Summer Movie Preview 2011
Entertainment May 4, 2011 Admin
BY ARIEL SMILOWITZ
Now that the school year is gradually winding down, many students may be wondering about summer and its endless possibilities. For many, these possibilities include popcorn, midnight screenings, and 3-D glasses, as the movie theater is often a popular destination. This year the silver screen will be even more crowded than ever, and by the end of the summer at least a dozen movies will reach blockbuster status. So, for all of those movie-goers unsure about which movies to see, here is a guide to this summer’s biggest premieres.
THOR (MAY 6)
Unlike other superheroes from the past, Thor happens to be a god. So, in this movie, the superhero is banished from his homeland, stripped of his powers, and exiled to Earth. However, his powers are procured from a hammer, and in order to retrieve the hammer and gain his powers once more he must prove his worth. This film boasts several seasoned actors including Academy Award winner Natalie Portman as scientist Jane Foster, and Academy Award nominee Kenneth Branagh, who serves as the film’s director.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (MAY 20)
After four years, Johnny Depp is back as Captain Jack Sparrow. This time, Sparrow’s in search of the Fountain of Youth, and on his journey he happens to cross paths with the infamous Blackbeard and his daughter Angelica, played by Ian McShane and Penelope Cruz respectively. Although Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley don’t return, their departure from the series may be a good thing, considering the last film wasn’t particularly great. Besides, this movie has a lot of fresh new faces, and with a revamped cast the franchise will surely resurrect itself.
The Hangover: Part II (MAY 26)
Everybody’s favorite party boys find themselves in another crazy situation, however this time the party is in Bangkok. Phil, Alan, Stu, and Doug return, and as they celebrate Stu’s wedding this time, you would think that they would try extremely hard not to repeat their wild Vegas night. Needless to say, things take a very expected turn, and the boys end up losing the younger brother of Stu’s fiancée. Although the plot is exactly the same, you’re sure to find tons of laughs and outrageous fun in this highly anticipated sequel.
The Tree Of Life (MAY 27)
If you happen to want to watch a movie with a little more depth, The Tree of Life is the perfect choice. Starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn, details of the plot have been minimal, yet the drama has created quite a stir. Penn stars as Jack, a boy who journeys from the innocence of childhood to his disillusioned years as an adult, trying to find meaning in life. Jack’s disillusionment is mainly a product of his father, played by Pitt. Although the film hasn’t been heavily advertised, the drama’s surreal and philosophical elements, coupled with the enormous star power of its cast, are a recipe for success.
X-Men: First Class (JUNE 3)
After 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, the franchise returns with another prequel. Lucky for us, this means we don’t have to watch any of the previous X-Men movies. Nonetheless, with such a large and successful string of movies, this prequel will definitely be refreshing, and with a strong ensemble cast that includes James McAvoy, Kevin Bacon, and Jennifer Lawrence, the franchise’s wise strategy to refresh the series will definitely attract new fans.
Beginners (JUNE 3)
Along with the previous movie, Beginners hasn’t exactly been advertised very much, yet this offbeat drama is still one to consider this summer. Ewan McGregor stars as Oliver, a man dealing with two revelations about his elderly father Hal: that he is gay and gravely ill. Hal is played by the excellent Christopher Plummer, whom you may know as Captain Georg von Trapp from The Sound of Music. So, if you want to see an endearing and heartfelt movie, look no further.
Super 8 (JUNE 10)
Even though it’s also a big-budget action movie, Super 8 is following a slightly different formula. Set in Ohio in 1979, this film tells the story of six young children whom, while making their own movie in a remote stretch of railroad tracks, witness a truck collide with a train. Amidst the destruction, something inhuman emerges. This may be just another sci-fi thriller, but the fact that Steven Spielberg is one of the producers makes this movie sound more promising. Also, the story revolves around a group of children, making the premise a little more intriguing to watch while simultaneously bringing a lot of heart to the film.
Green Lantern (JUNE 17)
If you’re more interested in seeing an intergalactic adventure, then Green Lantern is the perfect choice. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, the movie centers around Hal Jordan, a pilot for the United States Air Force who becomes a Green Lantern, part of an intergalactic brotherhood that is sworn to keep order and maintain peace. But, when a new enemy threatens the balance of power, the fate of the universe lies in Hal’s hands. Expect a lot of action, amazing special effects, and aliens that are out of this world.
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (JULY 15)
The phenomenom is finally coming to a close! The midnight lines and costume parties are ending as the last film in the franchise premieres at the heart of the summer season. We’ve all grown up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione on their journey to destroy Lord Voldemort; however it’s hard to enjoy this last movie knowing that there will never be another one. Even so, Part 2 is the must-see movie of the year, and if you haven’t yet, go to the midnight premiere for a night you’ll definitely remember.
Captain America: The First Avenger (JULY 22)
If gods and aliens aren’t your thing, then try a period piece. Set in 1942, Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans, is deemed physically unfit to enlist in the U.S. Army and fight during World War II. So, instead he volunteers for Project: Rebirth, a secret military operation, and is physically transformed into a super-soldier dubbed Captain America. Chris Evans is already a pro, considering he played Human Torch in the Fantastic Four franchise, and his enemy Red Skull is played by Hugo Weaving, whom you may know as Agent Smith from The Matrix franchise. Because the comic book series was created in the midst of WWII, the film is sure to be filled with epic battle scenes, a lot of history, and patriotic pride, so enjoy!
Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes (AUGUST 5)
Not everyone may be familiar with the 1968 film Planet of the Apes starring Charlton Heston, and after six films another remake of the iconic movie is being released. This time, James Franco stars as a scientist working on a cure for Alzheimer’s disease by testing on apes. However, things take a turn when Caesar, one of the apes, suddenly begins to mutate rapidly. Not only has the original premise changed, but rather than have people play the intelligent simians, the apes are getting a CGI makeover. Of all the reboots, this is definitely one of the most anticipated films of the summer, and will surely create a lot of controversy and excitement.
