The Sims Summer Movie Series
This summer, my goal is to see and review the following (all summaries provided by IMDB and all pictures through google image):
The Avengers-In Theaters Now
This is the one film I have been waiting for since “Iron Man” came out back in 2008. It’s so cool to see how far the Marvel Cinematic Universe has come since the end credits scene at the end of the first Iron Man film. I’m so excited to see the team come together, to see Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk, the inner team fights and all under Joss Whedon (Buffy, Firefly) directing. From all the current reviews, this film is nothing short of incredible and fulfills all expectations.
Dark Shadows-May 11
An imprisoned vampire, Barnabas Collins, is set free and returns to his ancestral home, where his dysfunctional descendants are in need of his protection.
Yes, yes, ANOTHER Tim Burton/Johnny Depp/Helena Bonham Carter collaboration. I never turn down going to see one, and I think they work well with one another. Depp looks pastier here than when he played Willie Wonka or Sweeney Todd, and that is saying something. I’m intrigued by the concept, and hopefully if this does well and Depp decides to do another Pirates film then Burton can do that long awaited Beetle Juice sequel while Depp is busy.
The Dictator-May 18
The heroic story of a dictator who risks his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.
I’m always interested in seeing what Sacha Baron Cohen does for his film roles, ranging from Borat to Bruno to even Jean Girard in “Talladega Nights” and how he’s able to push the envelop so many ways. This looks promising, though I have to admit “Bruno” was a disappointment so I’m going in reserved.
Men In Black III-May 25
Agent J travels in time to MIB’s early years in the 1960s, to stop an alien from assassinating his friend Agent K and changing history.
Hard to believe it’s been 10 years since the last MIB film, and that one was pretty lackluster compared to the first one. The time travel concept intrigues me, as does Jermaine Clement (Flight of the Concords) as the villain. Apparently, one of the main writer/directors of Fresh Prince is helping with this film so it makes sense J is the main character with him teaming with a younger K (ironically cast Josh Brolin).
Prometheus-June 8
A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.
Not much has been revealed about this film yet, although I keep hearing it’s tied into the Alien films. Nevertheless, the cast, the concept, and Ridley Scott have me heavily invested into this film, so I’ll be there opening weekend hoping to see if this does tie in and what “mysteries” the explorers come across.
Brave-June 22
Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.
I have one rule when it comes to animated movies: if it ain’t by Pixar, then I’m not interested unless there’s some really good story or production behind it. With the new Pixar film coming, I know there’s going to be not only a good story and voice acting, but deeper meaning and messages. The delving into Scottish myth also seems like an interesting premise. Hopefully, Pixar can redeem themselves after last summer and how boring/awful “Cars 2” was.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter-June 22
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, discovers vampires are planning to take over the United States. He makes it his mission to eliminate them.
I gotta say, if nothing else then the title makes this film sound like it will be an interesting B-movie. My goal is to read the book before I see this new take on one of our beloved presidents. How they plan to incorporate Lincolns’ presidency and the Civil War with him fighting vampires.
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World-June 22
As an asteroid nears Earth, a man finds himself alone after his wife leaves in a panic. He decides to take a road trip to reunite with his high school sweetheart. Accompanying him is a neighbor who inadvertently puts a wrench in his plan.
Not much to say about this one, other than it’s Steve Carrell and Keira Knightly in a comedy about the apocalypse. Carrell proved with “Dan in Real Life” and “Little Miss Sunshine” that he can do drama and comedy and with Knightly (who I haven’t seen since “The Dutchess”), this should be his most interesting pairing yet.
The Amazing Spider-Man-July 3
Peter Parker finds a clue that might help him understand why his parents disappeared when he was young. His path puts him on a collision course with Dr. Curt Connors, his father’s former partner.
Now THIS is the one film I am so excited for this summer! I have faith this film can surpass the Sam Raimi films, and that Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone will forever be Spidey and Gwen in the same way Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder are Superman and Lois for many. The Lizard as the villain and the explorations into aspects of Spidey’s character that we have yet to see make this a must-see, and the POV 3-D of Spider-Man’s adventure might get me to shell out the extra $5 for the 3-D.
Ted-July 13
A story centered on a man and his teddy bear, who comes to life as the result of a childhood wish.
Three words: Seth MacFarlane directing. This combination of “Family Guy” and “Wilfred” are making this even more compelling, and lately Mark Wahlberg’s best films are his comedies.
The Dark Knight Rises-July 20
Eight years after Batman took the fall for Two Face’s crimes, a new terrorist leader, Bane, overwhelms Gotham’s finest, and the Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy.
Another Must-See for me, if for no other reason to see how they plan on topping “The Dark Knight” and how Tom Hardy’s Bane will compare to Heath Ledger’s Joker. Hopefully, the rumors of Batman dying are not true, but with Chris Nolan behind the helm for the last time…who knows?
The Bourne Legacy-August 3
A story centered on a new CIA operative in the universe based on Robert Ludlum’s novels.
After the last “Mission: Impossible” and “Avengers”, it looks like Jeremy Renner is going to be a big action star. As a huge fan of the Bourne character and the films staring Matt Damon and directed by Paul Greengrass and Doug Liman, I’m skeptical to see how a Bourne film without Bourne will be.
