Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Even the biggest fans of Despicable Me and the Minions get desire to see something new and original. And with Illumination’s upcoming animation rom com, Not Alone, they just might get their wish.

WHAT’S INSIDE:

  • Illumination is preparing to prove that they can do more than Minions.
  • Last Weekend’s Top 10 movies
  • Movies opening this weekend
  • Quick reviews – including Supergirl
  • Upcoming movie releases
A man and woman hold hands while looking up in the air.
Joe (Timothée Chalamet) and Fran (Selena Gomez) in Not Alone (Illumination)

Okay, we’ve been telling Hollywood that we’re tired of sequels and retreads, and some studios are taking notice. Earlier this year Amazon MGM released The Sheep Detectives which is delightful, witty and surprisingly deep. I can’t wait until August when we finally get to see the Looney Tunes flick, Coyote vs Acme. And next spring, Illumination, the studio who has produced what seems like hundreds of Despicable Me and Minion films, is trying something new with Not Alone.

Judging from the trailer, Not Alone appears to be a rom com, a space adventure and adorable alien movie all in one. Timothée Chalamet lends his voice to play Joe, an introverted rocket mechanic who lives a quiet life alone. Selena Gomez voices Fran, a brilliant astro-botanist who is developing the world’s first-ever plant-fueled rocket.

When Joe and Fran are brought together to prepare for the inaugural launch of this revolutionary rocket, there are immediate sparks, but neither is particularly adept at romance. And then there’s Dunk, Welly and Shirm…

Joe’s life becomes more complicated when three tiny, unruly and adorable aliens take refuge in his home. The three are voiced by Rob Brydon, Diane Morgan and Jamie Demetriou. (Apparently, space alien voices sound British.) They are on an interplanetary run from a zealous-yet-inept officer of the law named Zandro (Brett Goldstein). The aliens determine that Fran’s rocket could provide their means of getting back home to safety.

The film’s supporting voice includes Oscar winner Allison Janney and Lamorne Morris.

The classic look of Illumination animated films continues in Not Alone. Eric Guillon, the co-director of Despicable Me 3, is directing Not Alone alongside Claire Dodgson and Jonathan Del Val. Although the aliens look pretty simple, this looks like it going to be a fun film.

Not Alone comes to theaters on April 16, 2027.


Moana movie poster for 2026.
(Walt Disney Pictures)
A Minion looks up and sees a monster
(Illumination/Universal)
Movie poster for "Toy Story 5"
(Disney/Pixar)

For the Weekend of July 10-12, 2026*.

  1. Moana / $43,000,000
  2. Minions & Monsters / $20,500,000
  3. Toy Story 5 $18,500,000
  4. Evil Dead Burn / $13,700,000
  5. Young Washington / $6,447,757
  6. The Invite / $5,721,062
  7. Obsession / $3,800,000
  8. Supergirl / $3,560,000
  9. Disclosure Day / $3,200,000
  10. Backrooms / $1,485,500

*According to Comscore.


OPENING THIS WEEKEND


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UPCOMING RELEASES

  • July 24: The Dink (Apple TV)
  • July 31: Spider-Man: Brand New Day
  • August 7: Super Troopers 3, One Night Only
  • August 14: The End of Oak Street, Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie
  • August 21: Mutiny, Spa Weekend
  • August 28: The Dog Stars, Finding Emily, Coyote vs. Acme
  • September 4: How to Rob a Bank, By Any Means, Onslaught, Mayday
  • September 11: Practical Magic 2
  • September 25: Forgotten Island, Heart of the Beast

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