Summer Movie Preview, Pt. 2

Yesterday I took a look at the releases awaiting us in May and June, now it's time to take a look at the movies coming in the back half of summer. While July looks to be a potentially solid month, don't expect a lot out of August — unless you're a fan of sequels, horror movies, or a combination of both.

July 1 — Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Starring: Shia LeBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Leonard Nimoy, Hugo Weaving, and Peter Cullen
Preview: In my post on Wednesday, I mentioned that I am a Michael Bay fan. Bay is the perfect director for the blockbuster summer season. While I'll admit that the second "Transformers" film wasn't great, this one looks to be a little more interesting. Plus, it now has the voice talents of Spock himself, Leonard Nimoy, to give it a little more sci-fi cred. I am excited to see what will come of this film.

July 1 — Larry Crowne
Starring: Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks
Preview: On the opposite side of the spectrum from "Transformers," we have this adult comedy directed by and starring Tom Hanks. The trailer is utterly charming, and Hanks and Roberts are two of the few remaining movie stars we have nowadays. This looks like it could be an unexpected gem for those seeking more than explosions during the heat of summer.

July 15 — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and Ralph Fiennes
Preview: This is the final installment of the "Harry Potter" franchise. I don't really need to say more do I? "Deathly Hallows, Part 1" was fantastic, and I can't wait to see how the whole saga comes to an end. This will likely be the biggest draw during the summer of 2011.

July 29 — Cowboys & Aliens
Starring: Harrison Ford, Daniel Craig, and Olivia Wilde
Preview: This may be the strangest of the big summer blockbusters, but it looks oddly fascinating. The preview gives one a sense of the narrative, and director Jon Favreau did a great job with the "Iron Man" franchise, so I have hopes this will be a witty, entertaining ride as well.

Other July Releases: Zookeeper (July 8); Horrible Bosses (July 8); Captain America (July 22); Friends With Benefits (July 22); and The Smurfs (July 29)

Trying to find a winning film slated for an August release is always a challenge. There are some that could be good, and a bunch that look like they will be rough to sit through.

August 12 — The Help
Starring: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, and Octavia Spencer
Preview: This is an interesting period piece with a good cast. Based on the novel by Katheryn Stockett, this film explores class issues and race relations in the South in the 1960s. It has a great cast and could be a more substantial gem during the summer season.

Other August Releases: Rise of the Apes (August 5); The Change Up (August 5); 30 Minutes or Less (August 12); Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (August 12); Fright Night (August 19); Spy Kids 4 (August 19); Final Destination 5 (August 26); and Conan The Barbarian (August 19).

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