Now Playing — Summer Blockbuster Recap


May is over, and the first wave of major summer blockbusters have descended upon us. For those who didn't get to see the big ones last month, here's a recap of the big blockbusters that marked the first month of the summer movie season. With "Man of Steel" due next week and a host of blockbusters in the weeks following, it's time to get out and see what you missed before it gets squeezed out.

Iron Man 3 — released May 3
Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Guy Pearce, Ben Kingsley, Jon Favreau, and Don Cheadle
About: This is the third installment of the "Iron Man" franchise, and it's been a smash at the Box Office. The film follows "The Avengers" in the timeline and has a lot of call backs to that film. Written and directed by Shane Black, this feels like an action film with superheroes. There is plenty of humor, some great performances, and a neat plot twist. This film got the summer started off right.
Verdict: Three Stars out of four.

Star Trek Into Darkness — released May 15
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, John Cho, and Benedict Cumberbatch
About: J.J. Abrams second installment in this rebooted franchise was darker than the first. It tried to cram a lot of plot into a little time frame, but it still works well. This is a movie that has TONS of references to classic "Star Trek" films and shows, particularly "Wrath of Khan." It has a neat twist on a familiar plot and a great villain. The work of Pine and Quinto as Kirk and Spock is great. This is a reboot that really works, and this second film does a great job of building on the first.
Verdict: Four stars out of four

Fast & Furious 6 — released May 24
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris "Ludicris" Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, Luke Evans, and Gina Carano
About: By the time most franchises hit the sixth installment, it's time to hang it up. This franchise just keeps getting better. This film manages to tie all the previous installments — including "Tokyo Drift" — together. It has all the things you've come to love about "Fast & Furious" movies, some humor, and plenty of lavish action.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

The Hangover, Part III — released May 22
Starring: Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, and John Goodman
About: This is the third — and supposedly final — installment in this summer comedy franchise. The first film was great and very original. The second film was a massive let down. This third film steps away from the familiar plot and is an improvement. There are some good jokes and it's kind of fun. It also feels like a fitting ending to the franchise. If you were scared off by Part II, be assured this is more of a return to form.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:
Friday, June 7 — "The Purge," "The Internship"
Wednesday, June 12 — "This Is The End"
Friday, June 14 — "Man of Steel"
Friday, June 21 — "World War Z," "Monster's University"
Friday, June 28 — "The Heat," "White House Down"

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Burial a courtroom drama with heart

Image
Willie Gary (Jamie Foxx) is a brash trial lawyer who is good at rallying a jury to his cause. Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) is a quiet grandfather who is trying to ensure the business his family built remains viable after he’s gone. These two don’t appear to have much in common on the surface. But when they’re brought together by young lawyer Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie) brings them together, a connection is formed over their shared background of working hard to become self-made men. And it turned out that Willie was just who Jerry needed in his corner to win the fight of his life. The new Prime Video film The Burial, which opened in theaters October 6 and started streaming October 13, captures that trial against the Loewen Group that changed the course of their lives. The film is based on the true story and covers the trial, but more importantly captures the relationship between the men. The film plays out like a traditional courtroom drama. Foxx is solid as Willie Gary, while Ju
Read more

Broncos Draft Targets

Image
  The NFL Draft is just a few days away. On April 25, the Denver Broncos will head into the draft in the midst of something of a rebuild. In the draft, the Broncos have the No. 12 pick in Round 1, then have a Third Round Pick, Fourth Round Pick, three Fifth Round Picks, a Sixth Round Pick, and a Seventh Round Pick. So, what might they be targeting? Let's dive in and look at possible positions. Quarterback : The team clearly needs a long-term quarterback. Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci are there but the team could certainly use someone else. Could they move up for Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy? Yes, they could. Will the take Bo Nix at 12? It's possible. Or will the Broncos wait until next off-season to make a move? Anything is in play for the Broncos in 2024, but quarterback is surely a need. Tight End: The team brought back Adam Trautman and still has Greg Dulcich, but it's still a need. Dulcich hasn't been able to get on the field and Trautman hasn't been great. Co
Read more

Favorite Westerns, No. 43

Image
  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1. Rooster Cogburn : [ watching Mattie ford the river hanging on the back of her horse] By God. She reminds me of me. True Grit (1969) Starring : John Wayne, Kim Darby, Glen Campbell, Robert Duvall, and Dennis Hopper Director : Henry Hathaway About: This is the third straight week with a film from Wayne. As you might guess, we're not done. As I've mentioned, he sets a standard for the genre. Here, we seen him bring to life an iconic character. This one is based on a novel, and it has endured. He's great as Rooster Cogburn, so good that he got a sequel in the same character. But this is a later film in his career. This is a different, more grizzled Wayne. He's still quite good and this is a film that really has stood the test of time. It's not the only ve
Read more