“The Weekend POURcast” celebrates TWO weeks in a row! Cheers.
What’s Opening August 1–3, 2025
The Naked Gun (Friday, Aug 1)
A (hopefully) hilarious reboot of the iconic slapstick franchise (featuring the amazingly funny Leslie Nielsen), now starring Liam Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr.. Early reviews state that the film delivers rapid-fire gags, absurd visual humor, and a fresh yet retro‑noir style reminiscent of its predecessors. Critics say Neeson balances tough‑guy charisma with comedic flair in this brisk, 85‑minute action comedy. Early box office projections suggest a strong opening around $26M domestic, with a potential $170M+ worldwide gross. Our thoughts say that this might open just above $30M.
The Bad Guys 2 (Friday, Aug 1)
The mischievous crew returns in this animated sequel featuring voice work from Sam Rockwell, Craig Robinson, Awkwafina and more. When the reformed Bad Guys must pull one last job under pressure, the film promises big laughs and heartfelt moments. Targeted at family audiences, this sequel is projected at $33M opening weekend and $250M worldwide.
She Rides Shotgun, Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy, and More
Other notable new theatrical releases include:
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She Rides Shotgun: Taron Egerton stars in this gritty drama‑thriller hit on August 1 as a man marked for death by unrelenting enemies, trying to protect his estranged 11-year-old daughter at all costs.
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Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy: fantasy‑action adaptation of a popular web novel – Dokja’s favorite novel comes ominously true; using his intricate knowledge of the impending apocalyptic story, Dokja changes destiny.
Streaming Spotlight: Final Destination: Bloodlines (HBO Max, Aug 1)
Though it opened theatrically in May, this chilling horror sequel becomes available to stream Aug 1. Critics hail it as one of the franchise’s most emotionally grounded installments, spotlighting family curses and improbable accidents. One of the last performances from legendary Tony Todd, revisiting his iconic role, adds poignancy.
Weekend POURcast Cocktail Pairings for the Weekend Lineup
| Movie | Cocktail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Naked Gun | Drebin’s Dry Martini | Classic martini with a comedic twist—olive skewered with mini baton, icy clear, impeccably neat. |
| The Bad Guys 2 | Good Guy Gimlet | Refreshing lime‑vodka gimlet with a twist of orange—bright, playful, and family‑friendly. |
| She Rides Shotgun | Frontier Bourbon Smash | Rye or bourbon, mint, blackberry syrup—wild, gritty, suited to a tough‑driven thriller. |
| Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy | Apocalypse Old Fashioned | Smoky bourbon, bitters, demerara sugar; a survivor’s classic with contemplative depth. |
| Final Destination: Bloodlines | Final Destination Blood Red | Dark cherry-reddened Manhattan with a drop of spicy bitters—elegantly ominous. |
🥂 POURcast Picks & Themes
1. Comedy Gold Reboot
The Naked Gun reboot blends homage and fresh absurdity, anchored by Liam Neeson’s unexpected comedic timing, and he may be perfect as the dry comedy Drebin heir. It’s a nostalgic laugh-fest for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
2. Family Fun with Edge
The Bad Guys 2 targets both kids and adults with witty dialogue, lovable characters and colorful animation. This looks like it might be a reliable crowd-pleasing sequel, although we can barely remember the first film.
3. Genre Variety
Between gritty crime dramas (She Rides Shotgun), high‑concept adaptations (Omniscient Reader), and streaming horror (Bloodlines), there’s something for every mood and audience.
4. Horror Hits the Stream
Final Destination: Bloodlines brings the franchise’s trademark suspense to HBO Max, earning praise for character depth and emotional weight—a standout horror of summer.
So, that’s it everyone! Enjoy your August Cocktails and Movies Weekend POURcast – our spirited outlook for the weekend box office that, this week, features a mix of comedy, animation, thrills, and streaming horror. Let me know if you’d like a streaming-only version next week or alternative cocktails and movies pairings! Cheers to another cinematic weekend adventure! 🥂
