July is often a light month in terms of new content, but it ramps up movie choices. After a busy day, whether at work or play, you can always settle down to a good movie. Of course, the streaming site has plenty of choices, new and old, at your fingertips, and the channels are always fun to explore. Here is a brief look at some of the choices you can enjoy once you’re in from the sun. Enjoy.
A few quick points:
- Let’s Get A RAGE On!
- Warm Up with Box-Office Winner SINNERS!
- Get Weird with John Malkovich!
- Plus, We Can Croon with the Tunes of Billy Joel!
- Do Some Batman, Ninja-Style!
- And, Await the Return of HBO Max! If you look at Key Art, they show that content after July 10 will start to show the HBO Max logo in the corner! For example, see the graphic accompanying the Bill Joel Documentary in the post below.
HBO Original Series: THE GILDED AGE continues its third season run throughout July. It all begins on SUNDAY, JULY 06 (9:00 – 10:02 pm ET). It appears the latest episode will air back-to-back on the HBO channel each Sunday, so as not to miss it. We can give you very little on what is ahead, but an In The Weeks Ahead clip will help.
–S3 Ep03 – “Love Is Never Easy”
Debut Date: Sunday, July 09 (9:00-10:02 pm ET)
As negotiations start to disintegrate, George confronts Bertha about her vision for Gladys – and its inadvertent impact on his business. Meanwhile, the Scotts meet the Kirklands in Newport, Ada encourages the staff to sign a temperance pledge, Agnes laments her slow exclusion from society, and Larry invites Jack to a meeting with a potential investor.
–S3 Ep. 04 – “Marriage Is A Gamble”
Debut Date: Sunday, July 13 (09:00-10:02 pm ET)
Bertha deals with unwanted rumors in the press…and the sudden arrival of her sister Monica. After giving a talk in Newport, Peggy and her mother encounter the aloof Mrs. Kirkland. Meanwhile, a grieving Ada attempts a new way to communicate with Luke, and Borden learns more about Mrs. Bruce’s past.
–S3 Ep. 05 – “A Different World”
Debut Date: Sunday, July 20 (9:00-9:58 pm ET)
Gladys has trouble adjusting to her changed circumstances…and the controlling Lady Sarah. After a string of personal and professional wins, Larry runs into a familiar face. While at an event with Dr. Kirkland, Peggy gets an opportunity from an old colleague. Later, drama ensues at Mrs. Fish’s Newport luncheon.
–S3 Ep. 06 – “If You Want to Cook an Omelette”
Debut Date: Sunday, July 27 (9:00-10:00) pm ET)
LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER will not see a new installment until SUNDAY, JULY 27 (11:00 – 11:30 pm ET) as the show is always on hiatus in early July. As of late, he has barked about A.I. and how it threatens his marriage and also the Big Beautiful Bill. REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER is on hiatus for the entire month of July. As of late, he has had advocates for the Right & the Left on the panel, plus interview guests Hollywood mogul Barry Diller, comedian Whitney Cummings, Senator John Fetterman (PA), and humorist Dave Barry. We will have to wait until Friday, August 01, for new installments.
Original Series Exclusive to Max: (officially not HBO Max yet) As far as this category is concerned, new content from AND JUST LIKE THAT… will have to tide us over. The 12-episode season will upload new episodes weekly to the streamer each THURSDAY through July. So, there is plenty more to be said by our NYC gals.
HBO International Titles: Now, the content this writer is most excited for in July. Debuting on Max and HBO Latino on FRIDAY, JULY 11 (8:00- 9:00 pm) is RAGE (Furia). It will debut globally on the platform with two episodes on that premiere date, followed by new episodes weekly. This Spanish production is a contemporary portrait around five women: Five women ready to do anything in the face of extreme situations such as extortion, oppression, deceit, exclusion or manipulation in a single shared universe articulated around five conflicts that will develop like a butterfly effect – one as a consequence of the other – and so on to shared catharsis. A kaleidoscopic portrait of the current social moment with high doses of irony and humor. They play out in half-hour installments for a total of eight episodes. Here is a look at the first few episodes –
–Ep 01 – “Marga & Tina”
Debut Date: Friday, July 11 (8:00-8:37 pm ET)
After his maid Tina becomes pregnant with his baby, Roberto hatches a plan to deceive his wife Marga, a successful artist. But as Roberto’s disturbing plot starts to fall apart, Tina turns to an unlikely source for help.
