HBO Max released a slate of classics this month, making July the perfect month to rewatch a favorite or binge something out of your comfort zone. Ranging from feminist thriller “Last Night in Soho” to rom-com “Sleepless in Seattle,” here are our recommendations for this month.
“Last Night in Soho” (2021)
Available July 1
The Edgar Wright-directed psychological horror film follows fashion student Ellie (Thomasin McKenzie) as her reality collides with Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy), an aspiring singer living in London in the 1960s. While Ellie initially enjoys her dream to be immersed in the 60s, she eventually becomes tormented by Sandie, who has been pimped out to male business associates. When Ellie attempts to solve Sandie’s murder, she happens upon a secret even darker than she could imagine.
“Sleepless in Seattle” (1993)
Available July 1
This Nora Ephron favorite reunites Meg Ryan, who plays reporter Annie Reed, and Tom Hanks, who plays recently-widowed architect Sam Baldwin. When Sam’s eight-year-old son, Jonah, shares his dad’s story on a radio talk show and requests a new partner for him, women around the country, including Annie, are touched by his grief. Annie travels to Seattle, where Sam lives, and the pair races to the finish line — or the Empire State Building — to finally unite.
“Overboard” (1987)
Available July 1
When heiress Joanna Stayton, played by Goldie Hawn, falls overboard from her yacht and loses her memory, carpenter Dean, played by Kurt Russell, seeks revenge for his unpaid labor by telling her that she is his wife and the mother of his sons. With that, Joanna, now known as Annie, assumes a modest life of household chores that contrasts heavily with her previous life of luxury. As sparks fly between the couple, Dean’s secret becomes at risk of being revealed.
“The Legend of Zorro” (2005)
Available July 1
Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones reprise their roles in the Western film and sequel to “The Mask of Zorro.” As California’s statehood is pending, Alejandro Murrieta, now Don Alejandro De La Vega, devises a plot to steal ballots and gets discovered during the act and agents blackmail his wife, Elena to divorce him. Upon learning that his wife is in danger, Zorro takes on the task of saving both his wife and the United States.
“Postcards from the Edge” (1990)
Available July 1
This comedy-drama follows Meryl Streep as actress and recovering addict Suzanne Vale as she returns to her life after leaving a rehab center. However, in order to return to work, Suzanne must live with her mother, played by Shirley MacLaine, while also balancing a tumultuous relationship her producer, played by Dennis Quaid. Based on a semi-autobiographical novel by Carrie Fisher, “Postcards from the Edge” will make you question the benefits of fame.
“Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)
Available July 9
The post-apocalyptic action film and fourth installment of the “Mad Max” franchise follows the alliance between Max Rockatansky, played by Tom Hardy, and Imperator Furiosa, played by Charlize Theron, as the pair flee from Immortan Joe and his army. With 10 Academy Award nominations, “Mad Max: Fury Road” introduces intense action sequences with a feminist twist.
“Citizen Ashe” (2021)
Available July 28
“Citizen Ashe” tells the story of American tennis player Arthur Ashe. Making its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in 2021, the documentary dives into Ashe’s impact on tennis as well as his activism for human rights and HIV. The CNN film features interviews with tennis royalty Billie Jean King and John McEnroe as the tennis community reflects on Ashe’s legacy of sports activism.
