Comedies and documentaries lead the new film wave
Houston moviegoers are in for a packed week as theaters and streaming platforms offer a diverse array of new films. Comedy fans can look forward to the latest entry in the Super Troopers series, while romantic comedies and documentaries also take center stage. One Night Only, directed by Will Gluck, is shaping up to be a standout in the romantic comedy category.
Super Troopers 3, the third film in the long-running comedy franchise, continues the antics of a group of eccentric state troopers. The cast includes Brian Cox, Nat Faxon, and Lisa Gilroy, who are no strangers to delivering laughs. The film is set to open Friday in multiple theaters across Houston.
Will Gluck returns with One Night Only, a romantic comedy with a speculative twist. The story is set in a world where premarital sex is banned except for a single night each year. Starring Callum Turner and Monica Barbaro, the film opens on the same day as the other big releases and is playing at theaters around the city.
Netflix and indie films offer streaming and local options
For those who prefer streaming, The Last House is set to debut on Netflix. The film centers on Wagner Moura and Greta Lee, who play parents whose lives are turned upside down when a strange force locks them and their children inside their home. The streaming premiere is scheduled for Friday.
Local audiences won't want to miss out on The Fisherman, a magical realist comedy from Ghana, which screens at the Museum of Fine Arts on Friday. The River Oaks Theatre is also hosting the premiere of American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez, a film that highlights the life and legacy of the influential playwright and director.
The film's director, David Alvarado, will be present for a Q&A session on August 13. The movie screens at 7:15 p.m. at the River Oaks Theatre. This documentary-style biopic explores Luis Valdez's contributions to iconic works like 'Zoot Suit' and 'La Bamba.'
Diverse international selections and niche themes
This week's lineup brings a global flavor, with films from Egypt, Japan, India, and Vietnam, among other countries. El Gawahergi, an Arabic-language romantic comedy from Egypt, is making its debut at the Regal Greenway Grand Palace 24. The Samurai and the Prisoner, a historical Japanese war drama set in the 16th century, is also showing at the River Oaks Theatre.
Mr. Hero, a family film from Vietnam, tells the story of a man who goes to great lengths to raise money for his daughter's medical needs. The film opens at multiple AMC locations in the Houston area, including Willowbrook and Gulf Pointe. Its heartfelt and humorous narrative is expected to resonate with viewers.
In the horror and thriller category, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma promises an intense and chilling story. Starring Gillian Anderson, the film opens on August 13 at the River Oaks Theatre and will likely attract fans of psychological thrillers and slasher films.
Documentary enthusiasts won't want to miss Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear, a feature about the life of Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. The film will be available on Hulu starting August 13, offering a deep dive into his career and personal journey.