–Ep 02 – “Nat”
Debut Date: Friday, July 11 (8:37-9:15 pm ET)
Nat is a devoted fashion manager with a loyal following at the department store Gallery. When her employers begin hiring younger staff, Nat fears she’ll be laid off and vows to keep her job… no matter the cost.
–Ep 03 – “Vera”
Debut Date: Friday, July 18 (8:00-8:36 pm ET)
Vegan celebrity chef Vera has held a years-long vendetta against her loudest critic, Emilio Durán, who managed to shut down her burgeoning restaurant. When Emilio strikes again during her latest comeback, a desperate Vera snaps and becomes intent on silencing him for good.
–Ep 04
Debut Date: Friday, July 25
Also continuing their runs are CHESPIRITO: NOT REALLY ON PURPOSE and PATI.
HBO & Max Theatrical Movies: We are seeing a new movie every weekend in July. Most of them are from A24, which always offers something unique. But we also have a bigger box office winner on the schedule. Here is our brief look at each, which are Sinners, On Becoming A Guinea Fowl, Opus, I Love You Forever, and Death of a Unicorn.
Warner Bros. Pictures’ SINNERS, the highest-grossing and best-indexing horror film ever released in IMAX, will make its debut on HBO on SATURDAY, JULY 05 (8:00-10:20 pm ET) and globally on Max the night prior. From Ryan Coogler-director of Black Panther and Creed, and starring Michael B. Jordan, comes a new vision of fear. Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (both played by Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. That horror, if you don’t know by now, is a brood of vampires.
Written and directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Ryan Coogler, SINNERS stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role, joined by Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, and Delroy Lindo. The film is produced by Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, and Ryan Coogler. The executive producers are Ludwig Göransson, Will Greenfield, and Rebecca Cho.
With a rare Monday debut comes our next title. Debuting MONDAY, JULY 07 (8:00-9:43 pm ET) is the A24 title ON BECOMING A GUINEA FOWL. On an empty road in the middle of the night, Shula stumbles across the body of her uncle. As funeral proceedings begin around them, she and her cousins bring to light the buried secrets of their middle-class Zambian family, in filmmaker Rungano Nyoni’s surreal and vibrant reckoning with the lies we tell ourselves. It is an English film, but filmed in Zambia. It offers a rich examination of life in that African country, especially its womanhood.
Our next one gives us a good dose of John Malkovich! It is a piece called OPUS, which is a thriller film written and directed by Mark Anthony Green (most noted as editor of GQ Magazine) in his feature directorial debut. The movie is about 1990s pop superstar Alfred Moretti (Malkovich), who comes out of retirement to announce his new album. It also stars Ayo Edebiri, Juliette Lewis (HYSTERICAL BLINDNESS), Murray Bartlett (THE WHITE LOTUS), Amber Midthunder (BANSHEE), Tatanka Means (BANSHEE), Young Mazino (THE LAST OF US), Stephanie Suganami, Tamera Tomakili, and Tony Hale (VEEP). Moretti invites six guests to attend a listening party at his Utah compound, where it becomes apparent that he is part of a cult. And let the weirdness begin! It does begin when the movie premieres on SATURDAY, JULY 12 (8:00- 9:45 pm ET) and on Max the night prior. That leads us up to I LOVE YOU FOREVER from Urban Films 
the following weekend. In this one, Mackenzie (Sofia Black-D’Elia) is a disillusioned 25-year-old law student whose love life consists of non-committal hookups and situationships from hell. When she has a “real life meet-cute” with Finn (Ray Nicholson), a handsome and charming journalist who isn’t afraid to show affection, she starts to believe true love may actually exist…until his dark side begins to emerge. This 90-minute movie was written and directed by Cazzie David and Elisa Kalani, with David appearing onscreen as well as Ally. It arrives SATURDAY, JULY 19 (8:00-9:30 pm ET). The last new movie of the month is DEATH OF A UNICORN on SATURDAY, JULY 26 (8:00-9:47 pm ET) and on Max the day prior. A father (Paul Rudd) and daughter (Jenna Ortega) accidentally hit and kill a unicorn while en route to a weekend retreat, where his billionaire boss (Richard E. Grant) seeks to exploit the creature’s miraculous curative properties. So, it’s a dark fantasy satire? Will Poulter, Anthony Carrigan (BARRY), Sunita Mani, Jessica Hynes, and Téa Leoni have supporting roles. You’ve got to see it to believe it.
