Director Joon-ho Bong, purveyor of spectacularly wacky cinematic things (The Host, Snowpiercer) delivers, perhaps, his wackiest yet with this tale about a future world where meat is scarce so huge pigs are biogenetically engineered for slaughter.

The title character is a prized, giant animal raised in the mountains by Mija (Seo Hyun), a young girl who thinks Okja is her pet. She’s oblivious to the fact that Okja’s days are numbered, so when an envoy for a large corporation (Jake Gyllenhaal going nuts) shows up and takes Okja away, Mija flies into action and the bizarre adventure begins.

Paul Dano, one of the kings of movie weirdness, chips in as the leader of an animal rescue corps that includes Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead) and Lily Collins. Following up her collaboration with Bong on Snowpiercer is Tilda Swinton, once again playing twins (as she did in Hail, Caesar!), two evil sisters running the corporation that produced Okja.

The movie mixes absurd laughs with mayhem, and the cast is universally great. Like films such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Babe before it, this movie looks to shine a light on the cruel treatment of animals and perhaps get you to pass on the bacon the next time you are at Denny’s (Streaming on Netflix).

The latest Transformers movie, Transformers: The Last Knight, gets the dubious distinction of being the worst in the series. That is some sort of major accomplishment. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to look at this collective pile of movie manure and decipher which of the five is the worst. It’s like going to a frat house the first week of a semester at Dickhead University and trying to pick out the dumbest, drunkest douche in the place. All of the qualifiers are terribly, criminally lame.

I’m giving the award of franchise worst because it’s just so clear how every participant in this enterprise, from director Michael Bay right on down to the production assistant who smeared glycerin on Mark Wahlberg’s pecs, is jaded, tired and played out. Nobody really wants to be in this thing.

The stink of “Who gives a shit … just pay me!” hits your nostrils with Wahlberg’s first line delivery. The best part of this movie is when Anthony Hopkins inexplicably goes to Stonehenge to witness a robot battle then gets blown up, leading to the silliest death scene ever. Yep, I just issued a spoiler.

Anthony Hopkins, who should be ashamed of himself for participating in this thing, dies hilariously in this movie. I hope this spoiler pisses you off so much that you don’t go to the movie. Be mad at me for the next 10 years, but I know I did you a favor.

As a comic-book heroine continues her blockbuster dominance this summer, a much lesser known film has also grabbed moviegoers’ full attention. The self-distributed Native American story “Neither Wolf Nor Dog” has quietly sold out nearly every one of its appearances at multiplex theaters across the U.S. over the past two weeks. This box-office winner, with an amazing and authentic star, has touched so many hearts that theaters are extending their movie runs in cities and while expanding into new markets. Due to the overwhelmingly positive reception in Phoenix to “Neither Wolf Nor Dog,” the independent film has just added Tucson to its growing list of cities for wider release—set now to premiere at Harkins Theatres Tucson Spectrum 18 on July 7 for at least one week of showings.

Based on Kent Nerburn’s critically acclaimed novel by the same name, “Neither Wolf Nor Dog” tells the unforgettable Indian story of a 95-year-old Lakota elder named Dan, played perfectly by Dave Bald Eagle. Getting too old, the Native American leader wants his personal notes formally recorded for history’s sake. Tasked to compile the leader’s lifelong journey is none other than fair-minded author and white man Nerburn (Christopher Sweeney).

Modestly filmed by a crew of two over only 18 days, “Neither Wolf Nor Dog” is an incredible look inside the Lakota Country of South Dakota. The movie powerfully captures the culture, hardships, and obstacles that Native Americans have endured over the years. It also highlights the graciousness, humor, and pride still vibrant throughout the Lakota people.

The excellence and shear power of “Neither Wolf Nor Dog” is found in its main star, Dave Bald Eagle, who died post-production at the age of 97. Left for dead on D-Day in real life, Bald Eagle leads a stellar cast that’s both believable and fascinating to watch. The interaction of the characters, particularly Sweeney’s as Nerburn opposite Bald Eagle’s robust Dan, is what keeps this dialogue-heavy movie rolling and interesting.

“Neither Wolf Nor Dog” is an education for viewers throughout. It presents the beauty and tragedy of Lakota life in simple terms, right down to the cinematography and filmmaking techniques used to tell one man’s iconic journey. A historical account that goes back to the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890. All events and relationships that must be remembered forever. And that’s the true importance of “Neither Wolf Nor Dog”: the deeply seeded history lesson of our nation’s past and present with the Lakota culture.

