By Lori Vernon

famed director Renny Harlin , even a federal maximum-security prison can ’ t hold Richard Pace ( Pierce Brosnan ), a brilliant international thief . But his daring escape and high-octane car chase , eluding the FBI and police , ends with him being scooped up by The Misfits , a band of modern-day Robin Hoods . Led by the eccentric and charismatic Ringo ( Nick Cannon ) with Violet ( Jamie Chung ), the Prince ( Rami Jaber ), and Wick ( Mike Angelo ) with Pace ’ s daughter Hope ( Hermoine Cornfield )— a mysterious group who do devious things for all the right reasons . The skilled group convinces Pace to join them to pull off the heist of the century .

and their son , but they know danger always lurks just over the peaceful horizon . This time , the threat will force Dom to confront his past sins to save the ones he loves most . His crew joins him to stop the world-shattering plot led by the most skilled assassin they have ever encountered - Dom ’ s forsaken brother , Jakob ( John Cena ), in this global action-thriller once again directed by Justin Lin . Also starring Tyrese Gibson , Chris “ Ludacris ” Bridges , Jordana Brewster , Nathalie Emmanuel , Sung Kang , Helen Mirren , Charlize Theron , Grammy-winner Cardi B , and Reggaeton sensation Ozuna .

In The Heights

une brings a great mix of films to theaters and streaming services . From the latest edition in the old stand-by action series Fast & Furious , to the hotly anticipated movie musical version of Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda ' s In The Heights , we have lots of action , a little drama , and a crazy-ass ride from Janicza Bravo based on a series of tweets ( that ’ s a first !) that you ’ ll have to see to believe ! Here are some entertainment options for your review .

In The Heights

Directed by John Chu Rated PG-13 -June 11 — Theatrical / HBO Max

From Lin-Manuel Miranda , creator of Hamilton , and John Chu , director of Crazy Rich Asians , comes the highly-anticipated musical event of the year based on Miranda ’ s hit musical stage play . Set over three days in

Washington Heights ... The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside the 181st Street subway stop , where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community . At the intersection of it all is the likable , magnetic bodega owner Usnavi ( Hamilton ’ s Anthony Ramos ), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes , imagines , and sings about a better life . The film also stars Corey Hawkins , Leslie Grace , Melissa Barrera , Olga Merediz ( Broadway ’ s In the Heights ), Daphne Rubin-Vega ( Broadway ’ s Rent ), Gregory Diaz IV ( Broadway ’ s Matilda the Musical ), Stephanie Beatriz , Dascha Polanco , and Jimmy Smits .

The Misfits

Directed by Renny Harlin Rated R • June 11 - Theatrical / June 15th -VOD

In this new action / adventure outing from

The Hitman ’ s Wife ’ s Bodyguard

Directed by Patrick Hughes Rated R • June 16 - Theatrical

The world ’ s most lethal odd couple - bodyguard Michael Bryce ( Ryan Reynolds ) and hitman Darius Kincaid ( Samuel L . Jackson ) - are back on another life-threatening mission . Still unlicensed and under scrutiny , Bryce is forced into action by Darius ’ s even more volatile wife , the infamous international con artist Sonia Kinkaid ( Salma Hayek ). As Bryce is driven over the edge by his two most dangerous protects , the trio gets in over their heads in a global plot and soon finds that they are all that stands between Europe and a vengeful madman ( Antonio Banderas ). Morgan Freeman also adds to the deadly mayhem .

F9

Directed by Justin Lin Rated PG-13 June 25 - Theatrical

In the ninth chapter of the Fast & Furious Saga , Vin Diesel ’ s Tom Toretto leads a quiet life off the grid with Letty ( Michelle Rodriquez )

Zola

Directed by Janicza Bravo Rated R June 30 - Theatrical

" Y ’ all wanna hear a story about why me & this bitch here fell out ? It ’ s kind of long but full of suspense .” Thus began the odyssey of one A ’ Ziah King , aka ZOLA . From acclaimed writer / director Janicza Bravo , Zola ' s stranger than fiction saga , which she first told in a nowiconic series of 148 viral , uproarious tweets , comes to dazzling cinematic life . Zola ( Taylour Paige ), a Detroit waitress , strikes up a new friendship with a customer , Stefani ( Riley Keough ), who seduces her to join a weekend of dancing and partying in Florida . What at first seems like a glamorous trip full of “ hoeism ” rapidly transforms into a 48-hour journey involving a nameless pimp , an idiot boyfriend , some Tampa gangsters , and other unexpected adventures in this wild , see-it-to-believe-it tale . Also starring Nicholas Braun , Ari ’ el Stachel , and Colman Domingo .

14 illinoisentertainer . com june 2021