HBO Documentary Films: Two documentary entries this month, beginning with a look at a legendary magazine. Launching its first trailblazing issue in 1972 and still publishing today, Ms. magazine revolutionized the feminist movement, igniting provocative conversations about issues that impact women, from politics to harassment, race, sex, and abortion. In the documentary, DEAR MS.: A REVOLUTION IN PRINT, we get a three-part film directed by filmmakers Salima Koroma, Alice Gu, and Cecilia Aldarondo, and produced by William Ventura and McGee Media. It debuts WEDNESDAY, JULY 02 (9:00 – 10:50 pm ET). Here is a look at the three segments:
– Part One – “A Magazine for all Women” directed by Salima Koroma chronicles the origin story of Ms., and explores the iconic first issue that flew off newsstands, despite doubts from many in traditional media. As the magazine expanded to topics such as abortion and Shirley Chisholm’s presidential bid, it was well received by women hungry for in-depth reporting, but it also received backlash and grappled with issues of race and representation on and off the pages of the magazine. When Marcia Ann Gillespie is recruited from Essence magazine to become editor in chief of Ms., she works to center women of color and reimagines what the magazine can be for all women.
– Part Two – “Ms.: A Portable Friend” directed by Alice Gu lays bare the sexist cultural environment of the 1970s and explores the magazine’s response. Covers included a divisive “Men’s issue” in 1975, a controversial photo on the “battered wives” issue, and the 1977 cover depicting workplace sexual harassment. New language, coined and made popular by Ms. writers around such taboo subjects enabled discussion, action, and ultimately new laws.
–Part Three – “No Comment” directed by Cecilia Aldarondo details how the magazine critiqued female representation in advertising and mainstream media and explores the complex debate around sexual exploitation versus self-expression. Taking its focus from the 1978 cover story “Erotica and Pornography: Do you know the Difference?”, it examines how the magazine had to navigate the many diverse factions within the women’s feminist movement itself.
From legendary magazine to the legendary piano man himself – Billy Joel. The HBO Original two-part documentary BILLY JOEL: AND SO IT GOES, directed by Emmy winners Susan Lacy (HBO’s JANE FONDA IN FIVE ACTS) and Jessica Levin (THE JANES), debuts FRIDAY, JULY 18 at 8:00 pm ET followed by part two debuting Friday, July 25 at the same time on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. It is crafted around in-depth, exclusive interviews with Joel, illuminating the key moments that forged his character and the events and muses that inspired his music for more than six decades. Exploring revelatory new territory and enriched by dynamic video and performance clips from Joel’s musical oeuvre, many never before seen, the documentary gives a window into his process and chronicles his monumental successes, while diving into the hidden complexities of his life. The two parts are as follows:
– Part One
Debut date: FRIDAY, JULY 18 (8:00-10:24 p.m. ET/PT)
Joel admits to being a work in progress as he heads towards his eighth decade and looks back on a childhood as the son of working-class parents on Long Island, the loss he felt at the age of eight when his father left the home, and his entry into the business of music. Acknowledging the mistakes he made along the way, Joel put everything he lived through into his music. As he went from keyboard player in local bands to striking out on his own, he discusses the love affair and first marriage with Elizabeth Weber that became the fuel for his early songwriting hits, such as “Just the Way You Are” and “She’s Always a Woman.” His collaborators and peers thoughtfully illuminate his musical gifts, and Joel delves into the business deal he made that led to the writing of “Piano Man.” After signing with Columbia Records, Joel’s career took off and years of hits and record-breaking tours followed, as he continued to channel his personal experiences into his music. While he chafed against the critical response to his music, struggled with his relationship to alcohol, and navigated a complicated personal life, a near-fatal motorcycle accident impacted his ability to play piano and left his future unclear. How would he rebuild his career and move forward with his life?