This film isn’t bringing home the box-office sales of “Wonder Woman,” but it’s selling out theaters everywhere it’s shown. “Neither Wolf Nor Dog” is a bold, rich take on Native American history that is catching fire with audiences throughout Arizona. We’re fortunate to have this unforgettable story come to Tucson this week.

Patrick King is a resident of Tucson and writer for the REEL BRIEF movie blog at www.reelbrief.com.

This week, the Tucson film community delivers a little somethin' somethin' for everyone—whether you're feeling goofy or heartfelt, we've got just the moviegoing experience for you!

The Loft

Cult Classic Series (every Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m.): On Friday, July 7, and Saturday, July 8, The Loft will show Idiocracy, a science fiction comedy designed to examine the devolution of humanity. From Mike Judge, the creator of Office Space and Beavis and Butthead, this movie follows the life of the smartest man half a millennia in the future.

Social Justice Summer (every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.): This series aims to pair hard-hitting social justice issues with cinema, as audiences are invited to explore important issues through film. Leading community experts will be present after every showing to hold community talkbacks. This Wednesday, July 12, the Global Justice Center will air a free screening of Who is Dayani Cristal? This film follows the investigation into the life of an unidentified immigrant found dead in Arizona's Sonora Desert. Follow a team of forensic anthropologists as they attempt to restore the man's lost identity and retrace his incredible journey to the U.S-Mexico's deadliest border crossing.

Mondo Mondays (every Monday at 8 p.m.): Diving directly into the strange, wonderful and unorthodox realms of mondo movies, this series is sure to deliver a weekly dose of weird. This Monday, July 10, enjoy Meatballs Part II, the truly bizarre sequel to Bill Murray's 1979 hit Meatballs. Behold the wild antics of a new crew of campers, a pot-smoking alien named Meathead and Paul Reubens (pre-Pee-Wee).

Outdoor Movie Party!: Though Tucson days simmer on, the nights offer cool reprieve from the intense heat. Join The Loft in their final Outdoor Movie Party! screening this Saturday, July 8 at 7:30. If you missed last week's showing of the Cat Video Fest, then fear not! This purr-fectly hilarious lineup of cat videos is yours for the watching! Proceeds benefit local cat shelters in Tucson!

First Friday Shorts (every first Friday of the month at 9 p.m.): Head on down to The Loft this Friday, July 7, to participate in the Tucson-famous First Friday Shorts Series. Enjoy a smorgasbord of local shorts, and participate in naming this month's best films!

Loft Jr.: This Saturday, July 8 at 10 a.m., enjoy a free showing of the Oscar-nominated family film Whale Rider. Hosted at the Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse, audiences are invited to participate in pre-showing activities (9:15 a.m.) hosted by Mildred & Dildred Toy Store. This movie follows a young girl's struggle to fulfill her destiny within her tribe and her journey to claim her birthright. This beautifully-photographed New Zealand film spins a tale of triumph and tribulation.

Poetry on Film: Enjoy a series of short films this Wednesday, July 12, 7:30 p.m., at the University of Arizona Poetry Center. The New York International Children's Film Festival Best Of the Festival Short Films features 13 short films, with a screening of Tucson native Timothy Reckart's Head Over Heels to boot. Hosted outdoors, these screenings are free to the public and invite audiences to immerse themselves in the artistic and talented world of children's film.

More details on all of above at loftcinema.org.

There isn’t a single wrong note in Maudie, an alternately heartbreaking and uplifting biofilm about the life of Canadian painter Maud Lewis (Sally Hawkins).

After answering an ad for a housekeeper in Nova Scotia, Maud, stricken with arthritis since she was a child, winds up in the house of miserable bastard Everett Lewis (Ethan Hawke, delivering yet another monumental performance). The two wind up married, but it’s no fairytale; Everett has some major, major issues that Maud must contend with and, when Maud finds fame with her sweet paintings, Everett becomes an even bigger jerk.

Director Aisling Walsh, working from a script by Sherry White, makes a lot of interesting choices depicting the couple; Hawkins and Hawke make them all work. Hawkins is a true Oscar contender for her work here, and while the role of Lewis requires a difficult and strenuous physical performance, the light in her voice gives Lewis an illuminating quality.

