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)

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