On July 18, a slew of new movies will be released in theaters attempting to have successful box office.

The films this weekend include a Kickstarter-funded project, a horror movie, an indie science fiction film and an animated feature:


"Planes: Fire and Rescue"

 A year after the successful first installment, Disney continues the "Planes" franchise with the sequel.

This new feature tells the story of Dusty, who learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again. As a result, he joins forces with fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, The Smokejumpers, to battle a massive wildfire. Like the original, this new feature is receiving subpar reviews, with critics stating that it is badly edited together. The feature is likely to appeal to family audiences, especially since there has been a lack of animated features this summer. With only "How to Train Your Dragon" as its competition, "Planes" is sure to be a great hit. Disney will distribute the feature in 3,600 theaters.

"The Purge: Anarchy"

Last year, Universal took a chance with "The Purge," a small independent film, and hit a home run as the movie made $64 million. A year later, the studio is returning to the series with a more ambitious and twisted story.

Starring Frank Grillo, the film tells the story of a couple who are driving home to their kids when their car runs out of gas just as the annual Purge--the one night where all crime, including murder, is legal in a new, darker version of the United States-- commences. Meanwhile, Leo, played by Grillo, goes out into the streets to get revenge on the man who killed his son, and a mother and daughter run from their home after assailants destroy it. The five people meet up and, after a few twists and turns, they attempt to survive the lawless night in Los Angeles.

The film has not been reviewed at the moment, which does not bode well in terms of critics. Universal opted out of press screenings, and as a result, that could be a sign of the quality of the piece. Universal could also run into issues especially since horror movies have been flopping this year. Most recently, "Deliver Us from Evil" was not able to become a breakout hit.

"Sex Tape"

The rom-com hits theaters this weekend with Cameron Diaz and Jason Segal starring.

The comedy tells the story of a married couple who wake up to discover that the sex tape they made was uploaded to the internet. Like "The Purge," Sony has decided to keep critical reception under wraps. However, this film is likely to be a huge hit at the box office, especially with the popularity of Diaz and her recent box office track record. Additionally, the summer has been lacking in many comedies and audiences may feel refreshed to see something different. Sony is launching the film aggressively and will open it in 3,000 theaters.

"Wish I Was Here"

 Zach Braff returns to the director's seat for his sophomore film, which was funded on Kickstarter.

The film, starring Kate Hudson and Braff, tells the story of Aidan Bloom, a 35-year-old man who finds himself at a major crossroads, forcing him to examine his life, his career, and his family. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival where it received mixed reviews. Many critics said that the film was not original and was simply a new version of his highly successful "Garden State." Focus Features has had a slow year and this film could finally give the company a hit. "Wish I Was Here" has a lot of buzz especially after it got huge publicity for the Kickstarter campaign. The movie will distributed into 60 theaters and there are plans to expand it nationwide.

"I, Origin"

 Mike Cahill returns to the director's seat after a couple years' absence. The movie tells the story of a molecular biologist and his laboratory partner who uncover evidence that may fundamentally change society as we know it. Like his first film, "Another Earth," the film stars Brit Marling and Michael Pitt and critics are praising the performances, However, reviews have been mixed, with critics calling the effort superficial and lousy. While the film takes the Sci-Fi genre to another level, it will be hard to pin the audience for this Indie. As result, it could ultimately lead to subpar box office results.