‘Tis the season…for sun-soaked blockbusters, sweet and sour superheroes, and thunderous sound effects. It’s also the time when we get those more somber summer movies, the kind that hum along gently and are as quietly refreshing as air conditioning on a mid-July day. Unless your unit is as loud as mine, in which case the metaphor is moot --- unlike my AC. Still with me? Here are this month’s books on screen!

Ant-Man finally hits theaters this month after navigating a road to production that was as byzantine as an ant colony. The always affable Paul Rudd stars as the thief-turned-microscopic superhero, and the movie looks really good, even if it isn’t the Clueless sequel we’ve all been waiting 20 years for (get on it, Amy Heckerling). If you’ve sworn off MCU movies for good (#TeamDC), then check out the intelligent-looking Mr. Holmes, which arrives in mid-July. It’s hard to resist Grand Marshal McKellen in anything, but he seems particularly compelling as the aged detective, who is finally taking stock of his legacy and revising his narrative.

Millennials and Gen-Xers will have plenty to talk about with the releases of John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars follow-up, Paper Towns, and the David Foster Wallace road trip movie The End of the Tour. In Paper Towns, one boy’s fixation on the girl next door leads him on a journey of self-discovery. The good news is you won’t have to blow a paycheck on tissues this time, unless manic pixie dream girls make you weepy. And Jason Segel brings David Foster Wallace (back) to life in The End of the Tour, alongside Jesse Eisenberg as reporter David Lipsky, his interviewer, peer and foil. There was early buzz about the odd choice to cast funnyman Segel as the patron saint of tortured artists, but the current consensus is that the whole thing works.

Summer television is heating up indoors. “The Astronaut Wives Club” has a small but steadfast following, and BBC’s under-the-radar “Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell” is supposedly the best show you’re not watching. I’m also hearing some in-house love for “Pretty Little Liars” and “Rizzoli & Isles.” And if you missed the second season of Lifetime’s campy “The Witches of East End,” then a) thanks for nothing; now one of last summer’s strangest and most fun shows is canceled, and b) you can catch it on DVD this month. The Longest Ride is also out in July, although I recommend checking this out instead --- it's cheaper, but just as satisfying.

That’s a wrap! Now would someone please bring me my fries?

--- Written and compiled by Emily Hoenig

In Theaters: 

Ant-Man
Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly
Director: Peyton Reed
Distributor: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Release Date: July 17th
Based on: Comic books by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Larry Lieber

The next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for the first time with Marvel Studios' Ant-Man. Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

Mr. Holmes
Cast: Ian McKellen, Laura Linney, Hiroyuki Sanada 
Director: Bill Condon
Distributor: Miramax, Roadside Attractions
MPAA Rating: PG
Release Date: July 17th
Based on: A SLIGHT TRICK OF THE MIND by Mitch Cullin 

Mr. Holmes is a new twist on the world's most famous detective. 1947, an aging Sherlock Holmes returns from a journey to Japan, where, in search of a rare plant with powerful restorative qualities, he has witnessed the devastation of nuclear warfare. Now, in his remote seaside farmhouse, Holmes faces the end of his days tending to his bees, with only the company of his housekeeper and her young son, Roger. Grappling with the diminishing powers of his mind, Holmes comes to rely upon the boy as he revisits the circumstances of the unsolved case that forced him into retirement, and searches for answers to the mysteries of life and love --- before it's too late. 

The End of the Tour
Cast: Jason Segel, Jesse Eisenberg, Joan Cusack
Director: James Ponsoldt
Distributor: A24 Films
MPAA Rating: R
Release Date: July 31st
Based On: ALTHOUGH OF COURSE YOU END UP BECOMING YOURSELF: A Road Trip With David Foster Wallace by David Lipsky

The End of the Tour tells the story of the five-day interview between Rolling Stone reporter (and novelist) David Lipsky and acclaimed novelist David Foster Wallace, which took place right after the 1996 publication of Wallace's groundbreaking epic novel, INFINITE JEST. As the days go on, a tenuous yet intense relationship seems to develop between journalist and subject. The two men bob and weave around each other, sharing laughs and also possibly revealing hidden frailties --- but it's never clear how truthful they are being with each other. Ironically, the interview was never published, and five days of audio tapes were packed away in Lipsky's closet. The two men did not meet again. The film is based on Lipsky's critically acclaimed memoir about this unforgettable encounter, written following Wallace's 2008 suicide.

