We all look forward to the summer slate of blockbusters, don’t we? I mean, sure they may not be notoriously known for winning Oscars or winning the hearts of true cinephiles but they sure do bring in the bucks at the box office.
Whether it’s comic book thrillers, computer-animated family adventures or even adaptations of old television classics, the summer movie season is the time for big budgets, big action and big hits.
While this year is notably all about refurbishing old ideas, there is sure to be at least something for every taste. In light of that, I’ve picked 10 of perhaps the most promising summer movies to keep your eye on and your wallet open for. Whether you agree is up to you.
Iron Man 2 (May 7) – Robert Downey Jr. returns as Tony Stark aka Iron Man in the thriller that pretty much put old Junior back firmly into A-list country and made comic book movies super cool again.
Robin Hood (May 14) – Yes, it’s yet another reimagining of the Robin Hood franchise but don’t look for Kevin Costner’s mullet in this version. Instead, Russell Crowe sucks in his gut and pretends he’s not playing Gladiator (even if he is) in this big-screen adventure.
Shrek Forever After (May 21) – Lime green ogre turned family man Shrek comes back to the big-screen ensuring Mike Myers will be able to make his mortgage payments for yet another year.
The Prince of Persia (May 28) – Based on a video game, this Jerry Bruckheimer-produced thriller features Jake Gyllenhaal as a rogue prince trying to protect a magical dagger.
The A-Team (June 11) – A remake of the old 80’s TV show, this Liam Neeson/Bradley Cooper actioner brings the multiplexes an extra side of cheese. Perhaps this summer’s biggest gamble, most aren’t sure whether to gag or be giddy about this film.
Knight and Day (June 25) – Tommy Cruise and Cameron Diaz team up in this unlikely international espionage drama. I know that sounds vague but then most people will be checking this out for its A-list cast – not intricate plotlines or subtlety.
The Last Airbender (July 2) – Okay, so M. Night Shyamalan has had a string of bad flicks lately – see Lady in the Water for one – the filmmaker behind The Sixth Sense is hoping this adaptation of the hugely successful Nickelodeon animated series will put him back in good graces.
Predators (July 9) – Another remake – this time of the old horror movie franchise - this sci-fi flick stars a bunch of freaky aliens hunting down an elite group of warriors. Kind of like the Saw movies if they were made by a bunch of Rastafarian Martians.
The Other Guys (August 6) – By August, maybe you’ll be ready for a movie that isn’t a complete remake or adaptation of something else. Well, The Other Guys could be that film but since its stars Will Ferrell (who’s been accused of “being the same” in all his movies) don’t expect complete originality. Still, this buddy-cop flick co-starring Mark Wahlberg might be a refreshing laugh.
The Expendables (August 13) – And then there is The Expendables. Many fans have been waiting for this high-octane action thriller that’s explosions are likely only upstaged by the old-school action hero antics of Sly Stallone, Dolph Lundgren and even Arnie Schwarzenegger with hot contemporaries like Jet Li, Steve Austin and Jason Statham all in the name of kicking a little butt…summer blockbuster style. Almost guaranteed to blow up real good-like on the big-screen!
Other notable releases:
MacGruber (May 21)
Sex and the City 2 (May 27)
Marmaduke (June 4)
The Karate Kid (June 11)
Toy Story 3 (June 18)
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (June 30)
Salt (July 23)
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (Aug 13)
