The Films of Summer, Pt. 1


So, the summer movie season begins with the first Friday in May. That's right, the summer blockbusters will start rolling out in less than two weeks. Over the next two days I'll be walking you through 10 films to get excited about and a few to fear. Today, we'll look at May and June.

May 2012:
The Avengers — Friday, May 4
Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Samuel L. Jackson, and Chris Evans
Synopsis: This is a big super hero tent pole film from writer/director Joss Whedon. Whedon is a great and clever writer, and so I have high hopes for this film. This is an all-star cast, combining the featured heroes from a number of different Marvel franchises. This is also the kick start to the summer season, so it needs to get going on a good note. All the trailers and pre-release information indicate that this will be one of the better action pieces of the summer. Let's hope that holds true.

Dark Shadows — Friday, May 11
Starring: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Eva Green, and Helena Bonham Carter
Synopsis: A month ago, this would not have been on the list of films to get excited about. Frankly, I couldn't tell what this would be like. Then the trailer was released, and the black comedy genius of this film was unveiled to the world. Purists and die-hard fans of the show have expressed reservations, but if you're looking for a film that's cooky and fun, this is it. This looks like vintage Tim Burton, and it looks life a fun role and performance from Depp. This could be one of the true gems of the summer.

Other May Releases: "Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," "Men In Black III," "What to Expect When You're Expecting," "The Dictator," "Hysteria," "Moonrise Kingdom," and "The Chernobyl Diaries"

One to Fear in May:
Battleship — Friday, May 18
Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Liam Neeson, and Rihanna
Synopsis: This is a film based on a board game, so it leaves something to be desired anyway. Then there's the weird trailers and the feeling that you get that this film seems like a rejected "Transformers" script. This does not look like a summer prize, it looks like a summer bomb...


June 2012:
Snow White and the Huntsman — Friday, June 1
Starring: Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart, and Chris Hemsworth
Synopsis: OK, so this is yet another film version of the Snow White story, but this has the advantage of looking like an awesome action movie. On the con side, it stars Stewart (from "Twilight") as Snow White. On the plus side, it looks like a fun visual ride. Consider me officially intrigued!

Prometheus — Friday, June 8
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Noomi Rapace, Idris Elba, and Patrick Wilson
Synopsis: There is little known about the exact plot of this film. It's fair to say the trailers don't really help. So this could be considered a shot-in-the-dark pick. However, "Alien" was awesome, and this is a rumored prequel from Ridley Scott. The trailer looks creepy, it's got a great cast, and it's from "LOST" executive producer Damon Lindelof. That all seems like a perfect storm of sci-fi awesomeness.

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter — Friday, June 22
Starring: Benjamin Walker, Rufus Sewell, Dominic Cooper, Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Synopsis: This looks to be one of the most unique films of the summer. Based on the novel of the same name this film, from the director of "Wanted," looks like a fun mash up of history and action violence. It comes from producer Tim Burton, and looks to be tonally a lot like his movies. The trailer is awesome and this looks like a crazy, fun, funny story.

Other June Release: "Pirahana 3DD," "Madagascar 3," "Rock of Ages," "The Woman in the Fifth," "Brave," "Seeking a Friend at the End of the World," G.I. Joe: Retaliation," "Magic Mike"

One to Fear in June:
That's My Boy
Starring: Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg
Synopsis: Adam Sandler has lost his fastball. That's abundantly clear with this stinker, which looks awful. Sandler's last few movies have been poor, with "Jack and Jill" being the worst. This may be a new low. Avoid at all costs!

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