Most Anticipated Summer Movies, Part Two
July 8, 2008 8:00 am action movie, comedy, musical
Look behind you! Big things coming to theaters this month
Big-budget blockbusters are one of my favorite signs of summer.
For one, summer movies tend to be fun, light-hearted entertainment — what I like to call “popcorn movies.”
They’re invariably full of awesome action sequences and clever quips. And they’re shown in cool, dark movie theaters, the perfect place to spend a sun-drenched afternoon.
With “Hancock” and “Wanted” rocking the box office and plenty of hits still to come, here’s a look at July’s most talked-about releases.
Click on the links below for trailers.
“Hellboy II: The Golden Army” (July 11)
Whether you’re a Hellboy newbie or a longtime fan of Mike Mignola’s comic books like myself, there’s plenty to love about “Hellboy II: The Golden Army.”
“Pan’s Labyrinth” director Guillermo Del Toro returns to Big Red territory with an all-new arsenal of fantasy beasts and high-octane fight scenes.
Judging from the trailer, audiences can expect sleek visual effects, loads of creepy-crawlies and a big dose of self-deprecating humor. Should be fun.
“Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D” (July 11)
Watching the trailer for Disney’s latest 3D rollercoaster, I have just one question: When does the theme park open?
Based on H.G. Well’s classic but scientifically suspect novel, “Journey” shares more with a ride at Disney World than the company’s catalog of beloved family films. There’s not much dialog or character development.
What “Journey” does have is action. Our intrepid adventurers (Brendan Fraser, Anita Briem, and that kid from “Bridge to Terabithia”) brave lava, prehistoric beasts and a host of otherworldly dangers.
Of course, it’s unfair to judge a film meant to be presented in digital 3D by its 2D trailer. The final verdict will have to come in the movie theater.
“The Dark Knight” (July 18)
I’m going to say it right now: Heath Ledger deserves an Oscar.
The late actor is downright spooky as the Joker in this sequel to Christopher Nolan’s brooding “Batman Begins.”
Watching Ledger lick his lips or rake a hand through his matted green hair, you get a true sense of Joker’s madness. This guy isn’t merely kooky. He’s criminally insane.
Add an A-list cast (Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart and Gary Oldman among them), dark drama and some jawdropping action scenes, and you’ve got a guaranteed hit.
“Mamma Mia!” (July 18)
Good-looking stars. A gorgeous Greek island. And ABBA songs.
What more could you ask from the summer’s sunniest movie?
With a plot that could be subtitled “Three Dads and a Wedding” and a soundtrack based on ’70s pop, “Mamma Mia!” is decidely lightweight. But that’s hardly the point.
The entire cast — which includes Meryl Streep as the bride’s mom and Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard as the dreamy dads — looks like they’re having a blast.
“The X-Files: I Want to Believe” (July 25)
They’re the ultimate duo. The perfect pair.
Dana Scully is the skeptic, the old soul who’s “done chasing monsters in the dark.” Fox Mulder, ever credulous, just wants to believe.
They’re back in a “X-Files” sequel wrought with otherworldly chills.
This time, everyone’s favorite FBI agents are on the trail of a supernatural phenomenon in the Frozen North.
With a plot this “out there,” it helps to have solid casting.
Fortunately, the chemistry between Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny looks as strong as ever. And scottish actor/comedian Billy Connolly, who plays a priest who receives unearthly visions, is sure to be one of the highlights.
***
Photo courtesy of MovieWeb.com.
Pat :
Date: July 8, 2008 @ 5:06 pm
A few thoughts:
1.) I think Hellboy needs to use more suncreen.
2.) Any movie with Brendan Fraser in it is bound to suck.
3.) Any movie with Gary Oldman in it is bound to be pretty good.
4.) A movie full of ABBA songs might actually cause physical pain.
5.) I can’t think of “X-Files” without singing, “watching ‘X-Files with no lights on . . .”