August 6, 2026
The dog days of summer have officially arrived at the movie theater.
After weeks of blockbuster releases, this weekend’s lineup feels more like Hollywood catching its breath. That’s not unusual. With Spider-Man: Brand New Day continuing to dominate the box office, studios are wisely staying out of its way rather than trying to compete.
That leaves three new wide releases, and honestly, only one caught my attention. One Night Only is an R-rated romantic comedy built around a completely ridiculous premise, but if you’re willing to roll with it, early reviews suggest it’s funny, charming, and has more heart than you might expect. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it looks like a solid choice for date night.
As for the other two? The Ice Cream Man is a low-budget horror film that’s more interested in buckets of blood than telling a compelling story. Gore fans may find a few guilty pleasures, but weak acting and a predictable script make it difficult to recommend. Then there’s Super Troopers 3. If you’re already a fan of the franchise, you’ll probably know exactly what you’re getting. Everyone else may be happier waiting until it lands on a streaming service.
Sometimes the best movie choice is the one that’s already playing. If you still haven’t seen Spider-Man: Brand New Day, it remains the film to beat this summer. Otherwise, One Night Only is the only newcomer this weekend that I’d seriously consider buying a ticket for.
One Night Only (R)
Not every movie has to save the world.
If superheroes and explosions aren’t your thing this weekend, One Night Only offers something completely different. Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner star as two recently single strangers who meet on the one night each year when New York’s unattached adults are encouraged to pursue… let’s just say casual encounters. The catch? They’re both secretly looking for something a little more meaningful.
The premise is admittedly a little outrageous, but that’s part of the fun. Early reviews describe the film as charming, funny, and surprisingly insightful, using its over-the-top setup to poke fun at modern dating while still telling a heartfelt story about finding connection in an increasingly disconnected world.
If you’re in the mood for a romantic comedy with a bit of edge instead of another action blockbuster, One Night Only looks like a fun date-night alternative.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (Early Preview)
Note: Rotten Tomatoes has not yet posted a Tomatometer score due to the limited number of critic reviews.
It’s playing here:
Still In Theaters
Moana (PG)
Almost a scene by scene recreation of the animated film. Never has Disney’s cash play been more evident than with this one. Watch the animated version instead.
Minions & Monsters (PG)
The Minions are back in a wild, laugh-filled adventure that mixes Hollywood, monsters, and plenty of their trademark chaos. When their biggest mistake yet puts the whole world in danger, it’s up to the lovable troublemakers to save the day.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day (PG-13)
With stellar audience scores and high praise from critics who loved the action as well as Tom Holland’s performance, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is an easy recommendation.
The Odyssey (R)
A gargantuan Hollywood spectacle which don’t get made any longer. A beautifully filmed, written, directed and acted gem which is a top contender for every department in the Oscar race.
Toy Story 5 (PG)
The toys grapple with technology. When Lilypad, a tablet programmed with her own thoughts on what deserves Bonnie’s attention, arrives, toys and screens compete to keep up in a world vastly different from when they first “woke up.”
