The Hottest New Movies to Keep You Entertained
With the temperature rising and the kids off school, you may be looking for ways to keep calm and carry on this summer. Where better to seek shelter than in the cool, dark plush seats of the cinema?
With CSSC, you can save up to 25% off all the top movies at all the national chains and multiplexes. Plus, with our drink, snack and sweet combos you can stay even cooler while looking cool for the kids.
And if movies are your thing, why not save even more throughout the summer and beyond with an annual cinema pass through our preferred partners and discounted tickets.
Jurassic World Rebirth
The dinosaur franchise reunites us with the usual thrills and spills we’ve all come to love. This time around, having clearly not seen, nor heeded the warning from the previous six movies, Scarlett Johansson leads the mission to extract dino DNA for a medical breakthrough.
The visuals are lush, the action sharp, and while some fans critique a familiar formula, the film’s adventurous spirit delivers. Early reviews call it “better than the last few instalments,” which is about as high praise as we might expect from this tried and tested formula. With a few homages to the original and fresh direction this roaring summer crowd-pleaser is worth a look.
Hot Milk - 15
Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s directorial debut, adapted from Deborah Levy’s novel, Hot Milk is a psychological drama set on the sun-drenched Spanish coast. Perhaps just in time for your own pre-holiday wanderings. The film follows Sofia, a caring yet resentful adult -daughter liberating herself from her disabled mother’s well-meaning grip.
As Sofia battles her own conscience and desire to be free and live her own life, she meets challenges and friendships along the way in equal measure. Lenkiewicz captures mood and tension through a great summer backdrop and captivating music. Ultimately, Hot Milk offers thought provoking haunting performances and atmosphere.
Superman 3D
Well, what can you say about Superman that hasn’t already been said in numerous versions? This latest outing for the most infallible of superheroes is James Gunn’s reboot of the Man of Steel.
This time around, David Corenswet successfully dons the famous red pants and manages to embody a hopeful, compassionate Superman against Rachel Brosnahan’s feisty Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor.
For film fans looking for something different, the 3D visuals add a definite ‘wow factor’ with crisp action sequences and immersive depth. For fans craving a blockbuster that balances heart, heroism, and visual flair, this is a solid summer cinema pick. But much like the son of Jorel, you might want to skip wearing the 3D glasses if you’re looking to save the planet and save a buck.
Smurfs
James Gunn has clearly been busy this year having produced Smurfs, marking a bold new direction. Rihanna brilliantly lends her voice to the new lead character, Smurfette, surely the most exacerbated and outnumbered heroine in film history. A punchy pop soundtrack for the lively musical numbers, with clever 3D animation add to this film’s broad appeal.
Set in the Smurf Village and Forbidden Forest, the story follows Smurfette’s origin journey and a new magical threat. The animation feels modern and vibrant, that fans both young and old will enjoy. Overall, it’s a fun, family-friendly musical that leans into pop appeal, though its trendy flourishes may antagonise some longtime fans.
I Know What You Did Last Summer
Another summer and another reboot/sequel. You may be forgiven for thinking you’ve seen this film somewhere or somewhen before. And you’d be right. The original was released in 1997, a mere 28 years ago, if that doesn’t make you feel too old.
Typically, with these recent reboots and sequels the gore is dialled up to 11, but where others have failed, I know what you did last summer or (IKWYDLS) manages to skilfully blend Gen Z depth (or lack thereof) with 90s slasher nostalgia, plus a good mix of legacy characters, inventive kills and modern scares all help add to the pacing and familiar format.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
This is not the first and most likely not the last of the Fantastic Four franchise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). But it does signal Marvel’s current direction away from perhaps more familiar ground. Fear not, though Avengers fans, this Fantastic Four sequel, which follows four astronauts bestowed with seemingly random superpowers following an accident on their ill-fated space voyage, is sure to have cameos galore from past, present and future films, tying many story arcs from across Marvel’s disparate franchises together.
This latest quadratic spectacle sees director, Matt Shakman’s retro-futuristic reboot add a touch of 1960s-inspired alternate reality, to plunge the team straight into cosmic peril. While the tone is darker than typical MCU fare, expect lots of jokes, japes and teasers for all ages and fans.
The Bad Guys 2
This DreamWorks’ sequel of the original animated movie from 2022, kicks off with the reforming crew, Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Shark, Piranha, and Webs - pulled into one last global heist, this time by a fierce female “Bad Girls” trio led by Kitty Kat. Don’t worry if you’re confused. The anthropomorphism of the main characters is actually quite charming, with jokes, cheeky humour, cartoonish violence and light language suitable for most.
Though it recycles the “one last job” plot seen across all genres at one time or another, it delivers enough style, camaraderie, and comedic flair to delight both kids and adults.
Bring Her Back - 18
From the A24 production company, which brought us recently ‘Death of a Unicorn’ and ‘Priscilla’ and less recently, ‘Midsommar’ and ‘Ex-Machina’ comes Danny and Michael Philippou's teen horror film, Bring Her Back. It’s a chilling exploration of grief and obsession.
The story follows siblings Andy and Piper, who, after their father's sudden death, are placed in the care of Laura, a grieving foster mother with dark intentions.
With great performances, embodying deep characters whose initial warmth mask more sinister agendas. The film blends psychological unease with supernatural elements, creating an atmosphere of dread. The emotional depth and unsettling imagery make this a standout summer horror movie, albeit not for everyone.
Still hot! The rest of summer cinema
The Legend of Ochi – This fantasy adventure follows a shy farm girl who discovers a mystical creature.
Weapons – Is a gritty indie drama focusing on teens dealing with violence and trauma.
Freakier Friday – A sequel to the 2003 teen hit, sees mother and daughter swap lives.
The Naked Gun – Sees Liam Neeson take up the role of hapless detective Frank Drebin jr.
War 2 – Is a Bollywood sequel to the 2019 spy action thriller, spanning multiple continents and foes.
Nobody 2 – Expect high octane, dark humour and gritty action in this easy watching sequel.
Materialists – A love triangle set in New York, with Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal.
Together – A dark comedy horror creating tension, unease and challenging storytelling.
The Life of Chuck – A heartfelt adaptation of the Steven King short novel exploring life in reverse order.
Eddington – A modern western with a twist, set during the COVID pandemic, charting societal breakdown.
Sorry, Baby – a poignant and unconventional exploration of trauma, healing, and friendship.
Caught Stealing – A dark, comedy crime thriller set in late 90s New York.
The Roses – A reimagining of the classic ‘War of the Roses’ starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
For huge savings on all your summer movie magic, remember to get your tickets, snacks, drinks and annual passes through CSSC savings, for some of the best value tickets around.