Summer Movie Preview, Pt. 2


The summer movie season is almost upon us. It officially kicks off with the first weekend in May. In part one, I highlighted five films from the first two months of the summer season. Summer usually comes in like a Lion and goes out like a Lamb, with the quality and quantity of blockbusters sliding in July and, especially, in August. Will this year be the same?

July:
Ghostbusters, July 15
About: This isn't really a sequel or a re-make, more like a re-imagining. Paul Feig takes the reins here with an all female cast led by Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy. Those three have collaborated on some great comedies, will "Ghostbusters" be the next? Right now I'm on the fence after a lackluster first trailer. Still, this has to be one of the most anticipated films of summer, right?

Star Trek Beyond, July 22
About: When J.J. Abrams re-booted "Star Trek," it was to rave reviews. People were split on the follow up, "Star Trek: Into Darkness." I liked it, but can understand those who didn't. With Abrams off to re-boot "Star Wars," the reigns of the franchise have gone to Justin Lin, the man responsible for revitalizing the "Fast & Furious" franchise. The first trailer makes it seem like this will be a more action-oriented "Star Trek," but it's fair to wonder if the re-booted franchise is already running out of steam.

Jason Bourne, July 29
About: Matt Damon is back. That's all we needed to hear. After a sub-par fourth installment in the franchise built around Jeremy Renner, the OG Bourne team is back with another adventure. I can't wait to see what Damon and Paul Greengrass have up their sleeves.

Other July Releases: "The Legend of Tarzan" (July 1); "The BFG" (July 1); "The Purge: Election Year" (July 1); "The Secret Life of Pets" (July 8); "Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates" (July 8); "The Infiltrator" (July 15); "Ice Age: Collision Course" (July 22); "Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie" (July 22); "Lights Out" (July 22); "Bad Moms" (July 29)

August:
The Suicide Squad, August 5
About: The DC Cinematic Universe expands with this collection of villains who are recruited to take on impossible jobs in secret for the government. Will Smith is Dead Shot, Margo Robbie is Harley Quinn and Jared Leto stars as The Joker. Of course, the Batfleck makes a cameo, too. This is part of the new, inter-connected world order for DC. But this might also have some of the humor that has been missing in Zach Snyder's films. I remain hopeful this could be something a little different that just might work.

Ben-Hur, August 19
About: This is a re-make of a classic film, and maybe not a prototypical entry during summer. But I like the cast — which includes Morgan Freeman and Jack Huston — and I'm curious to see where this re-make goes. If it's done well, this could be a nice update to a classic.

Other August Releases: "Nine Lives" (August 5); "The Founder" (August 5); "Pete's Dragon" (August 12); "Sausage Party" (August 12); "Florence Jenkins Foster" (August 12); "Spectral" (August 12); "Cafe Society" (August 12); "War Dogs" (August 19); "The Space Between Us" (August 19); "Kubo and the Two Strings" (August 19); "Max Steel" (August 26); "The Mechanic: Resurrection" (August 26); "Don't Breathe" (August 26)

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