Summer Underdogs
Looking for an alternative to summer's onslaught of blockbusters? Check out our list of films that may be a little harder to find in theaters, but are well worth the search.
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1.
The Iceman
(2012)
The true story of Richard Kuklinski, the notorious contract killer and family man. When finally arrested in 1986, neither his wife nor daughters have any clue about his real profession. (106 mins.)
Director: Ariel Vromen
“ Release date: May 3, 2013
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The Buzz: Just think: When Man of Steel makes Michael Shannon a household name, people will be able to sift through his other films and find gems like this true story of a husband, father, sociopath, and killer. We hear the director makes a wise decision to keep the focus on Shannon, and that David Schwimmer (who is piecing together an admirable indie-film resume) is barely recognizable in his role. ” - IMDb Editors
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The Buzz: Just think: When Man of Steel makes Michael Shannon a household name, people will be able to sift through his other films and find gems like this true story of a husband, father, sociopath, and killer. We hear the director makes a wise decision to keep the focus on Shannon, and that David Schwimmer (who is piecing together an admirable indie-film resume) is barely recognizable in his role. ” - IMDb Editors
2.
Before Midnight
(2013)
We meet Jesse and Celine nine years on in Greece. Almost two decades have passed since their first meeting on that train bound for Vienna. (108 mins.)
Director: Richard Linklater
“ Release date: May 24, 2013
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The Buzz: The most unexpected trilogy (said with love) was shot in secret last year and announced a few months before its debut at Sundance 2013. Given the 9-year gaps between each film, it might just become the fictional equivalent of Seven Up documentary series; we'd happily follow Jesse and Celine until death does them part. ” - IMDb Editors
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The Buzz: The most unexpected trilogy (said with love) was shot in secret last year and announced a few months before its debut at Sundance 2013. Given the 9-year gaps between each film, it might just become the fictional equivalent of Seven Up documentary series; we'd happily follow Jesse and Celine until death does them part. ” - IMDb Editors
3.
The East
(2013)
An operative for an elite private intelligence firm finds her priorities irrevocably changed after she is tasked with infiltrating an anarchist group known for executing covert attacks upon major corporations. (116 mins.)
Director: Zal Batmanglij
“ Release date: May 31, 2013
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The Buzz: Brit Marling's second project with her co-writer/director Zal Batmanglij might seem a bit more conventional with its structure when compared to their first film, Sound of My Voice, a triumph that saw Marling exhibit her true promise as both an actress and a screenwriter. Here, she plays an outsider trying to infiltrate a group of freegan anarchists under Alexander Skarsgard's influence. Also worth noting is Ellen Page's performance - her best in years. ” - IMDb Editors
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The Buzz: Brit Marling's second project with her co-writer/director Zal Batmanglij might seem a bit more conventional with its structure when compared to their first film, Sound of My Voice, a triumph that saw Marling exhibit her true promise as both an actress and a screenwriter. Here, she plays an outsider trying to infiltrate a group of freegan anarchists under Alexander Skarsgard's influence. Also worth noting is Ellen Page's performance - her best in years. ” - IMDb Editors
4.
Much Ado About Nothing
(2012)
A modern retelling of Shakespeare's classic comedy about two pairs of lovers with different takes on romance and a way with words. (107 mins.)
Director: Joss Whedon
“ Release date: June 7, 2013
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The Buzz: Shakespeare in the hands of Joss Whedon - what else is there to say? We love that Whedon's insecurity about directing The Avengers manifested in a such a way (the restless creator shot this project in secret while assembling the Marvel blockbuster), and those of us who reeled from the news that Anthony Head stepped down from playing Leonato were assuaged by the slotting Clark Gregg in his place. I mean, it's clear to some that Gregg's Agent Coulson is made of the same Whedonesque fabric as Head's Rupert Giles from "Buffy", so it is assuring to see him become one of the new Whedon Players. ” - IMDb Editors
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The Buzz: Shakespeare in the hands of Joss Whedon - what else is there to say? We love that Whedon's insecurity about directing The Avengers manifested in a such a way (the restless creator shot this project in secret while assembling the Marvel blockbuster), and those of us who reeled from the news that Anthony Head stepped down from playing Leonato were assuaged by the slotting Clark Gregg in his place. I mean, it's clear to some that Gregg's Agent Coulson is made of the same Whedonesque fabric as Head's Rupert Giles from "Buffy", so it is assuring to see him become one of the new Whedon Players. ” - IMDb Editors
5.
The Bling Ring
(2013)
Inspired by actual events, a group of fame-obsessed teenagers use the internet to track celebrities' whereabouts in order to rob their homes. (95 mins.)
Director: Sofia Coppola
“ Release date: June 14, 2013
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The Buzz: Since Spring Breakers created a neon-bikini pop-culture mini-frenzy, we're interested to see if Sofia Coppola's typically wispy filmmaking approach can add more to the discussion about the adventures and motivations of listless, infamy-seeking youth. ” - IMDb Editors
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The Buzz: Since Spring Breakers created a neon-bikini pop-culture mini-frenzy, we're interested to see if Sofia Coppola's typically wispy filmmaking approach can add more to the discussion about the adventures and motivations of listless, infamy-seeking youth. ” - IMDb Editors
6.
