Summer is here, which means a whole lot of new films are coming your way. And if you live in the San Francisco Bay area you are in for a treat with a clutch of film festivals ranging from San Francisco Green Film Festival (May 28-June 3, 2015),  SF DocFest/SF IndieFest Festival (June 4-18, 2015)  to the San Francisco Silent Film Festival (May 28 – June 1, 2015), which is the longest running one in the country.

Here are my 3 picks of films releasing in June. Each belongs to a different category. I have seen two of the films and watiing to see the third.

The first film is Paul Feig’s “Spy,” starring the funny lady Melissa McCarthy paired with Jason Statham. Now, this defintely is an unlikely pair since we associate Statham with action films. Others in the film include Jude Law, Rose Byrne and others. The film is written by Feig, who loves making  funny, women-centric films. He made “Bridesmaids,” and “Heat.” I have not seen “Spy,” yet. But, I have seen a trailer of the film and it looks like I might enjoy watching it. The film releases on June 5, 2015.

Director Bill Pohlad’s “Love & Mercy,” is about Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, an incredibly gifted composer and singer. But behind that beautiful and peppy music was lot of pain and suffering and that is what we get to see in “Love & Mercy,” Pohlad focusses on two important segments of Wilson’s life and shows us how Wilson dealt with his inner demons and addictions. This is a touching film and I came away learning so much about Wilson. And if you area a fan of  Beach Boys like I am, you will want to see this film. Yes, one has read the stories and seen TV interviews of Wilson, but Pohlad’s film brings it all together and helps  you understand Wilson a little better. The film releases June 5, 2015. Stay tune for my interview  with Pohlad about the making of the film.

Dana Bachman’s “The Batkid Begins: The Wish Heard Around The World,” was the opening night film at this year’s Cinequest Film Festival. This is a touching documentary that shows how Make-A-Wish Foundation and the city of San Francisco came together to make Miles Scott, a 5 year old boy’s dream come true. Scott was diagnosed with leukemia and fighting for his life and one of his wishes was to hang out with his super hero Batman. His wish came true in such an incredible way that it reinforces your faith in the kind and generous spirit of human beings. The cynic in you is pushed to the background for a few second when you watch this film and see how the entire city of San Francisco changed into Gotham, and Scott got to hang out with Batman as Batkid and rescue quite a few people. The mayor San Francisco pitched in, as did the Police Chief, the San Franciso Giants and others. This was a moving and inspirational film and it was wonderful to see so many people come out to support Batkid realize his dreams. The film releases June 26, 2015.

“SPY”

“LOVE & MERCY”

“THE BATKID BEGINS”

 

Photo courtesy: Roadside Attracations