This summer a lot of viewers saw big releases like Avengers: Age of Ultron and Mad Max: Fury Road, though not everyone would sing the praises of such superhero fare and big budget, blockbuster spectacles. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to seek out smaller movies and decide for themselves what is worth their time and money, but sometimes it’s hard to see everything or even hear about smaller movies like It Follows when they overcast by the obscene shadow of a Jurassic World. With that dilemma in mind, here are a few smaller movies you might have missed during the Summer 2015 movie season:
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Open Road FIlms
“Like ’90s rap, Dope is a mix of intelligence, humor, and morally questionable decisions that don’t create a sum total of contradictions, but speak to the complicated nature of black identity in America.”
Miramax/Roadside Attractions
“Mr. Holmes is an exceptional and unique addition to the vast collection of Sherlock Holmes’ journeys, rich with respect for its predecessors and bold in its thoughtful and reflective approach.”
Altitude Film Distribution
“Amy Winehouse was a brutally honest, captivating woman, who was missed even during her lifetime, and will be missed even more so now with the theatrical release of Amy.”
A24
“Traditional Western fans may be disappointed by the movie’s ironic departure from formula and ironic movie fans might be disappointed by the film’s adherence to formula, but with a little negotiation from the viewer, Slow West stands as its own rewarding and enjoyable work.”
Focus World
“With an unspeakably intense finale that brings the few story threads to an explosive head, Cop Car is nothing original, but Watts’ and screenwriter Christopher Ford’s script gives each beat and twist just long enough to settle for one of the most satisfying conclusions to a movie this year.”
Lionsgate
“American Ultra is a creative, gruesome, abrasive, and romantic movie, and Eisenberg and Stewart reaffirm their status among the very best performers of their generation in a solidly entertaining movie with which to end the summer season.”
