Charlize Theron, Bikini Books and the Return of Shark Week

Welcome to Culture Hound, InsideHook’s deep dive into the month’s most important pop-culture happenings.

WATCH: Atomic Blonde
Basically the stylized violence of John Wick (they share a director), but with Charlize Theron kicking ass in the ‘80s. (July 28)

VIEW: Tour de France with Red Lantern Bike Shop
From now through the end of the month, BK’s most excellent bike shop and café will host three Tour de France viewings per day (morning, noon and night). Added bonus: drink specials and huge discounts on cycling gear, all with the backdrop of the world’s most famous race. C’est magnifique. (through July 23)

READ: The Watch Book Rolex
Watch expert/historian Gisbert L. Brunner deep-dives into the past and present of the luxury timepiece. He does not, however, explain how you can afford one. (July 15)

BINGE: Friends From College
The husband-wife team of Nicholas Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Neighbors) and Francesca Delbanco helms this semi-autobiographical take on, basically, what happens to your idiot college buddies as they grow up. Great cast: Keegan-Michael Key, Cobie Smulders, Fred Savage, Billy Eichner, plus guest appearances by Seth Rogen and Kate McKinnon. (July 14)

ESCAPE: Sunset Sounds
A field full of furniture and inflatable art? Check. Speakers, weird surprises and drinks? Check. We’re told by one trusted comrade it was the best event he’s ever been a part of. To boot, a percentage of proceeds go to charity and they’re giving you a ride there and back. Mysterious? Yes. But that’s half the fun of an adult field trip. (July 8)

PERUSE: The Last Days of Summer
Fashion photog Akila Berjaoui uses analog cameras to capture bikini-filled beaches around the globe. It’s a perfect ode to the season. (Out now)

ATTEND: History of Burlesque
Perhaps you’ve indulged, at one time or another, in the art of burlesque. No judgments, we certainly have. Whether or not that’s the case, This time around, Atlas Obscura hosts a bawdy look into the history of the form with performances from the likes of local performers Gin Minsky, Corvette Le Face, Ms. Tickle, Perle Noire, Lil’ Miss Lixx and the Lady Aye. (July 9)

LISTEN: Our monthly Spotify playlist
Thirty songs to get you through the sweltering summer, from the welcome return of a few favorites (Arcade Fire, Queens of the Stone Age, Vince Staples) to some choice newcomers (the hard-to-classify Algiers, the Daft Punk-assisted Parcels).

And don’t forget: Summer blockbusters that are also good movies. Who knew? We’ve got three in a row with Spider-Man: Homecoming (July 7), War for the Planet of the Apes (July 14) and Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk (July 21) … “Some of you will put this down and go back to your predictable lives in the matrix.” Fighting words from admittedly successful angel investor Jason Calacanis in his new get-rich tome Angel: How to Invest in Technology Startups – Timeless Advice from an Angel Investor Who Turned $100,000 Into $100,000,000 (July 18) … Deadlier fun, the return of Game of Thrones (July 16) or the return of Shark Week (July 23)? … Maybe it’s Ozark, Jason Bateman’s new Netflix drama about a family on the run from a drug cartel (July 21) … Relive the glory of ‘80s synths when the Stranger Things soundtrack arrives on cassette (July 14) … And finally, new Rick and Morty (July 30)