial manager for upcoming football players. The show appears to have a similar style and set-up as HBO’s hit comedy “Entourage.”
The upcoming comedy will be led by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and is set to premier on HBO on Sunday, June 21 at 7 p.m.
With movies to watch and shows to binge, there also comes music to listen to, and, throughout June, several well-known artists will have albums coming out.
Riff Raff, “The Peach Panther” – June 1:
The rapper who is well-known for his eccentric behavior and money-flaunting personality is coming out with an album. Critics wonder whether he is actually serious or not half of the time, but with a hit like “Tip Toe Wing in my Jawwdinz” it may be too tough to tell. How will his next album proceed?
Major Lazer, “Peace is the Mission” – June 1:
A little bit of EDM never hurt anyone, but how about Major Lazer’s Jamaican-themed sounds? Major Lazer is releasing an album that is sure to be filled with drops and beats to sooth the soul. With a major event like EDC just around the corner, this could just be the album to fire up the masses and get them ready for the party.
Jason Derulo, “Everything is 4” – June 2:
The RnB singer has been a big-hit ever since his remix of “Whatcha Say” — a remix of Imogen Heap’s “Hide and Seek” — was released. With songs like “Talk Dirty” ft. 2 Chainz being one of his more recent accolades in the music industry, it’s hard to see this album not doing well. With the radio-release of “Want To Want Me” and the massive amounts of covers being done, it goes to show that the song is well-known, and there should be much love for the album as a whole.
Migos, “Y.R.N.: The Album” June 16:
The rap-trio from Atlanta is well-known for their song featuring Drake, “Versace.” With hits from the rap-scene and even the “trap”-scene, a sub-genre of EDM, most notably, their hit with DJ Carnage, “Bricks,” the album is looking to be a step forward in their careers, but with not much talk about it, the album could fall flat.
Cody Simpson, “Free” – June 23:
The young-pop sensation will be releasing his fifth album come June 23. With a young voice, good looks and a fan base similar to the likes of Justin Bieber or One Direction, it’s hard to see this falling short. Of course with the targeted aim at younger girls and young women, there comes a price. Should this album not be so great, he may just fall into the realms of irrelevance, but the die-hard fans will always be there.
Jerome Casio worked on the section for movies, Grant Hermanns for TV shows and Phil Sidavong for music.