Summer Movie Preview, Pt. 1


"You think you world is safe? It is an illusion. A comforting lie told to protect you. Enjoy these final moments of peace. For I have returned to have my vengeance. So, shall we begin?" — John Harrison, "Star Trek Into Darkness"

The most action-packed, effects-driven, and packed movie season of the year is nearly upon us. Sure, movies released between May and August don't generally bring home the awards, but they put butts in the seats and rake in the cash. They're also pretty fun.

I love movies. I love serious movies that make me think. I also love big, spectacle films that I enjoy. After all, one of my favorite directors is Michael Bay. So for the Bay fans out there, summer begins on May 3. Here's the first half of my look at the films of summer, covering May and June.

May:

Iron Man 3 — Friday, May 3
Director: Shane Black
Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Kingsley, Guy Pearce, and Don Cheadle
About: This is the film that kicks off the summer. Slowly, "Iron Man" has become the best of the Marvel comic franchises — and that's before you consider the tie-in with "The Avengers," last summer's mega-hit. Downey is the perfect person for the lead role, and this is a franchise that mixes action with compelling characters and a bit of humor. I am excited to see what Shane Black — "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang," "Lethal Weapon" — can do with this series. The trailers make this installment look epic, and with someone like Kingsley embodying the villain, you know there will be some solid acting. This looks like the perfect way to kick start the summer.

Star Trek Into Darkness — Friday, May 17
Director: J.J. Abrams
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, and Benedict Cumberbatch
About: What Abrams did with the "Star Trek" reboot in 2009 was incredible. It was a film that was faithful to the original franchise while paving the way for a whole new set of adventures and a new generation of fans. This film looks to up the ante. The trailers make it look incredible, thanks in no small way to Cumberbatch as the villain. Anyone who is a fan of "Sherlock" on the BBC knows how great Cumberbatch is, and this film looks like it provides an opportunity for him to shine. This could be the best of the summer blockbusters.

Fast & Furious 6 — Friday, May 24
Director: Justin Lin
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, and The Rock
About: It's hard to believe that this series is now on its sixth film. I doubt when the original was released in 2001 that the makers pictured this series spanning six films and 12 years. And it's not over. Though part six hasn't yet debuted, there is already an official release date for Fast & Furious 7. The thing is, this is a series that has gotten better. Leaving out the second and third installments — the continuity built in part four and five have the audience ready for part six. All the stars of all the films are back, and this looks like the most high-octane adventure yet. Diesel and Walker may never be big movie stars, but they own this franchise. They are the perfect co-leading men. Through in a heavy dose of The Rock, and this is ready to go, made for summer entertainment.

May Releases: The Iceman (May 3), The Great Gatsby (May 10), Peeples (May 10), The Hangover, Part III (May 24), Epic (May 24), Before Midnight (May 24), Now You See Me (May 31), The Purge (May 31)

June:
Man of Steel — June 14
Director: Zack Snyder
Starring: Henry Cavil, Russell Crowe, Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Kevin Costner, and Michael Shannon
About: It has been seven years since the last attempt at bringing Superman to the big screen, but this looks like a wholly different approach. Snyder made his name by directing big epic action films that looked like the panels of comic books. This actually is a comic book, but it's got heavy influences from producer Christopher Nolan ("The Dark Knight") based on the trailer. That's a good thing. Each new trailer released makes this film look better. Heading into last month, I thought "Star Trek" was a lock to be the best film of the summer. Now, I'm not so sure. That's the power of the images, trailers, and early looks at "Man of Steel." If it's done right — and there is plenty riding on this film — "Man of Steel" could do for D.C. Comics what "Iron Man" did for Marvel and kick off a string of interconnected movies that will blow up the brand. Here's to hoping.

The Heat — June 28
Director: Paul Feig
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, and Marlon Wayans
About: You expect some good, R-rated laughs during summer. "The Heat" looks to bring that in spades. There are plenty of "adult" comedies in the first two months of summer, but this looks like the pick of the litter. It reunites Feig, the director of "Bridesmaids," with that film's biggest star. Through comedy queen Bullock into the mix and you've got something potentially great on your hands. The trailer for the film looks awesome, and this could be the comedy gem of the summer season.

June Releases: After Earth (June 7), The Internship (June 7), Much Ado About Nothing (June 7), This Is The End (June 14), The Bling Ring (June 14), World War Z (June 21), Monsters University (June 21), White House Down (June 28)

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