Paper Towns
Cast: Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne, Justice Smith, Austin Abrams
Director: Jake Schreier
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
MPAA Rating: R
Release Date: July 24th
Based On: PAPER TOWNS by John Green

Adapted from the bestselling novel by author John Green, Paper Towns is a coming-of-age story centering on Quentin and his enigmatic neighbor Margo, who loved mysteries so much she became one. After taking him on an all-night adventure through their hometown, Margo suddenly disappears --- leaving behind cryptic clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his quick-witted friends on an exhilarating adventure that is equal parts hilarious and moving. Ultimately, to track down Margo, Quentin must find a deeper understanding of true friendship --- and true love.
 

On TV:

Aurora Teagarden: Real Murders
Cast: Candace Cameron Bure, Aurora "Roe" Teagarden
Director: N/A
Network: Hallmark
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Release Date: TV movie; premieres Friday, July 26th at 9pm ET
Based On: REAL MURDERS by Charlaine Harris

A mystery hits close to home for Aurora Teagarden when a member of the Real Murders Club she presides over is found dead. Aurora realizes the crime mirrors a case discussed by the club and fears that one of her members could either be the next target or even the murderer!  Much to the chagrin of her protective mother, Aida, Aurora investigates this murder and the killing spree that follows with the help of visiting mystery writer –-- and love interest –-- Robin Daniels. Aurora must use her sleuthing skills to solve the mystery before she, herself, is targeted for real murder.

“Pretty Little Liars”
Cast: Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, Lucy Hale, Shay Mitchell
Network: ABC Family
Air Dates: Tuesdays 8pm ET
Based On: The Pretty Little Liars series by Sara Shepard

After years of tormenting and numerous shocking revelations, the Liars are united and ready to kick some “A” and uncover the truth! No longer just wanting to sit by and wait for "A’s" latest cruel attack, Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer take matters into their own hands and try to finally put a stop to their tormentor. As relationships are put to the test, new and old secrets are revealed and the stakes are raised higher than ever before as the Liars come closer to the truth. Will all of their sacrifices be worth it in the end?

“Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell”
Cast: Eddie Marsan, Bertie Carvel, Alice Englert, Marc Warren, Samuel West and Charlotte Riley
Network: BBC
Air Dates: Saturdays at 10pm ET
Based On: JONATHAN STRANGE & MR. NORRELL by Susanna Clarke

Set at the beginning of the 19th-century, England no longer believes in practical magic. The reclusive Mr. Norrell of Hurtfew Abbey stuns the city of York when he causes the statues of York Cathedral to speak and move. With a little persuasion and help from his man of business Childermass, he goes to London to help the government in the war against Napoleon. It is there Norrell summons a fairy to bring Lady Pole back from the dead, opening a whole can of worms…

“The Astronaut Wives Club”
Cast: JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Yvonne Strahovski, Dominique McElligott, Odette Annable
Network: ABC
Air Dates: Thursdays at 8pm ET
Based On: THE ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB by Lily Koppel

A new television drama series based on the book by Lily Koppel, “The Astronaut Wives Club” focuses on seven women who were key players behind some of the biggest events in American history. As America’s astronauts were launched on death-defying missions, the lives of their young wives were transformed, seemingly overnight, from military spouses to American royalty. As their celebrity rose, and tragedy began to touch their lives, they rallied together.

“Rizzoli & Isles”
Cast: Angie Harmon, Sasha Alexander, Lorraine Bracco, Bruce McGill
Network: TNT
Air Dates: Tuesdays at 9pm ET
Based On: The Rizzoli & Isles series by Tess Gerritsen

"Rizzoli & Isles" follows Boston detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles, complete opposites and good friends who solve crimes and bust some of Boston's most notorious criminals.

