Northern Virginia Magazine‘s July 2016 picks for new media: music, movies, books and games.
The Secret Life of Pets
In theaters July 8
Ever wonder what your pet does while you’re away? In their fifth animation collaboration, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures take viewers into Manhattan apartments as pets take over the home when their owners are away—blenders become back scratchers, there are heavy metal rock-outs, and the animals get up to plenty of mischievous acts.
Mr. Robot
On the tube July 13
Back for a second season after winning a Golden Globe for Best TV Drama, crime thriller Mr. Robot follows anxiety-ridden computer genius Elliot Alderson and Anonymous-esque hacker group fsociety. Watch the aftermath of the group’s attack on business giant E Corp unfold and dive into Alderson’s increasingly dark mental state.
Youth Authority
Download July 15
After taking a hiatus, the Maryland band Good Charlotte returns with its sixth studio album, which reflects the time passed. Songs are filled with nostalgia-infused lyrics and a longing for the past punk-rock life. Collaborators include Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens; Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro; John Feldmann, who has worked with the band on previous albums; and pop-punk band Waterparks.
Outfoxed
On shelves July 19
Defense lawyer Andy Carpenter has recently taken on a hobby project working with inmates at a county prison to help train rescue dogs. One day he finds that a prisoner, Brian Atkins, has used the dog he has been training to escape. Within 24 hours, the man who testified against Atkins is found dead. David Rosenfelt’s novel takes the characters on a legal journey to find the truth all while putting them in more danger with the questions they ask.