I'm So Excited
(2013)
When it appears as though the end is in sight, the pilots, flight crew, and passengers of a plane heading to Mexico City look to forget the anguish of the moment and face the greatest danger, which we carry within ourselves. (90 mins.)
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
“ Release date: June 28, 2013
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The Buzz: Pedro Almodovar himself let it be known that he is revisiting the tone of his early comedies with his latest film, which features cameos from Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz and plenty of fey delights, apparently. We've loved the dark detour he's taken since Volver and look forward to a summery change of tone. It's also worth noting that in a creative climate where money is hard to come by, the film was financed entirely by worldwide pre-sales. ” - IMDb Editors
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The Buzz: Pedro Almodovar himself let it be known that he is revisiting the tone of his early comedies with his latest film, which features cameos from Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz and plenty of fey delights, apparently. We've loved the dark detour he's taken since Volver and look forward to a summery change of tone. It's also worth noting that in a creative climate where money is hard to come by, the film was financed entirely by worldwide pre-sales. ” - IMDb Editors
7.
The Way, Way Back
(2013)
Over the course of his summer break, a teenager comes into his own thanks in part to the friendship he strikes up with one of the park's managers. (103 mins.)
“ Release date: July 5, 2013
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The Buzz: After winning a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar last year for The Descendants, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash quickly got started on this project, their co-directorial debut. The resulting star-studded comedy - which includes Steve Carell playing a major jerk - was a serious crowd-pleaser at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, and Fox Searchlight quickly acquired the movie for a ridiculous $10 million. They are clearly hoping it's going to be another Little Miss Sunshine, though that's easier said than done. ” - IMDb Editors
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The Buzz: After winning a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar last year for The Descendants, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash quickly got started on this project, their co-directorial debut. The resulting star-studded comedy - which includes Steve Carell playing a major jerk - was a serious crowd-pleaser at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, and Fox Searchlight quickly acquired the movie for a ridiculous $10 million. They are clearly hoping it's going to be another Little Miss Sunshine, though that's easier said than done. ” - IMDb Editors
8.
Fruitvale Station
(2013)
The true story of Oscar, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident, who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family, and strangers on the last day of 2008. (90 mins.)
Director: Ryan Coogler
“ Release date: July 26, 2013
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The Buzz: The Chronicle boys are taking advantage of that fantastic movie's freak success; Dane DeHaan is brooding his way through indies and tentpoles alike, while Michael B. Jordan takes center stage in the tragic story of Oscar Grant, whose death affected the sociopolitical landscape of Northern California. Jordan has earned strong reviews for his portrayal of Grant as a relatable slacker looking to turn a corner, while writer/director Ryan Coogler does his subject justice with a narrative structure that focuses more on Grant's intentions than the series of poor decisions that claimed his life. ” - IMDb Editors
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The Buzz: The Chronicle boys are taking advantage of that fantastic movie's freak success; Dane DeHaan is brooding his way through indies and tentpoles alike, while Michael B. Jordan takes center stage in the tragic story of Oscar Grant, whose death affected the sociopolitical landscape of Northern California. Jordan has earned strong reviews for his portrayal of Grant as a relatable slacker looking to turn a corner, while writer/director Ryan Coogler does his subject justice with a narrative structure that focuses more on Grant's intentions than the series of poor decisions that claimed his life. ” - IMDb Editors
9.
“ Release date: July 26, 2013
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The Buzz: Bradley Cooper almost signed on for a starring role in Woody Allen's latest European assemblage; with no slight meant - we're more interested in the hunk who did say yes: Louis C.K. is taking advantage of the break from his TV show to act for others on the big screen. (Small world syndrome: he will act alongside Cooper in David O. Russell's planned follow-up to Silver Linings Playbook.) Will Louis be the one who attempts a romance with leading lady Cate Blanchett? ” - IMDb Editors
See photos and Watch the trailer
The Buzz: Bradley Cooper almost signed on for a starring role in Woody Allen's latest European assemblage; with no slight meant - we're more interested in the hunk who did say yes: Louis C.K. is taking advantage of the break from his TV show to act for others on the big screen. (Small world syndrome: he will act alongside Cooper in David O. Russell's planned follow-up to Silver Linings Playbook.) Will Louis be the one who attempts a romance with leading lady Cate Blanchett? ” - IMDb Editors
10.
Ain't Them Bodies Saints
(2013)
The tale of an outlaw who escapes from prison and sets out across the Texas hills to reunite with his wife and the daughter he has never met. (105 mins.)
Director: David Lowery
“ Release date: August 16, 2013
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The Buzz: Terrence Malick has a posse. And a lot of its members are making films of their own, including David Lowery, who has earned strong praise and direct comparisons to his apparent idol for his art-heavy, narrative-lite drama. Lowery also edited Shane Carruth's Upstream Color, further stoking this film's target audience, the die-hard art-house patron. ” - IMDb Editors
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The Buzz: Terrence Malick has a posse. And a lot of its members are making films of their own, including David Lowery, who has earned strong praise and direct comparisons to his apparent idol for his art-heavy, narrative-lite drama. Lowery also edited Shane Carruth's Upstream Color, further stoking this film's target audience, the die-hard art-house patron. ” - IMDb Editors
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