Ready for a big month at the movies? Here’s what to watch

PETALING JAYA: Start saving up for movie tickets now, because July is bringing a packed line-up of films for every kind of moviegoer.

From family-friendly adventures and superhero action to horror and even a Greek epic, here are seven films to keep on your radar.

‘Minions 3: Minions and Monsters’ (July 1)

The month kicks off with something the kids will definitely drag their parents to. Four years after the last standalone “Minions” prequel, the yellow chaos agents are back!

Directed by Pierre Coffin, the animated film drops the t̶i̶c̶-̶t̶a̶c̶s̶  Minions into 1920s Old Hollywood, long before they ever crossed paths with Gru. After finding fame as movie stars, they accidentally unleash real monsters onto the world and must clean up the disaster.

Coffin returns to voice the entire yellow horde, alongside a veteran cast featuring Jeff Bridges, Christoph Waltz, and even “Star Wars” creator George Lucas in a cameo role.

‘Alpha’ (July 3)

“Alpha” marks not just the seventh instalment in the YRF Spy Universe, but also its first female-led entry.

Alia Bhatt plays Sita, a highly trained assassin raised under a secret programme designed to create next-generation soldiers. Branded with the “Alpha” symbol, she eventually turns against her former handler (Bobby Deol).

Joined by a fellow spy agent played by Sharvari, she then embarks on a mission to stop the creation of super-soldiers before things spiral out of control.

‘Evil Dead Burn’ (July 9)

Even horror cannot escape franchise fever! The sixth “Evil Dead” film follows Alice (Souheila Yacoub), who visits her in-laws following her husband’s death – only for a family reunion to spiral into absolute carnage.

An ancient copy of the Book of the Dead unleashes demonic forces that possess her family and turn them into terrifying Deadites, in what is reportedly “Evil Dead” at its most chaotic and gory yet.

‘Moana’ (July 9)

Disney is once again dipping into its live-action vault, this time with a reimagined version of its 2016 hit.

Most people already know the story but here’s a quick recap: Moana leaves her island of Motunui and sets out to find the shapeshifting demigod Maui, in order to restore the heart of Te Fiti and save her people.

Directed by Tony and Emmy winner Thomas Kail (“Hamilton”), newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia takes on the title role, while Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returns as Maui.

‘The Odyssey’ (July 16)

Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, “The Odyssey” reimagines Homer’s legendary Greek epic in one of the most anticipated films of the year.

The star-studded cast alone is enough to turn heads, with Matt Damon leading as Odysseus alongside Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya and Charlize Theron.

The story follows Odysseus, King of Ithaca, on his perilous 10-year journey home after the fall of Troy.

As he battles deadly waters, gods and mythical creatures, his wife Penelope (Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Holland) are left defending their kingdom from hostiles eager to seize the throne.

‘Irumbuth Thottam’ (July 23)

Local films are also getting their chance to shine with month with “Irumbuth Thottam”, a Tamil-language crime thriller and the feature directorial debut of Jaydev Jayakumar.

Set in the quiet town of Sri Tebong in Melaka, the story begins with the murder of a 15-year-old schoolgirl that shakes the local community.

Investigation officer Rahim (Irfan Zaini) is assigned to the case – but things take a surprising turn when respected schoolteacher Janani (Marie Dashani Matthews) emerges as the prime suspect.

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ (July 30)

If you’re a Marvel superfan, chances are you’ve already pre-booked your tickets! “Brand New Day” is shaping up to be one of the darker and more emotionally grounded entries in Holland’s “Spider-Man” run.

Following “No Way Home”, Peter Parker finds himself dealing with isolation, watching MJ and Ned move on with their lives, while facing a strange new invisible threat spreading across the city.

Alongside Holland and Zendaya (them again!), the cast includes Sadie Sink in an undisclosed role, Jon Bernthal as The Punisher, and Mark Ruffalo returning as Bruce Banner.