best movies in jul Despicable Me 4 and Descendants: The Rise of Red

 Despicable Me 4 is an upcoming American animated comedy film slated for release in 2024. Produced by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures, it serves as the sequel to Despicable Me 3, marking the fourth main installment and the sixth overall in the Despicable Me franchise. The film is directed by Chris Renaud and co-directed by Patrick Delage, with Chris Meledandri and Brett Hoffman as producers, and a screenplay by Mike White and Ken Daurio. 

The star-studded voice cast includes Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Joey King, Miranda Cosgrove, Stephen Colbert, Steve Coogan, Sofía Vergara, Chris Renaud, Madison Polan, Dana Gaier, Chloe Fineman, and Will Ferrell.

Development on Despicable Me 4 began in September 2017, with the film officially announced in February 2022. Production commenced by June 2022, and the majority of the main voice cast was unveiled in January 2024. Heitor Pereira and Pharrell Williams returned to compose the score and create original songs for the film.

Premise:

The story follows Gru and his minions as they confront a new threat from Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, who seek revenge. This forces Gru and his family, including his young son Gru Jr., to relocate for safety. In their new neighborhood, they form an alliance with the Prescotts, particularly their daughter Poppy, to combat their adversaries.

Voice Cast:

- Steve Carell as Gru/Chet Cunningham

- Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde/Blanche Cunningham

- Will Ferrell as Maxime Le Mal

- Joey King as Poppy Prescott

- Sofía Vergara as Valentina

- Stephen Colbert as Perry Prescott

- Chloe Fineman as Patsy Prescott

- Miranda Cosgrove as Margo/Bree Cunningham

- Steve Coogan as Silas Ramsbottom

- Pierre Coffin as the Minions

- Dana Gaier as Edith/Blair Cunningham

- Madison Polan as Agnes/Britney Cunningham

- Chris Renaud in an undisclosed role

Production:

Development started in September 2017, with initial drafts by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. The film's official announcement in February 2022 confirmed Renaud, Delage, and White's roles as director, co-director, and writer, respectively. Production began in June 2022, with Steve Carell starting voice recordings shortly after.

By January 2024, the main voice cast was finalized, including returning actors and new additions. Brett Hoffman and Ken Daurio joined as co-producer and co-writer, respectively.

Music:

Heitor Pereira and Pharrell Williams were confirmed to compose the film's score, with Williams also creating new songs. The first single, "Double Life," was released on June 14, 2024, after a preview in early May.

Marketing:

The film's marketing campaign included trailers released during major events like the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl LVIII, showcasing the film's storyline and characters. A parody teaser introduced the "Megaverse," lampooning shared cinematic universes, and featured a fictitious website with humorous content.

Release:

Despicable Me 4 premiered at the Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City on June 9, 2024, and also screened at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 13. The film is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on July 3, 2024.

Home Media:

Under Universal's agreement with Netflix, the film will stream on Peacock for four months, then on Netflix for ten months, before returning to Peacock for an additional four months.

Reception:

Variety projects a strong opening weekend with box office earnings expected to exceed $100 million
during its initial five days of release starting on July 4.

Descendants: The Rise of Red is an upcoming musical fantasy film directed by Jennifer Phang, with a screenplay by Dan Frey and Russell Sommer. Produced by Disney Channel, the movie marks the fourth installment in the Descendants franchise, serving as a spin-off from the previous trilogy and a sequel to Descendants: The Royal Wedding. It is scheduled to debut on Disney+ on July 12, 2024, followed by a release on Disney Channel on August 9, 2024.

Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker star as Red, the daughter of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, and Chloe Charming, the daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming. China Anne McClain reprises her role as Uma, with Melanie Paxson returning as the Fairy Godmother. Brandy and Paolo Montalban also return, portraying Cinderella and King Charming, roles they previously played in the 1997 television adaptation of Cinderella.

Plot

The story revolves around Uma, now headmistress at Auradon Prep, who invites Princess Red, daughter of the tyrannical Queen of Hearts, to the school. The Queen of Hearts, harboring a long-standing grudge against Auradon and especially Cinderella, sees an opportunity for revenge when she drops off her daughter. Amidst political intrigue and a brewing coup against Auradon, Red teams up with Chloe Charming to travel back in time. Their mission: to prevent a pivotal event that set Red's mother on a path to villainy.

Cast

- Kylie Cantrall as Red

- Malia Baker as Chloe Charming

- China Anne McClain as Uma

- Melanie Paxson as Fairy Godmother

- Brandy Norwood as Cinderella

- Paolo Montalban as King Charming

- Plus a diverse ensemble including Ruby Rose Turner, Rita Ora, and a host of talented actors in various iconic roles from Disney lore.

Production

Following the success of Descendants: The Royal Wedding, plans for a new installment were confirmed in September 2021. Production began in January 2023 under the working title The Pocketwatch, with Jennifer Phang directing and Dan Frey and Russell Sommer handling the script. Filming took place in Atlanta, with Phang drawing inspiration from classic Disney aesthetics and her own filmmaking experience to craft the film's vibrant world.

Casting and Soundtrack

The film boasts a blend of returning stars and fresh faces, promising a soundtrack featuring both original compositions and beloved Disney classics. Tracks like "What's My Name (Red Version)" and "Red" are set to complement the film's narrative and emotional beats.

Visual Effects and Release

Visual effects will play a crucial role in enhancing the fantastical settings of the film. Descendants: The Rise of Red is poised to captivate audiences with its imaginative storytelling and vibrant musical numbers when it premieres on Disney+ on July 12, 2024, followed by a broadcast on Disney Channel on August 9, 2024.