As the semester winds down, it is time to reflect on memories, gear up for finals and, for seniors, stress about the impending reality that you will soon be part of the “real world.” Scary isn’t it?
However, this article is about none of those things. No, this is the summer movie guide! This year there are quite a few selections available: a team of heroes, a shadowy organization protecting us from the scum of the universe, a vampire out of his time, the end of a trilogy (do I really need to say which it is?), and every action icon imaginable in one movie. So without further adieu, here are some of the most anticipated films of the summer.
“The Avengers”
Premiere Date: May 4
Plot: Marvel’s long planned and anticipated team up has arrived at last. When his brother Loki threatens the Earth, Thor must join up with Iron Man, the Hulk, Captain America, and agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. lead by Nick Fury to combat the threat.
Why I dig it: The action looks superb, and Robert Downy Jr. looks funny as ever reprising his role as Tony Stark. My only concern is whether or not they can avoid the pitfalls of having so many characters fighting for screen time. However, as the trailers promise some fights between the heroes (go look up “Iron Man vs. Thor” on YouTube; it looks awesome) I am willing to give this super team a shot.
Verdict: Must see.
“Dark Shadows”
Premiere Date: May 11
Plot: Based on the cult show of the same name, Vampire Barnabus Collins is awaken after a couple of centuries in the 1970s, where he must help protect his descendants from the witch who imprisoned him in the first place.
Why I dig it: Not being a fan of the original show, I have no expectations for this one. However, I am willing to give it a go based on the quirky trailers and the fact that it is yet another collaboration of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. While it will be hard to top Jack Sparrow for laughs, perhaps Depp can still create enough to make it worth the money.
Verdict: If invited, give it a shot.
“Battleship”
Premiere Date: May 18
Plot: Based on the Hasbro board game, warships led by Liam Neeson shoot at something.
Why I dig it: On the one hand, I was opposed to this because it is another example of Hollywood’s inability to come up with original ideas. Then I found out that Liam Neeson is in it. Expect little in the way of plot, and lots of shooting.
Verdict: Pre-game first, then turn your mind off and enjoy.
“Men In Black 3″
Premiere Date: May 25
Plot: The MIB return, this time adding time travel to the mix in order to save Agent J.
Why I dig it: I loved the original, and enjoyed the second. The trailer did not blow me away, but I love seeing Will Smith in a comedy again.
Verdict: Could be good, could be bad.
“Prometheus”
Premiere Date: June 8
Plot: After finding what appears to be a calling card of sorts on the ruins of three ancient civilizations, a team starts to discover the origins of the human race. While there, they discover a threat to all mankind.
Why I dig it: Ridley Scott’s last movie (“Robin Hood”) was not very good. However, I have to believe that returning to Sci-Fi/suspense will lead to good things. Also, it is an original story in the “Alien” universe that goes its own way. Seeing as Sci-Fi movies seem to be very rare these days, this is a gem.
Verdict: Must see.
“The Amazing Spider-Man”
Premiere Date: July 3
Plot: Spider-Man gets a reboot, with The Lizard getting the nod this time around as the villain.
Why I dig it: I really wanted to dislike this. But the trailers make it look like a good movie. Andrew Garfield appears to be a better Spidey then Toby McGuire was, and the dialogue looks sharp. Add some impressive looking action and I am starting to hope for good things. The rest of the cast (Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Martin Sheen) is strong as well.
Verdict: Must see.
“The Dark Knight Rises”
Premiere Date: July 20
Plot: This is the long awaited conclusion to the Christopher Nolan Batman series. Eight years after the events of “The Dark Knight”, the Caped Crusader must resurface to combat Bane and tangle with Selena Kyle, a.k.a Catwoman.
Why I dig it: While I do not expect it to be as good as “The Dark Knight” (Heath Ledger’s Joker will be nearly impossible to top), I doubt Christopher Nolan can make a bad movie until the day he does. Also, it’s Batman! How can I not see it? Based on the trailers, it appears to be on par at the very least with “Batman Begins.” Anne Hathaway looks to be in top form, and Tom Hardy as Bane looks menacing (Honestly the voice does not bother me in the slightest.) If I see only one film this summer, it would be this one.
Verdict: Must see.
“The Campaign”
Premiere Date: August 10
Plot: Two rival politicians (played by Will Ferrell and Zack Galifianakus) face off.
Why I dig it: I consistently hope that one day, Ferrell will make another film to rival “Anchorman” and “Talladega Nights.” While that may be asking too much, combining him with Galifianakis should produce enough entertainment to justify paying for the cost of admittance.
Verdict: Good, not great.
“The Expendables 2″
Premiere Date: August 17
Plot: A plot that is unimportant, involving the greatest ensemble of action stars ever.
Why I dig it: How do you improve on the original? By adding bigger roles for Bruce Willis and Schwarzenegger and bringing in Chuck Norris, that’s how. Couple that with Jean Claude Van Damme as the villain, and I really do not need to know anything about the plot at all.
Verdict: Must see.
