It's time again to toss out the old and bring in the new. While most have undoubtedly completed their spring cleaning, a summer refresh is right around the corner. And what better way to celebrate scorching days outside and the thirst for cool refreshment than cinematic go-to's? Parched throats aren't the only things that need refreshing. And sometimes, an apt feature will do the trick.
Max has an incoming catalog of films, many being film faves sure to satisfy. From old classic musicals to upcoming originals, Max has got it. So here is a list of some of those flicks coming to Max in June.
Click (June 1)
Over the years, Adam Sandler has taken the industry by storm, but in a way only he can. Never afraid to do what he does best in his uniquely quirky fashion, his films have become a comfort for many. In 2006, he entertained audiences with his family comedy-drama Click, a story about a man who finds a very special remote that impacts his life in the most unexpected of ways. For fans of Sandler and cute, memorable films with an endearing message, Click comes to Max on June 1.
Fame (June 1)
Capitalizing on the dreams of stardom and ambition, Christopher Gore and Alan Parker brought Fame to audiences worldwide. With the late Irene Cara as Coco, Fame became a classic, a feel-good movie that gave the world an unforgettable soundtrack with two of the most iconic award-winning songs to represent the angst of Hollywood Dreams Fame and Out Here On My Own. According to NOLA,
"Fame" was the first movie to have two nominees in Oscar's original song category (a feat that's been accomplished several times since, often by some of Disney's animated musicals)."
Fortunately, on June 1, audiences can indulge in the experience all over again on Max.
Hairspray (June 1)
Speaking of classic musicals, in 1988, John Waters translated a particularly timeless musical into a major motion picture. Hairspray was a film reflecting a foregone era, a time when racial divides were commonplace, but the music was the denominator of unification and destroyer of barriers.
Hairspray was so well told that in 2007 it got a makeover. But this time, there was some impressive star power behind the film. The cast included Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, and Zac Effron as support. In the primary roles were the likes of Queen Latifah as Motormouth, Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnbland, and finally, John Travolta in his surprising portrayal of Edna Turnbland, the mother of Tracy.
With show-stopping music and a splash of comedy, the new Hairspray thrilled. Now Max is bringing it back; its return is marked for June 1.
Just Mercy (June 1)
Michael B. Jordan has proven himself to be a talent to watch. He made a name for himself with the film Fruitvale Station. His star has continued to explode in immeasurable ways since. In 2019, he proved himself an actor with the range in his role of Bryan Stevenson, a defense attorney who made it his business to seek exoneration for a wrongly accused man.
The performances of him and Jamie Foxx, who portrayed the role of the accused Walter, were standouts. This was only undergirded by the depth of the biographical reframing. It was a must-see. However, those who missed it can catch this moving drama once again as it returns to Max on June 1.
Little Shop of Horrors (June 1)
What do you get when you mix tract homes, a lowly florist, and a Venus flytrap? Little Shop of Horror results, another play translated to the big screen in 1986. In the mid-'80s, the cult musical favorite Little Shop of Horrors was the film to watch. An eclectic cast that included Steve Martin, Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, and Vincent Gardenia carried the feature.
One could barely resist an unlikely love story set against a New York Skyline with a doo-wop vibe and added horror element. And to top it off, the feature was headlined by a soul-singing carnivorous fly trap. Now it's back on Max starting June 1.
Selena (June 1)
One of the most tragic stories of stardom is the narrative of Selena Quintanilla. Few weren't touched by Selena's story in the '90s. The news of the untimely death of the beautiful and talented performer rocked the world. In 1997, her memory was honored with what has become known as one of the most revered biopics.
Selena was a film that well encapsulated the magic Selena possessed, the hope of what she could become, and the love she found along the way. But the sticking point is the horrifying reality of cruelty and greed and its part in the ill-fated outcome of a lovely and pure spirit. And her light will forever be memorialized for, as Latinitas Magazine notes,
"Selena left a legacy, which continues to inspire Latinos today.
On June 1, Selena premieres on Max.
The Evil Dead (June 1)
This year marked the continuation of what has become one of the most well-known horror franchises, the Evil Dead Franchise. While the newest installment sought to transmute and push the narrative to new boundaries, it all pointed back to its origins.
Fans know the franchise dates to the 1960s when the first feature was made detailing a group of friends who uncovered the book of the damned. But in 1981, it got a facelift. And that marked the beginning of the horrifying series. Starting June 1, Max will offer fans another look at the franchise's start with The Evil Dead (1981).
Magic Mike's Last Dance (June 2)
For fans of exotic dance, but more expressly, Channing Tatum in the titular role of an exotic dancer Magic Mike was a guilty pleasure. Magic Mike XXL followed the 2012 film. However, it was years before the rest of the story was told. In 2023, the franchise was concluded with Magic Mike's Last Dance. While it's still relatively fresh out of the cinema, it will premiere for the first time streaming on Max on June 2.
Avatar: The Way of Water (June 7)
James Cameron is a movie whisperer known for turning films into box office gold. He has done so multiple times, and one of his premiere features is that of the sci-fi film series Avatar. Cameron surpassed expectations with a modern twist on an age-old story of imperialism and conquest. In the Winter of 2022, the newest installment, Avatar: The Way of Water, debuted. And as with his other films, it was successful.
One of its highlights was the film's breathtaking visual effects, for which it won an Oscar. Both sky and waterscapes were tantalizing to the senses drawing viewers in for a most stimulating experience. For those who saw it and fell in love with the exotic imagery and compelling story, Max is the place to re-experience the magic and drama on June 7.
The expectation of an approaching summer brings so much joy. While the heat is not necessarily the selling point of the season, seemingly endless nights, family vacations, and summer blockbusters are. And Max has a perfectly curated collection of films that span from blockbusters to originals to usher in the longing for what’s ahead, those summer days and nights.