It was hard to limit myself to a top 20 as this summer seems to be jam-packed with hits all around. This summer, as last was, will be sure to break box office records, although not packed with trilogies, comic book movies are taking a forefront in these records with Iron Man already having one of the highest opening weekends with close to $100 million. This summer there is a movie to fill your quota ever weekend, of every month, that the entire family can enjoy-from the ever popular anticipated The Dark Knight to the clever animation of Pixar. Enjoy!
-Blockbusters all in their own- Rounding out at 66 years old Harrison Ford returns almost 20 years later with new sidekick Shia LaBeouf to tag along with him. By the title alone, we find Indi back in action to discover the whereabouts of the mysterious artifact of the Crystal Skull. With excitement around every corner, Indiana Jones never seems to disappoint, and although it's a little late in coming, a fourth Indi film is better than never.
The Happening (June 13) Remember The Sixth Sense? And perhaps Signs? From the director and writer who was quickly forgotten after flop Lady in the Water, M. Night Shyamalan is back. From what the preview showcases, The Happening brings about a natural disaster of some sorts that takes over the human body, in turn, taking over the entire country. With Mark Wahlberg as the lead, we may see a comeback from Shyamalan. Or we might just have to forget it never happened.
Mamma Mia! (July 18) Based on the hit musical that has so far reached 30 million people and earned $2 billion, Mamma Mia will be sure to excite the marginal musical genre fans. It tells the story of a bride-to-be searching for her real father. The music is catchy, and always has been since ABBA emerged in the 70s, but can it couple with the voices of Meryl Steep and Pierce Brosnan? People will see it to see it, giving it its boost in sales, but it may not please as many people as ABBA once could.
The Mummy 3- Tomb of The Dragon Emperor (August 1) Brenden Fraiser is finally back…and in one of the most anticipated and long awaited movies to come. Getting back in the action, The Mummy 3 teams father/son duo in combat with the resurrected Han Emperor, played by Jet Li. Father and son, along with wife (Maria Bella) and her brother (John Hannah) as usual, must stop a mummy awoken from a 2,000-year-old curse set out to rule the world. It's been seven years since the sequel came out and I'd say seven years since Fraiser has done anything worth watching on the big screen-minus Crash. All in all, I think this movie will be a great addition to the series.
Star Wars-The Clone Wars (August 15) Star Wars, Star Wars, Star Wars. It never seems to end, does it? The franchise will continue to make money even with this animated feature. According to Moviefone, "The Clone Wars are a conflict between the Galactic Republic, led by the Jedi Knights and their clone army, and the nefarious separatist movement of Chancellor Palpatine (who later becomes the emperor)." Whatever that means. While not being shown outright in any of the six films put out in the Star Wars saga, The Clone Wars takes place between the events of 2002's Episode II: Attack of the Clones and 2005's Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Wookies unite-George Lucas is back in the house.
-Movies based on a comic book-
The Incredible Hulk (June 13) Edward Norton is the only thing that can save this movie or the image of the Incredible Hulk on the big screen at all. The Hulk has got a bad name already due to Hulk (2003) staring Eric Bana, so hopefully Norton can bring his usual uniqueness, quirkiness, and great acting ability to save the Hulk at last. Plus, the graphics look pretty killer too-that may help in the long run.
Hancock (July 2) It's not based on a comic book, but it takes the image of a superhero to another level. Hancock is an out-of-sync guy with good intentions but always leaves the public with more damage and problem than before. It's a different role for Will Smith, with more edge to his character to combine with the usual humor. But Smith always seems to dominate the fourth of July weekend, Men and Black and Independence Day for instance, so I'm not seeing too much worry on his part, especially since it's the only July 4th weekend movie I see worth going too.
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (July 11) As a defender against the dark forces of Hell, Hellboy returns to save the Earth against a rebellion of mythical creatures, ready to take over the world. Hellboy wasn't a total hit in theaters when the first one debuted, but it has gotten more fame through DVD release. Director Guillermo del Toro turned down I Am Legend, One Missed Call, and Halo to work on this movie, so perhaps by putting all his effort into this sequel, it will pay off. Plus, a third and final chapter is already in the making.
The Dark Knight (July 18) You've been living under a rock…or should I say in a bat cave…if you don't know about The Dark Knight yet. Already anticipated before the tragic death of Heath Ledger, this movie will stand as a tribute as well as a kick ass movie to boot. Christian Bale has finally revoked the awful image that George Clooney and Val Kilmer showcased in their Batman suits and Heath Ledger takes off where Jack Nicholson left off. The Dark Knight will by far top all box office records for opening summer weekend movies, and perhaps bring itself close to the top 10 of top grossing movies off all time-you never know, maybe a movie will finally dethrone Titanic.
-Movies based on a TV Series-
Sex and the City (May 30) We'll never get rid of these four ladies, and they're back bigger and better on the big screen, starting right off where the hit HBO show left off. Fans are expecting loose ends to be tied up and hopefully do so in a sexy, stylish way as always.
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