The movies: always a good way to beat the heat

Above : “Boss Baby: Family Business” opens this week. (Photo/Universal Pictures)

If anything is bound to drive people back to the movie theaters, it’s this heat wave we’re having .

Triple-digit temperatures? I haven’t experienced that kind of heat since the last time I visited dad in Yuma, Arizona – a city I don’t expect ever to see again.

Anyway, a whole slate of films is supposed to open this week. Some of the selections are as follows:

“Zola” : Based on a series of actual Tweets, a Detroit waitress (Taylour Paige) meets a stranger (Riley Keough) and ends up taking a road trip to Florida. Presumed hilarity ensues. Opening Wednesday.

Mick LaSalle , San Francisco Chronicle: “In all ways, it’s unexpected – in its subject, in its treatment of its subject, and in its whole look and feel. It’s an original and interesting movie.”

“The Boss Baby: Family Business”: A new generation of babies takes charge. No preview comments available … which is an uh-oh.

“Summer of Soul” : Carrying the tagline “(…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised”), this documentary explores the six-week-long 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, featuring performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips … and more.

Amy Nicholson , National Public Radio: “This footage was never seen for 50 years, and it’s lovely to have it unearthed… My only quibble is that I wanted to watch all six weekends.”

“The Forever Purge” : Showing the natural plot progression, this time the annual purge goes a bit out of control … and extends far beyond the one-night permission to commit crime. The usual cast of suspects is targeted. Again, no preview comments were made available … which in this case is no surprise.

You already know what’s going to happen. Don’t gag on your popcorn.