"Under the Dome"
Cast: Mike Vogel, Rachelle Lefevre, Dean Norris, Natalie Martinez, Britt Robertson, Alexander Koch, Colin Ford, Nicholas Strong, Jolene Purdy, Aisha Hinds
Network: CBS
Air Dates: Thursdays at 9pm ET
Based On: UNDER THE DOME by Stephen King

“Under The Dome,” based on Stephen King’s best-selling novel, tells the story of a small town that is suddenly and inexplicably sealed off from the rest of the world by an enormous transparent dome. It’s been two weeks since the dome descended upon the sleepy town of Chester’s Mill, whose inhabitants are still struggling to survive with resources running low as their search for answers to what the barrier is and where it came from continues. The post-apocalyptic conditions intensify while the residents must decide who to rally behind as new faces emerge and Big Jim continues to battle for the town’s trust and allegiance. With survival hanging in the balance, can the residents of Chester’s Mill work together to protect their uncertain future?

“Zoo”
Cast: James Wolk, Kristen Connolly, Billy Burke, Nora Arnezeder and Nonso Anozie
Network: CBS
Air Dates: Tuesdays at 9pm ET
Based On: ZOO by James Patterson

“Zoo” is a global thriller about a wave of violent animal attacks against humans sweeping the planet. James Wolk will play Jackson Oz, a young, renegade American zoologist who spends his days running safaris in the wilds of Africa when he begins noticing the strange behavior of the animals. As the assaults become more cunning, coordinated and ferocious, he is thrust into the race to unlock the mystery of the pandemic before there’s no place left for people to hide.
 

On DVD:

Woman in Gold 
Cast: Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds, Daniel Brühl, Katie Holmes, Tatian Maslany
Director: Simon Curtis
Distributor: The Weinstein Company
MPAA Rating: PG-13
DVD Release Date: July 7th
Based On: THE LADY IN GOLD: The Extraordinary Tale of Gustav Klimt's Masterpiece by Anne-Marie O'Connor 

Woman in Gold is the remarkable true story of one woman's journey to reclaim her heritage and seek justice for what happened to her family. Sixty years after she fled Vienna during World War II, an elderly Jewish woman, Maria Altmann, starts her journey to retrieve family possessions seized by the Nazis, among them Klimt's famous painting "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I." Together with her inexperienced but plucky young lawyer Randy Schoenberg, she embarks upon a major battle which takes them all the way to the heart of the Austrian establishment and the U.S. Supreme Court, and forces her to confront difficult truths about the past along the way.

"Witches of East End": The Complete Second Season
Cast: Julia Ormond, Jenna Dewan Tatum, Rachel Boston, Madchen Amick, Eric Winter, Daniel DiTomasso
Network: Lifetime
DVD Release Date: July 7th
Based On: Witches of East End series by Melissa de la Cruz

Based on Melissa de la Cruz's New York Times bestselling novel, the series centers on the Beauchamp family, where in season one sisters Freya and Ingrid discovered they are witches with ancient magical powers. With the help of their mother Joanna and aunt Wendy, they learned how to cultivate their craft and work together to defeat unearthly enemies seeking revenge on their family, while keeping their abilities a secret from the town.

5 Flights Up
Cast: Diane Keaton, Morgan Freeman, Cynthia Nixon
Director: Richard Loncraine
Distributor: Focus Features
MPAA Rating: PG-13
DVD Release Date: July 7th
Based On: HEROIC MEASURES by Jill Climent

Forty years ago, artist Alex Carver bought a run-down apartment in a sketchy part of Brooklyn with his wife, schoolteacher Ruth. Today, their neighborhood is now very hip and their apartment worth a small fortune. The now-retired Ruth and Alex haven’t changed --- they are still as much in love as ever. But they have let Ruth’s niece Lily, a real estate agent, list their property to see what the market might bear.

On the eve of their open house, the Brooklyn Bridge is rumored to be under a terrorist attack, sending the media into a frenzy and people’s attitudes about living in New York. Closer to home, Dorothy, the Carver’s beloved dog, is suddenly having trouble walking.

