Start Writing

Best Ensembles and Performances of the Summer

LightsCameraJackson LightsCameraJackson Critic This Summer I’ve seen a number of movies that feature strong ensembles. They’ve been in comedies, dramas, action films, thrillers — and movies that blend two, three or even all four of those genres. And the finest ensembles are:

“BREAKING” (In theaters this Thursday August 25th)

“DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA” (Peacock/VOD)

“EMERGENCY” (Prime Video)

“JERRY & MARGE GO LARGE” (Paramount+)

“MR. MALCOLM’S LIST” (VOD)

“MONTANA STORY” (VOD)

“NOT OKAY” (Hulu)

“OFFICIAL COMPETITION” (VOD/Digital)

“THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN” (VOD)

“RISE” (Disney+)

“THIRTEEN LIVES” (Prime Video)

“TOP GUN: MAVERICK” (In Theaters and now on Digital)

“THE VALET” (Hulu)

And there have also been several films featuring standout on-camera and voice performances. Here’s who I’d like to spotlight:

AUSTIN BUTLER, “ELVIS” (In Theaters)

ZAC EFRON, “FIRESTARTER” (Peacock)

JARED HARRIS, “THE SEA BEAST” (Netflix)

DAKOTA JOHNSON, “PERSUASION” (Netflix)

ASHTON KUTCHER, “VENGEANCE” (Now on VOD)

AUBREY PLAZA, “EMILY THE CRIMINAL” (In Theaters)

JENNY SLATE, “MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON” (In Theaters)

How many of these individual performances, ensembles and films will be on awards ballots in a few months? Who knows. There are so many more movies on the way that may steal some thunder away from the summer releases (which is too bad). What matters most: these performances and films are high quality and deserve to be seen.

Posted in Best Ensembles and Performances of the Summer,

LightsCameraJackson LightsCameraJackson Critic

read more or join