Plot an escape from seaside pursuits to the nearest movie house for our top picks of hot flicks to savor in a cool setting

BY LAURA D.C. KOLNOSKI

ARE YOU THERE GOD?
IT’S ME, MARGARET SEPTEMBER (UNRATED)
The wildly popular 1970 YA book by Judy Blume gets a new treatment. Margaret Simon, the daughter of non-practicing parents of both Jewish and Christian backgrounds, is a sixth grader struggling through adolescence after relocating from Manhattan to the suburbs. Seeking enlightenment, she studies various religions while spending time with her Jewish grandmother. Starring Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates.

SAMARITAN AUGUST (RATED PG-13)
Sylvester Stallone’s Balboa Productions brings theatergoers his contribution to the superhero genre, starring as the enigmatic Joe Smith. The fi lm was originally due for release November 2020 but was delayed by the pandemic. It debuted at last year’s CinemaCon and is reportedly inspired by Unbreakable and Finding Forrester (both 2000) as well as based on Mythos Comics graphic novels. The tale takes off when a boy learns that a “retired” superhero thought to be missing after an epic battle 20 years ago is still around.

SECRET HEADQUARTERS AUGUST (UNRATED)
Charlie Kincaid discovers a clandestine headquarters under his home that seems to belong to a powerful superhero. He shares it with his friends, who conclude Charlie’s estranged father has a secret identity. When the villains show up, the team must defend their turf and save the world. With Owen Wilson, Walter Scobell, and Jessie Mueller. From Paramount Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films, the second between Wilson and Bruckheimer after 1998’s Armageddon.

DON’T WORRY DARLING SEPTEMBER (RATED R)
Olivia Wilde directs and stars in a psychological science fiction thriller set in the 1950s. A community of families live in an “experimental” California desert utopia that is not what it initially seems. Florence Pugh gets suspicious, investigates, and unleashes sinister frightening truths along with the fearsome forces under the surface. Other town inhabitants are portrayed by Harry Styles, Chris Pine, and Gemma Chan. Dita Von Teese plays herself.

PAWS OF FURY: THE LEGEND OF HANK JULY (RATED PG)
Devotees of Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles (1974) will want to saddle up for an updated animated, PG-rated version, in development since 2015. Samuel L. Jackson voices the wise-cracking mentor to Michael Cera’s hapless hound in this reluctant hero tale, originally titled Blazing Samurai. When a cat-run town needs a savior, enter underdog beagle Hank. The 96-year-old Brooks voices character Shogun. And yes, there is a bean scene. Other voices are contributed by Ricky Gervais, George Takei, Djimon Hounsou, and Michelle Yeoh. (1974) will want to saddle up for an updated animated, PG-rated version, in development since 2015. mentor to Michael Cera’s hapless hound in this . When a cat-run town needs a savior, enter underdog beagle Hank. The 96-year-old Brooks voices character Shogun. And yes, there is a bean scene. Other voices are contributed by Ricky Gervais

THE WOMAN KING SEPTEMBER (UNRATED)
Chameleon Viola Davis is a fierce warrior in an historical epic inspired by true events that transpired in the Kingdom of Dahomey, a powerful African state during the 18th and 19th centuries. When Davis’s General Nanisca senses arriving white settlers are intent on colonizing the continent, she tries to persuade King Ghezo (John Boyega) to fight for their ancestors and future. The movie was filmed in South Africa and co-stars Lashana Lynch. Davis championed the film at April’s CinemaCon, where she was given the Trailblazer of the Year Award.

SOMEWHERE IN QUEENS (UNRATED)
Ray Romano makes his directing debut in a story he calls an homage to his New York roots that will resonate with sports parents. Romano and Laurie Metcalf are Leo and Angela Russo, a couple with a high school basketball star son and an ItalianAmerican family full of drama. When their son’s hoop dreams lead to the prospect of a college scholarship, Leo vows to make it happen. The Hollywood Reporter called the fi lm “a sentimental-but-not-gushy comic drama.” Tony Lo Bianco plays Romano’s dad, and Romano’s son Matt has a minor role as “Lead Cheerleader.”

IT AIN’T OVER (UNRATED)
A documentary written and directed by Sean Mullin extolling Yankee great Lawrence “Yogi” Berra posits the three-time MVP’s baseball achievements are overshadowed by his “Yogi-isms” and later forays into entertainment and commercials. Berra won ten World Series as a Yankee and was an 18-time All-Star catcher who rose to manager and coach. Attesting to his legend are sports luminaries including Derek Jeter, Vin Scully, Joe Torre, Joe Garagiola, Nick Swisher, Bob Costas, Don Mattingly, Mariano Rivera, and Ron Guidry. Billy Crystal narrates. Berra’s granddaughter Lindsay Berra is an executive producer.