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"

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