The humor always shines through, and it’s breathtaking how good she is. Hawke never gives up the ghost on his character, one of unrelenting stubbornness afflicted with a permanent scowl. He could find himself in the Oscar race, as well.

If there’s an underlying message to this movie it’s this: If you love somebody, you better damn well act like you mean it before it’s too late.

Summer movies: Because two hours at the cinema sounds more fun than heatstroke.

THE LOFT CINEMA

Cult Classics Series (every Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m.): On Friday, June 30, and Saturday, July  1, The Loft will show cult classic Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. This film partners two of Hollywood's iconic stars—Joan Crawford and Bette Davis—to create a timelessly comedic psychological thriller. Two sisters, both victims of stardom, enter a no-holds-barred feud that makes no promise of a happy ending.

Social Justice Summer (every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.): This series aims to pair hard-hitting social justice issues with cinema. Audiences are invited to explore important social issues through film, with community experts present after every film to hold community talkbacks. This Wednesday, July 5, the Global Justice Center, in conjunction with The Loft, will air a free showing of Spirit Game: Pride of a Nation. This documentary follows the trials and tribulations of the Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse Team, as well as, the political and cultural significance of lacrosse in the Iroquois Nation.

Mondo Mondays (every Monday at 8 p.m.): Diving directly into the strange and unorthodox realms of Mondo movies, this series is sure to deliver your doctor-prescribed dose of weird. This Monday, July 3, The Loft will air Sleepaway Camp, a classic 80s slasher flick. Follow Angela (Felissa Rose), as she navigates the horrors of summer camp—will it be camp as usual, or is there horror afoot?

Outdoor Movie Party! (June 29 through  uly 8, every day at 7:30 p.m.): Though Tucson days simmer on, the nights offer cool reprieve from the intense heat. Join The Loft in their Outdoor Movie Party! screenings, where audiences are invited to enjoy numerous films. This week, on Saturday, July 1, the Loft kicks off their Outdoor Movie with the Cat Video Fest. This purr-fectly hilarious lineup of cat videos is this first in a two-part series (part two takes place Saturday, July 8) benefitting local cat shelters in Tucson! Celebrate the wonderful, kooky world of viral kitty videos, while also benefitting your favorite local shelters. On Sunday, July 2, enjoy Cry-Baby, a kitschy spoof on the 50s "teens-gone-wild" genre. On Monday, July 3, get down with the rock 'n' roll classic Monterey Pop. On Tuesday, July 4, spend your holiday enjoying the ultimate fright flick Jaws. On Wednesday, July 5, celebrate the late Jonathan Demme, in the rock concert classic Stop Making Sense. Finally, on Thursday, July 6, throwback to counterculture satire and rock musical Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. loftcinema.org

CINEMA LA PLACITA

Cinema La Placita Summer Series (every Thursday at 7:30 p.m.): Take a trip downtown and enjoy the Cinema La Placita's continuing outdoor summer film series. On Thursday, July 6, check out a showing of the thriller classicJaws. Follow along as Amity Island's police chief attempts to hunt down a bloodthirsty great white shark in this fin-tastic summer blockbuster! In addition to the showing, audiences are invited to enjoy the cash bar and food truck on site. cinemalaplacita.com

THE FOX THEATRE

Classic Film Series: This Saturday, July 1, check out Singin' in the Rain at the Fox Theatre, as part of their continuing classic films series. This iconic musical is toe-tappin' fun for the whole family! The legendary musical includes such greats as Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor. foxtucson.com

Writer-director Ana Lily Amirpour follows up her notable feature debut, the authentic vampire story A Girl Walks Home at Night, with another horror story. This time out, it’s cannibals.

Suki Waterhouse plays Arlen, newly exiled to a desert landscape where she is quickly captured by cannibals and watches as her arm and leg are cut off and devoured. After escaping, she wanders around a bit, eventually stopping by a safe haven run by The Dream (Keanu Reeves). Some business involving the daughter of one of her captors, Miami Man (Jason Momoa a.k.a. Aquaman) represents the only thing that passes for a conventional subplot in this purposefully rambling, meandering affair. Amirpour gets a mixed bag result with her sophomore effort, a film that looks amazing, boasts a great soundtrack, and has a few good creepy passages in it. Still, if a cohesive story is what you seek you won’t find it here. You will, however, find Jim Carrey in a strange extended cameo as the Hermit, a dude who literally eats crow.

The movie never really comes together as a whole, but it’s worth watching if you like post-apocalyptic cannibal movies and Culture Club.