– Part Two
Debut date: FRIDAY, JULY 25 (8:00-10:24 p.m. ET/PT)
With his eighth studio album, “The Nylon Curtain,” Joel changed his musical focus by reflecting the grit and aspirations of the Everyman with songs such as “Allentown” and “Goodnight Saigon.” Joel recounts his complicated reunion with his long absent father and discovers the secret story of how his Jewish grandparents survived Nazi Germany which he distilled into his philosophical ballad “Vienna.” Recovering from years on the road, Joel vacations in St. Barths, where he meets his future wife, supermodel Christie Brinkley, who would become the mother of his first child and the inspiration behind the hit “Uptown Girl.” Dedicated to his craft but uneasy with fame and the spotlight, Joel persevered through romantic and professional setbacks, choosing to reinvent himself time and time again. With the support of his wife Alexis Roderick Joel and their children, and through his collaboration with Elton John, a return to his classical roots, and his historic residency at Madison Square Garden, he continues to find a safe space in his music.
There is no official trailer at this time.
Max Kids & Family: We jump down to the family section. Under Zaslav, there has been a great purge of content in this category, and exactly what it looks like in the near future remains ot be seen. But here is a new title for those interested, plus the return of a series and the continuation of yet another. We lead off with the new title, which will upload on Max as of THURSDAY, JULY 03. It is an animated outing for Batman entitled BATMAN NINJA VS. YAKUZA LEAGUE. A sequel to the globally celebrated 2018 anime film Batman Ninja, this original feature once again reimagines DC’s legendary Dark Knight through the lens of Japanese anime, blending iconic characters with bold storytelling and visually stunning animation. In this adventure, Batman returns to feudal-era Japan to face off against a mysterious new threat – the Yakuza League – formed from the warped remnants of his greatest allies. He arrives to find a world where the Yakuza war with each other, and brutality reigns without honor or humanity. Renowned voice actor Koichi Yamadera once again lends his voice to the caped crusader.
Yeah, have fun with that. Also, someone may have fun watching the return of ISADORA MOON, which begins to upload new episodes on THURSDAY, JULY 10, or find enjoyment with the SESAME STREET gang. It is still offering new installments on THURSDAYS. This month, Chris Stapleton joins the gang for “Happy Bert’s Day.” Ernie is throwing Bert a party! He’s so excited to make it a fun day for Bert, but Bert is getting increasingly frustrated because he just wanted a quiet day.
HBO Sports: No new sports on HBO, but Max will stream plenty of events. There are a few MLB games set so far. They are Guardians at Cubs on JULY 01 and Dodgers at Brewers on JULY 08. NASCAR action in July includes the Brickyard 400 Presented by PPG on JULY 27 and a US SOCCER matchup on July 02. Other
Shows On HBO or Max: THE PITT has a Season One marathon on FRIDAY, JULY 04 from 11:15 am – 
11:30 pm on HBO. HBO Zone has a marathon of HOW TO MAKE IT TO AMERICA on SATURDAY, July 05 from 12: 00 – 7:30 pm. HBO Signature runs the entire THE YOUNG POPE with Jude Law on SATURDAY, JULY 05 from 6:50 am – 4:24 pm and goes right into THE NEW POPE with John Malkovich from 4:24 – 12:52 am. Also across the channels are repeats of Whoopi Goldberg’s HBO Specials. You can find 1985’s WHOOPI GOLDBERG: DIRECT FROM BROADWAY, 1988’s WHOOPI GOLDBERG’S FONTAINE…WHY AM I STRAIGHT?, and CHEZ WHOOPI from 1991.
Attention is also being drawn to award-winning HBO shows in July. It is a chance to acknowledge works like A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW, ANGLES IN AMERICA, BIG LITTLE LIES, BOARDWALK EMPIRE, I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE, and SUCCESSION, to just name a few. Find the Collection on Max.
Next Month’s Tease: Sean McDermont and Josh Allen are the leads with some big league screen time in August. Who are they associated with?
Last Month’s Tease: We offered the titles “Say Goodbye To Hollywood” and “Allentown”, which are both Billie Joel songs. Thus, we were alluding to BILLIE JOEL: AND SO IT GOES, coming to HBO in July.
Final Clip: For those who can’t get enough Malkovich!
Enjoy HBO & HBOWatch