While Dorothy is having expensive treatment at the vet, Ruth convinces Alex to go apartment hunting in Manhattan, where they miraculously come across an ideal place they might actually be able to afford. As the world around them seems to mirror their own chaos and confusion, Ruth and Alex realize the same bond of love that has kept them together all these years will allow them to see their way through this crazy weekend as well. 

"House of Cards": Volume Three
Cast: Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Kate Mara, Corey Stoll, Michael Kelly
Network: Netflix
DVD Release Date: July 7th
Based on: HOUSE OF CARDS by Michael Dobbs

Three Emmy Award wins including David Fincher (The Social Network) for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series and nine nominations including Outstanding Drama Series went to this acclaimed political thriller. Lead Actor nominee Kevin Spacey stars as ruthless, cunning Congressman Francis Underwood, who will stop at nothing to conquer the halls of power in Washington D.C. His secret weapon: his gorgeous, ambitious, and equally conniving wife Claire (Lead Actress nominee Robin Wright).

The Longest Ride
Cast: Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson, Alan Alda, Oona Chaplin, Jack Huston
Director: George Tillman, Jr.
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
MPAA Rating: PG–13
DVD Release Date: July 14th
Based On: THE LONGEST RIDE by Nicholas Sparks

Based on the bestselling novel by master storyteller Nicholas Sparks, The Longest Ride centers on the star-crossed love affair between Luke, a former champion bull rider looking to make a comeback, and Sophia, a college student who is about to embark upon her dream job in New York City’s art world. As conflicting paths and ideals test their relationship, Sophia and Luke make an unexpected connection with Ira, whose memories of his own decades-long romance with his beloved wife deeply inspire the young couple. Spanning generations and two intertwining love stories, The Longest Ride explores the challenges and infinite rewards of enduring love.

X-Men: Days of Future Past
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Evan Peters, Hugh Jackman, Michael Fassbender, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, James McAvoy, Peter Dinklage, Nicholas Hoult, Anna Paquin
Director: Bryan Singer
Distributor: 20^th Century Fox
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Release Date: July 14th; the "Rogue Cut"
Based On: UNCANNY X-MEN, “Days of Future Past” by Chris Claremont and John Byrne

The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods in X-Men: Days of Future Past. The beloved characters from the original X-Men film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from X-Men: First Class, in an epic battle that must change the past --- to save our future.

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Cast: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel
Director:John Madden
Distributor:Fox Searchlight Pictures
MPAA Rating:PG
DVD Release Date: July 14th
Based On: Characters based on THESE FOOLISH THINGS by Deborah Moggach

Now that the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is full up with its long-term residents, co-managers Muriel Donnelly and Sonny Kapoor have a dream of expansion, and they've found just the place: The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. With plans underway, Evelyn and Douglas venture into the Jaipur workforce, wondering where their regular breakfast dates will lead. Meanwhile, Norman and Carol navigate the swirling waters of an exclusive relationship, as Madge juggles two very eligible suitors, and recent arrival Guy Chambers finds a muse in Sonny's mother, Mrs. Kapoor for his next novel. As his marriage to Sunaina, the love of his life, quickly approaches, Sonny finds his plans for the new hotel making more claims on his time than he has available. Perhaps the only one who may know the answers is Muriel, the keeper of everyone's secrets. As the big day nears, family and guests alike find themselves swept up in the irresistible intoxication of an Indian wedding.​

Home
Cast: [voices of] Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Steve Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Matt Jones
Director: Tim Johnson
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
MPAA Rating: PG
DVD Release Date: July 28th
Based On: THE TRUE MEANING OF SMEKDAY by Adam Rex

When Oh, a loveable misfit from another planet, lands on Earth and finds himself on the run from his own people, he forms an unlikely friendship with an adventurous girl named Tip who is on a quest of her own. Through a series of comic adventures with Tip, Oh comes to understand that being different and making mistakes is all part of being human. And while he changes her planet and she changes his world, they discover the true meaning of the word “home.”