Lee, an aging movie star (Sam Elliot) gets some bad news from his doctor and tries to make good on some mistakes in the face of some big decisions. If that sounds like a done-to-death story for you, it kind of is, but director and co-screenwriter Brett Haley makes things intriguing with large thanks to a great performance from Elliot and an excellent supporting cast.

Elliot is basically playing himself, a western star known for his big voice and iconic moustache, and the part was tailor made for him. His Lee is sort of a jerk, but the kind of jerk you have to like (The way that moustache arches with his smile is magical!). Nick Offerman is stellar as Lee’s drug dealer and best buddy, while Laura Prepon has never been better as “the love interest” (Yes, it’s a cliché role, but she takes it to great heights). Elliot’s real-life wife, the great Katharine Ross, even has a role as Lee’s ex-wife, which must’ve been a little awkward to pull off on set.

The film looks great, especially during Lee’s dreams, which have him acting out a final movie in his head. Elliot and Haley take a familiar story and imbibe it with a lot of heart and good humor. In a summer of blockbusters and blockbuster wannabes, this stands as one of its fine sleepers.

In this kind of heat, is there a better escape than a dark movie theater? Look at all these great indie film options you have this week!

The Loft Cinema:

Cult Classics Series (every Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m.): On Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, The Loft shows Dope. In this quirky teen caper, three friends find themselves deftly navigating life in Inglewood, California. With big dreams of leaving his hometown, protagonist Malcolm (Shameik Moore) dreams up a dope-slinging scheme that hopes to land him in Harvard.

Social Justice Summer (every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.): This series aims to pair hard-hitting social justice issues with cinema. Audiences are invited to explore important social issues through film, with community experts present after every showing to hold community talkbacks. This Wednesday, June 28, the Global Justice Center, in conjunction with The Loft, will air a free showing of Jackson. Director Maisie Crow, making her feature debut, provides a detailed glimpse into the women's healthcare movement in Mississippi.

Mondo Mondays (every Monday at 8 p.m.): Diving directly into the strange and unorthodox realms of Mondo movies, this series is sure to deliver your doctor-prescribed dose of weird. This Monday, June 26, The Loft will air Maniac Cop, a farcical horror flick, which follows the killings of a killer donning a police uniform. Who will save the day when the killer wears a badge?

Outdoor Moving Party! (June 29 through July 8): Though Tucson days simmer on, the nights offer cool reprieve from the intense heat. Join The Loft in their Outdoor Movie Party! screenings, where audiences are invited to enjoy the cooler side of summer cinema. At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 29, truffle shuffle on down to The Loft for a showing of The Goonies. This adventure comedy is a timeless classic, which is sure to satisfy your inner pre-teen misfit.

LandSpeaks: Honoring our Protectors—Past, Present, Future: This series is geared toward celebrating Native American lands, languages, and identity. On Tuesday, June 27, take a trip down to the San Xavier Cooperative Farm—8100 Oidak Wog—to experience a day of live performances, panel discussions and a culture/information fair. At 8 p.m., LandSpeaks will air a free outdoor showing (bring your own seating arrangements) of Awake: A Dream from Standing Rock, which follows the Native-led demonstration in North Dakota concerning the Dakota Access Pipeline and Native water rights. loftcinema.org

Cactus Drive-In Theatre: Indulge in the iconic drive-in experience at the Tanque Verde Swap Meet this Thursday, June 29. Audiences are invited to enjoy the latest J.K. Rowling blockbuster: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. This book-turned-movie is a companion narrative to the Harry Potter series, as it follows Newt Scamander (Eddie Radmayne) and his trials and tribulations in New York's early 20th century, underground community of witches and wizards. cactusdriveintheatre.com

Cinema La Placita

Cinema La Placita Summer Series (every Thursday at 7:30 p.m.): Take a trip downtown and enjoy the Cinema La Placita's continuing outdoor summer film series. On Thursday, June 29, enjoy a showing of The Manchurian Candidate (1962), a political and psychological thriller which follows the transformation of an American prisoner of war (Frank Sinatra) turned unwitting Communist assassin. In addition to the showing, audiences are invited to enjoy the cash bar and food truck on site. cinemalaplacita.com

Summer Classic Films at the Temple: This week, the Arizona Theatre Company launches into its third week of a new summer film series at the Temple of Music and Art. This Sunday, June 25, check out the monster movie classic, Creature from the Black Lagoon. Watch as a scientific crew expediting through the Amazon discovers a prehistoric creature from the legendary Black Lagoon. The price of a ticket ($10) includes a free popcorn and a drink. arizonatheatre.org

As temperatures climb in the Old Pueblo, local summer film series are also heating up. This week, and in the weeks to follow, Tucson will play host to a myriad of continuing cinematic celebrations that are sure to spice up your summer.

