When describing this summer’s movies, I can only think of one word: amazing. There are a ton of great (hopefully) movies being released in
the next few months. I’ll be checking out most of these, more than a few on opening night, and if you enjoy films even half as much as I do, you will too. The following list compiles the movies that either I’m excited about or think you may be, along with their release dates and a small amount of info on the movies themselves.
The Forbidden Kingdom – Now Playing
I personally haven’t seen this film yet, but with martial arts giants Jet Li and Jackie Chan starring it will surely be a big hit. In fact, it has already scored 20.9 million at the box office. My only doubts arise from the fact that neither of these actors usually star in movies with overly-astounding. Be prepared for excitement, but perhaps not substance.
Iron Man – May 2nd
Being the first released of Marvel’s individually funded films, a lot is riding on Iron Man. I fear a Fantastic 4-like disappointment, but I hope I am wrong. The first few released scenes look promising. We’ll see what happens. Robert Downey Jr. should at least do a good job as the red and yellow metal man himself.
Speed Racer – May 9th
The Wachowski brothers have brought us deep, thought-provoking action films such as The Matrix Trilogy and V for Vendetta. Speed Racer seems to be taking them in a more family-oriented direction. The whimsical art-style of the movie looks curiously similar to that of Thunderbirds released a few years ago. Regardless, one can expect some great special effects and plotlines. Emile Hirsch is, in my mind, a perfect choice to play Speed Racer.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian – May 16th
I just bought my opening night tickets for this the other day, and I can say that I’m glad it’s finally coming out. It’s been a long wait. All the original stars are back, with the addition of Ben Barnes playing Caspian. Most of you are probably familiar with the storyline, so I won’t belabor you with a plot summary. Rumors are that it will be darker than the previous installment. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s rated PG-13. It should be good.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull – May 22nd
*cues Indy theme song: Du du du du, du du du. The classics are coming back. With Steven Spielberg and George Lucas returning at the helm of this 4th film in the franchise, expectations are high. Both of these greats are saying not to get set your expectations too high. They say it’s good but perhaps not as good as the previous installments, at least as they exist in the minds of the general public. But honestly, with those two directing and producing and with Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, and Shia LaBeouf starring, how could it not be great?
Kung Fu Panda – June 6th
With the first previews, this animated film looked…well…dumb. However, the trailers keep getting funnier and funnier. Maybe it won’t be a letdown after all. Jack Black should at least be humorous.
Mongol – June 6th [limited]
This indy film from Russian director Sergei Bodrov was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film. It is the first installment in a three-part series chronicling the life of Genghis Kong. Whether it is historically accurate, I have no idea; but it looks exciting and very good. The only downside is that it is a limited release and may not be available in theaters near you, or me.
The Incredible Hulk – June 13th
My only wish for this film: please be better than the last Hulk movie. Please!! Ang Lee’s version of the green monster was horrible, a huge disappointment. This is the second of Marvel’s independently released films. Basically their strategy for it was to throw out everyone who was involved in the first one and make something completely new. With that said, they’ve added the incredible (no pun intended) acting talent of Edward Norton. Apparently there were some disputes between Marvel and Norton over the post-production direction of the film: Norton wants more drama; Marvel wants fast-paced action. Marvel won. Consequently, Norton has refused any interviews related to the film and has basically disowned it. I’m with Norton on this one, but we’ll see how it turns out.
The Happening – June 13th
I’ve liked all of M. Night’s movies; but in the box office, they’ve been hit and miss. Hopefully, The Happening won’t be a disappointment. The trailer certainly makes it look intriguing. The plot surrounds the release of a virus that causes people to turn suicidal. We’ll see if Shyamalan stays with his personal storylines (focusing on one person or family), or whether he gets broader with this one.
Get Smart – June 20th
Steve Carell plays Maxwell Smart in this remake of a classic television series. Those who find Carell amusing should have some laughs. Anne Hathaway co-stars.
WALL.E – June 27th
None of Pixar’s films have been bad. They’re either as good as or better than the previous ones. Expect nothing less from this tale of a lonely robot in space.
Wanted – June 27th
The action scenes in this movie just look plain amazing. With James McAvoy (Mr. Tumnus from Narnia, anyone?) taking on the uncharacteristic role of hired assassin, this film looks pretty cool. Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie also star. The plot looks similar to films like The Matrix. The main character joins a vigilante group whose motto is “kill one, save a thousand,” whether he stays with this group or rebels against them is left to be seen.
Hancock – July 4th
This comedy superhero film looks…unique. Will Smith stars as anything other than your usual honor-loving, glory-reaping man with super powers. It seems that his crime-stopping escapades cause more trouble than they solve. That’s where the laughs come in.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army – June 11th
If you were one of those who saw the first Hellboy, then expect this one to be just as good. Guillermo del Toro is again directing and Ron Perlman plays the red devil-man. Despite sounding somewhat demonic, these films contain some good moral standards, but not spiritual significance.
The Dark Knight – July 18th
This is by far the movie that I am most excited for this summer. The first batman movie from Christopher Nolan, Batman Begins, was a great action/adventure meets psychological thriller film (two of my favorite genres). The Dark Knight looks to be even better. Watching a now dead actor (Heath Ledger as the joker) will be somewhat strange though.
The X Files: I Want to Believe – July 25th
I’m personally not a fan of this television series (as my tv gets like 5 channels), however, it should be a big hit. Everything is being kept tight under wraps. So even the plot summary is unknown.
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor – August 1st
Those who enjoyed the first few Mummy movies should enjoy this one: same stars, different director. The film does have the interesting addition of Jet Li as an Emperor Han.
Tropic Thunder – August 15th
Starring Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. (see Iron Man), Tropic Thunder follows three movie stars as they make a film about Vietnam. However, disappointed with the actors’ performances the film’s director puts them into the real jungles of Vietnam and lets them go at it with real Vietnamese guerilla warriors. Needless to say, it’s a comedy.
Bangkok Dangerous – August 22nd
Bangkok Dangerous tells the story of yet another assassin gone good, this time with Nicolas Cage starring. Expect him to kill some bad guys, get the girl, and throw a few jokes in the process, but also expect it to be fun.
Righteous Kill – September 12th
Righteous Kill stars two of Hollywood’s giants—Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino—doing what they do best: crime dramas. They play two police officers who are confronted with a vigilante killer who takes down people the two cops arrested, but who the law failed to put behind bars.
Punisher: War Zone – September 12th
I didn’t see the first Punisher film but heard that it was pretty good. It seems that they’ve reinvented this film also, by replacing Thomas Jane with Ray Stevenson for the title character. Expect some heavy violence and some possibly mixed up morals in the area of revenge; but also expect lots of fast-paced action.
Those movies should last you through the summer. The next few months are filled with one potential blockbuster hit after another. I’m looking forward to it.
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