Summer movie preview

‘YOUR SISTER’S SISTER’
In this offbeat comedy starring Emily Blunt, Rosemarie DeWitt and Mark Duplass, tequila plays a pivotal role in bringing two people up-close-and-personal. When a third party arrives, things get complicated and seriously funny. Directed by “Humpday’s” Lynn Shelton. (JUNE 15)

‘SAVAGES’
Three-time Oscar winner Oliver Stone is back in action directing a ferocious thriller about “greed, violence, the border, drugs, relationships and the values of people” (in his own words). After having seen the trailer — that about nails it. Super-cool cast including John Travolta, Salma Hayek and Benicio Del Toro, for starters. (JULY 6)
 
‘THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES’
What started out as a documentary about billionaire David Siegel and his wife building the largest private house in America (90,000 square feet) ends up being a commentary on the state of the union. This riches-to-rags piece directed by Lauren Greenfield garnered her a Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. (JULY 6)
 
‘THE MAGIC OF BELLE ISLE’
A “re-coming of age” story about a washed up, alcoholic Western novelist (Morgan Freeman) whose inspiration is reignited when he befriends a single mom (Virginia Madsen). At age 75, Freeman’s already getting Oscar buzz for his performance in this heartwarming film. Directed by the —always wonderful —Rob Reiner. (JULY 6)
 
‘THE WELL DIGGER’S DAUGHTER’
Daniel Auteuil stars in, and directs, a story about the strengths and weaknesses of human nature set in pre-World War II France. When the well digger’s 18-year-old daughter becomes pregnant by a fighter pilot, his parents refuse to acknowledge the illegitimate child. The dynamics change drastically when the pilot goes missing in action. (JULY 20)

‘COMPLIANCE’
Based on a true event, this psychological thriller explores how people respond to authority. A prank phone caller, posing as a cop, accuses a clerk of stealing money from a customer. The incident spins out of control, resulting in the dehumanization and humiliation of the innocent victim. Sounds pretty riveting. Directed by Craig Zobel and staring Ann Dowd, Dreama Walker and Pat Healy.   (AUGUST)
 
‘360’
Sometimes, a killer cast can cramp a film’s style; but who cares when it includes Anthony Hopkins, Rachel Weisz, Jude Law and Ben Foster? An ensemble piece set in exotic locations; stories of love and infidelities are intertwined by way of split-screen format. Directed by Fernando Meirelles, who worked with Weisz on “The Constant Gardener,” for which she won an Oscar. (AUG. 3)
 
‘HOPE SPRINGS’
“Starring Meryl Streep” is all the information one really needs to catch this film. Tommy Lee Jones plays Streep’s husband, who reluctantly agrees to a weekend of therapy in an attempt to save their not-so-perfect marriage. Steve Carell plays their therapist. This senior rom-com looks like a must-see given the cast of characters. Directed by David Frankel who “had a ball” working with Streep on “The Devil Wears Prada.” (AUG. 10)
 
‘LITTLE WHITE LIES’
This year’s Oscar winner for Best Actor, Jean Dujardin (“The Artist”), teams up with Best Actress winner, Marion Cotillard (“La Vie en Rose”), in this French slice-of-life picture being compared to “The Big Chill.” An annual vacation for a group of friends is overshadowed by one’s involvement in a serious accident. Previous pretenses become null and void as the group faces reality. Directed by French heartthrob actor, Guillaume Canet. (AUG. 24)