Is there anything a movie fan looks forward to more than the summer movie season? It's the time of the year when the studios pull out all the stops - and the big guns. Not sure what the big ones for this year will be? Look no further - here's the breakdown.
It definitely looks like it should be a big summer, with lots of action, huge opening weekends, and a bunch of studio executives laughing and smiling their way to the bank.
MAY
Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - With all the recent revivals [Rocky, Rambo, Die Hard], one has to wonder if the world really needed another Indiana Jones movie. Harrison Ford is about 100 years old, but people do love the character. It could go either way, but we're sure it won't flop.
Iron Man - We get the unlikely, but seemingly perfect, casting of Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark, aka Iron Man. The movie pretty much has success written all over it - strong previews, great early buzz, and the Marvel name rarely does anything but spectacular in the theatres.
Prince Caspian - Did you like the first movie in the Chronicles of Narnia series? Well, then you'll like this one. Did you hate it? Then skip this one. That's the beauty of series films such as this. You pretty much know, going in, whether or not you're going to like it.
Sex and The City: The Movie - No, really. Someone thought this was necessary. We're not sure why, but we're willing to bet this will be the leading cause of divorce come late May/early June, when the movie is at its strongest. Ladies, do yourselves a favor and don't make your husbands/boyfriends/anyone but your gay friends go see this movie.
Speed Racer - The Wachowski's have taken a classic cartoon, turned the volume all the way up, and created a high-speed, special effects-laden film adaptation that looks like it's about 90% action, 10% substance. While that may not sound like a compliment, let's face it - it's a summer movie. They're supposed to be 90% action.
JUNE
Get Smart - Another television show gets all modern as it saunters into theatres. The biggest thing this movie has going for it is its star, Steve Carell. We're not sure the nostalgia factor is strong enough to carry it, in and of itself, but the starpower should be more than enough.
The Happening - M. Night Shamalayan is back with a twist. We don't know what that twist is yet, but we're guessing you'll see it about 40 minutes into the movie. The guy desperately needs a hit, though, so here's hoping he can find what made people fall in love with him and his movies in the first place.
The Incredible Hulk - We have another comic book adaptation. Since the first Hulk movie was pretty much despised, they've decided to start fresh with what looks like a more realistic, less artistic version of the movie. It's pretty much the last chance for the green giant... but it just might save the day for the series.
Kung Fu Panda - Dreamworks animated this one, so you know it will do well. Plus, who doesn't like the idea of kung fu pandas? I guess people who are scared of cute animated pandas might not want them to have super kung fu powers... but let's be honest: not many people have that fear.
WALL-E - Disney/Pixar made this movie about a robot who discovers his true purpose. Let's be honest: it's a Pixar movie. It will be a hit. Plus, WALL-E is a adorable!
JULY
The Dark Knight - This will probably be the biggest movie of the summer. You can't go wrong with Batman, the previews look amazing, and it is also Heath Ledger's last movie. If this movie isn't the biggest movie of the summer, we'll be shocked.
Hancock - It's not the summer without Will Smith. In this one, he plays a superhero. People will go see it. People like Will Smith a lot. He established himself as American royalty with the whole "Fresh Prince" thing... so how could people not go?
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army - Another comic book movie, and a sequel to a surprisingly great movie, to boot. Should be a solid choice, especially for fans of the character and franchise.
Step Brothers - Will Ferrell. John C. Reilly. That's really all anyone needs to know, because these two together are comedy gold.
The X-Files 2 - The super-successful sci-fi show with a cult following like no tomorrow will enjoy its second foray to the big screen in late July. It's going head to head with Step Brothers, but it is unlikely the audiences will overlap that much.
AUGUST
Babylon A.D. - Vin Diesel stars in this thriller with some sci-fi elements. You pretty much know what you're getting when you head into this one.
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor - This movie is proof that some franchises can not, and will not, die. I guess Brendan Frasier can't go and do Revenge of Encino Man [as much as we wish he would]... this movie could be pretty decent, though. It also features Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh. Better them than The Rock!
The Pineapple Express - This one comes from the guys who wrote Superbad, so you know it's good. In a summer a bit light on comedy, it should do quite well. Plus, it stars Seth Rogen, and everyone loves him.
Tropic Thunder - How do you make a war movie funny? Put Ben Stiller at the helm, and have him star in it. Add some Jack Black, Robert Downey, Jr, and tons of other stars, and you have what will go down as pretty much an instant classic. Owen Wilson was meant to be in this one, but he had to leave the cast due to personal issues.
And that's the summer for you! Should be a big season for the studios, but also for fans, since almost every genre [besides horror] is well represented.
