Fourth of July movies: What to watch this weekend, from the new 'Minions' to 'The Princess'
Leave it to the Minions to bring fireworks for the Fourth of July weekend.
The latest chapter in the hit "Despicable Me" franchise, featuring those banana-loving, jibber-jabbering little guys and their supervillain buddy Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), is hitting movie theaters for the holiday and joining a bunch of other blockbusters already firing up the box office. (And in the case of Tom Cruise's "Top Gun: Maverick," turning on the afterburners.)
But if you want to beat the heat and feel like bingeing some films at home, there are plenty of options.
So if you need a film this long holiday weekend? We got you, fam. Here's a guide to satisfying every cinematic taste:
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If you live for oddball yellow henchmen: 'Minions: The Rise of Gru'
The breezily fun sequel heads back to 1976 when 11-year-old Gru wants to fill the vacant slot in his fave villain group, led by Belle Bottom (Taraji P. Henson). But instead of joining, Gru ends up on her most-wanted list when he steals a powerful Chinese artifact, and the youngster gets help from his idol Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin) and the Minions, who get trained in kung fu by wily acupuncturist Master Chow (Michelle Yeoh).
Where to watch: In theaters
If you're tired of the old Cinderella story: 'The Princess'
It's hard not to love King going from "Kissing Booth" movies to killing people in gleefully bloody fashion. Slathering some empowering ridiculousness on a "Game of Thrones"-type vehicle, the R-rated fairy-tale action centers on King's title heroine, who gets locked in a castle by a bad dude (Dominic Cooper) she stood up at the altar. When she escapes, she's crushing skulls and stabbing baddies like a medieval John Wick to save her kingdom.
Where to watch: Hulu
If you dig cautionary tales: 'The Forgiven'
Jessica Chastain and Ralph Fiennes lend star power to this thought-provoking drama as Jo and David, a wealthy couple attending a hedonistic soiree in the Moroccan desert. Late to the party, they run over and kill an Arab boy, and contrasting stories emerge in the aftermath about privilege and accountability as David tries to make amends while Jo embraces opulence and freedom from her husband.
Where to watch: In theaters
If you're a music nerd: 'Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song'
More people arguably know the haunting, hymnal "Hallelujah" than its songwriter, and this absorbing documentary is a deep dive into both. It charts Cohen's early days as a poet and his busy later years, but the most fascinating stuff is the fascinating history of a tune that straddles the spiritual and the sexual, its many different verses, and those who had a hand in its evolution, from John Cale to the late Jeff Buckley to, yep, Shrek.
Where to watch: In theaters
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If you live for period love stories: 'Mr. Malcolm’s List'
The Jane Austen-esque romance, with Suzanne Allain adapting her own self-published novel, turns up the charm to an 11. When a proud 19th-century woman (Zawe Ashton) is publicly spurned by London's most eligible bachelor (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù) – who keeps a checklist of qualities a potential bride must have – she plots revenge with an old friend (Freida Pinto) to be his "perfect match" in a tale that's predictable yet still satisfying.
Where to watch: In theaters
If you'd die for an epic road trip: 'The Passenger'
In the schlocky Spanish horror film, an obnoxious van driver (Ramiro Blas) is taking passengers – including a mom (Cristina Alcázar) and her daughter (Paula Gallego) – on a long trip when he hits a woman in the middle of a country road. They bring her on board to get her help, but also let in a body-snatching creature that turns their drive into a hellish experience filled with absurdity and plenty of B-movie gore.
Where to watch: Apple TV
If you're the one person who hasn't seen it yet: 'Top Gun: Maverick'
Cruise is known for jumping off planes in crazy "Mission: Impossible" stunts but come on, he's much better in the cockpit of a fighter jet. He still oozes A-list cool as the returning flyboy from the ’86 sequel training a new crop of young pilots in an endlessly entertaining, nostalgic sequel that makes a major movie star out of Glen Powell.
Where to watch: In theaters
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If you dream of a visit to the Jungle Room: 'Elvis'
While Baz Luhrmann's stylish and overstuffed Elvis Presley biopic doesn't reach the heights of his "Moulin Rouge" or "Romeo + Juliet," the director definitely finds a guy who can inhabit the role of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. Austin Butler is an outstanding Elvis who nails his musical legacy and popular impact, though the narrative itself is completely all over the place.
Where to watch: In theaters
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If you want to see a great international film on your Independence Day: 'RRR'
An action epic that manages to be more glorious and bromantic than a "Top Gun" movie, the Indian blockbuster stars N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan as buff heroes who take on 1920s British colonialists in a must-see movie – the best so far this year, actually – with love stories, dance battles, fun songs and over-the-top spirit.
Where to watch: Netflix
If you could use a big-hearted pick-me-up: 'Cha Cha Real Smooth'
Hearts are warmed and tears jerked in this endearing dramedy that was a hit at Sundance Film Festival this year. Cooper Raiff writes, directs and stars as an aimless, recently dumped college graduate whose life takes a needed turn when he gets a gig as a bar mitzvah party-starter and falls hard for an older woman (Dakota Johnson).
Where to watch: Apple TV+
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: July 4th movies: What to see, from 'Minions' to 'The Princess'
