Here’s a slice of what Recess is looking forward to this summer. Check out what we will be watching, listening to, reading, visiting and otherwise ingesting in the coming months.
1. “Life Itself,” film, out July 18
Steve James explores the life of Roger Ebert in this documentary based on the film critic’s autobiography. Using exclusive interviews conducted in the months leading up to Ebert’s death, James paints a portrait of one of the most important figures in cinema.
2. “Sharknado 2: The Second One," TV movie, airs July 30 on SyFy
The title says everything you need to know about this sequel to SyFy network’s 2013 “Sharknado,” a so-bad-it’s-good cult success about a tornado that sweeps up sharks out of the ocean and drops them into the streets of Los Angeles. We can probably expect more of the same from “The Second One,” but we can’t hide our excitement.
3. Bull City Summer, photography exhibition, on view through August 31
CAM Raleigh and the North Carolina Museum of Art are showing photography and video of the 2013 season at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park that celebrates the history and fandom of the minor league baseball team and the 25th anniversary of the film “Bull Durham.”
4. "Boyhood," film, out July 11
Writer-director Richard Linklater filmed the same actors intermittently over 12 years to craft a story of a young boy growing up right before our eyes. He chronicles the life of Mason, whose parents are played by Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette, from age 6 to age 18, with a soundtrack to match.
5. “1000 Forms of Fear” by Sia, album, out July 8
Pop singer-songwriter Sia is releasing her sixth studio album, her first in four years. If the album’s first single “Chandelier” is any indication, we can look forward to a powerful, emotionally charged set of tracks.
6. “Do Not Sell At Any Price: The Wild, Obsessive Hunt for the World's Rarest 78rpm Records” by Amanda Petrusich, book, out July 8
Pitchfork music critic Petrusich explores the exciting and odd group that collects 78rpm records, which are less common than LPs or 45s, but no less beloved. “Do Not Sell” promises an interesting look into a little-explored world.
7. “The Knick,” TV series, airs August 8 on Cinemax
Medicine in 1900 was gruesome, bloody and antibiotic-less, and it’s about time someone made a television show about it. Who better than the sometimes-retired Steven Soderbergh to direct the ten-part series? “The Knick,” centered on the medical professionals working at Knickerbocker Hospital in New York at the turn of the century, will star Clive Owen.
8. “We Are Only What We Feel” by NONONO, album, out July 1
The trio is tearing through the festival circuit this summer, pulling in new fans with their catchy, whistling single “Pumpin’ Blood.” We're excited to listen to the group’s beat-driven debut full-length album.
9. “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” film, out July 11
The sequel to “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” is set to impress, at least with its use of motion and performance capture technology. Using this technique, Andy Serkis stars as Caesar, the chimp leader of the ape revolution.
10. Hopscotch Music Festival, September 4-6
In its fifth year, Hopscotch is bringing Spoon, St. Vincent, The War on Drugs, Mapei, Diarrhea Planet and over 100 other bands to perform in Raleigh, NC for a three-day music experience spanning 13 venues.
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