Summer movies heat up in July

Ant-Man earns big numbers and Cher returns to movie screens everywhere

This year has already been good for the movie business. The content overall is better than last year and thanks to superheroes we have some blockbusters.

A sequel to the first Ant-Man now with The Wasp has made over $170 million domestically. Paul Rudd can do no wrong. He's so funny even reciting a gimmicky line. The supporting cast is strong as well, so sign me up for a possible third installment, maybe Ant-Man and Yellowjacket? This is referring to another comic book character from the past. Stay tuned, true beleivers.

My favorite movie so far has been the simple story of Mister Rogers with Won't You Be My Neighbor? that is doing incredibly well for a doc, while not beating Incredibles 2, it is certainly a different and touching story that still resonates today. What the world needs is more Rogers and we are getting it in the future with a Tom Hanks feature film about his life coming soon.

The artsy Bo Burnham flick Eighth Grade is debuting as a critics darling and the new Mission: Impossible film Fallout has great word of mouth thanks to a climatic helicopter scene that makes the long film worth seeing.

If Chicagoans want to see a movie star up close and personal head over to Victims of Duty at 1531 N. Wells Ave. running now through Aug. 5. Michael Shannon stars as Detective that many will recognize from the film The Shape of Water. Speaking of water, I got splashed from the stage with this piece from French playwright Eugene Ionesco. It's odd and stange but a rare opportunity to see Shannon perform in person before he gets a wax replica at Madame Toussaud's in New York City this fall.

For a luxury theater experience drive over to CMX Cinemas at Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie. With new food offerings and in your seat service, this place has a lot to offer.

There are steaks, pan seared salmon and the CMX was delicious topped with a little avocado. While the desserts can be awkward to eat in a dark theater the LED lights nearby help to see what guests are aiming for.

The patrons are more comfortable than ever with blankets provided, but please keep your shoes on throughout the ride and the experience because I'm trying to eat here!

Cher saved the day in the Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again screening I saw at CMX. There is some clunky dialogue and cringeworthy singing once again, but her version of "Fernando" from the soundtrack was a showstopper.

Sing along parties and dancing at home after video release can't be too far off in the future with this Greek adventure!