The Loft Cinema:

Cult Classic Series (every Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m.): On Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17, The Loft shows Shaun of the Dead. Audiences are invited to enjoy the bloody hijinks of Shaun (co-writer Simon Pegg) and his buddy Ed (Nick Frost) in the wake of a zombie invasion in London.

4th Friday Films at MOCA (every fourth Friday of the month at 8 p.m.): This summer, the Loft and MOCA are teaming up to offer free screenings of films that celebrate the arts and artists. Guests are invited to bring their own picnic foods, or to stop by the food truck Bella Gelato for a refreshing summer treat. Friday, June 23, MOCA will host a free outdoor screening of Frida on the Cox Plaza.

Social Justice Summer (every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.): This series aims to pair hard-hitting social justice issues with cinema, as audiences are invited to explore important issues through film. Leading community experts will be present after every showing to hold community talkbacks. This Wednesday, June 21, the Global Justice Center will air a free screening of Mala Mala, which delves into the social climate of the trans community in Puerto Rico.

Rolling Reels: Rolling Reels is designed to provide cinematic experiences to underserved and rural communities in Southern Arizona. This month, the series will feature the flick Junior Bonner, a western classic, on Saturday, June 24 in Dragoon at the Amerind Museum. Admission to this series is free.

Mondo Mondays (every Monday at 8 p.m.): Diving directly into the strange, wonderful and unorthodox realms of mondo movies, this series is sure to deliver a weekly dose of weird. This Monday, June 19, enjoy the cinematic rollercoaster that is Super Fuzz; behold as a rookie cop (Terence Hill) haphazardly attempts to fight crime with his newfound superpowers.

Rocky Horror Picture Show: Break away from daily routine and treat yourself to one of The Loft's locally-renowned live showings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. This Saturday, June 17, at midnight, unleash your wild side and enjoy the show with shadow cast "Heavy Petting."

More details on all of above at loftcinema.org.

Cactus Drive-In Theatre

Cactus Drive-In Summer Showings (every Thursday in June at 8 p.m.): Indulge in the iconic drive-in experience at the Tanque Verde Swap Meet this Thursday, June 22. The Cactus Drive-In Theatre Foundation welcomes children of all ages to this week's showing of MoanaDevelopments under construction include the Sanctuary at Silverhawke and Viewpointe I at Vistoso Trails. There are three other notable developments that are set to begin construction soon, Disney's latest film about an adventurous young woman (Auli'i Cravalho) on a journey to save her people. More info at cactusdriveintheatre.com.

Cinema La Placita

Cinema La Placita Summer Series (every Thursday at 7:30 p.m.): Take a trip downtown and enjoy the Cinema La Placita's continuing outdoor summer film series. Learn to stop worrying and love this week's showing of Dr. Strangelove on Thursday, June 22. This suspenseful parody examines the comedy of errors that incur when an insane general triggers a path to a nuclear holocaust. In addition to the showing, audiences are invited to enjoy the cash bar and food truck on site. cinemalaplacita.com

The Temple of Music and Arts Film Series

Summer Classic Films at the Temple: The Arizona Theatre Company kicks off another great week of film classics at the Temple of Music and Arts in their summer film series (June 2-Aug. 6). Designed to attract audiences of all ages, this week offers a variety of classic silver screen gems. On 7 p.m. Friday, June 16, watch The Misfits, a western drama featuring Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe. If you can't make it this Friday then fear not! On 2 p.m. Sunday, June 18 enjoy a showing of Auntie Mame, a comedy/drama staring Lucille Ball. Finally, at 7 p.m. next Friday, June 23 at 7 p.m., enjoy a screening of Giant, a drama featuring Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean. arizonatheatre.org

The Fox

Film Noir Series: At 7:30 this Saturday, June 17, head on down to the Fox Theatre and view the latest flick in their continuing Film Noir Series: Murder My Sweet, staring Dick Powell, Mike Mazurki and Claire Trevor, features a brooding detective, a femme fatale and an unsolved mystery. foxtucson.com