Please Excuse our state as we are recovering, updating, and restoring from a hack.
With Iron Man 3 already out in parts of the world and opening next week in the states,here is our 2013 Summer movie preview from our March 2013 magazine.
May
By Chris Daniels
3 – Iron Man 3 – The next in what’s already an extremely popular, well made, and profitable Marvel franchise, Iron Man 3 will see Robert Downey Jr. reprise his role as the enigmatic and egotistical, fast-talking, billionaire playboy and superhero. Other notables include Guy Pearce, Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, and Don Cheadle as James Rhodes/War Machine. Iron Man 3 features the incomparable Sir Ben Kingsley as Iron Man’s arch nemesis: The Mandarin. I have high hopes for this film I feel confident they will deliver, as they have twice before!
10 – The Great Gatsby – While this film has been done many times, the trailers give me hope that it will truly be a masterful rendition of the famous book by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Leonardo DiCaprio is well chosen, in my opinion, for the title role of Gatsby, is accompanied by another great casting choice: Tobey Maguire as the other main character, Nick Carraway. If the trailers are any indication of the production values, this is sure to be an epic film, which I suspect will garner some Oscar nominations.
17 – Star Trek: Into the Darkness – The cast of recently rebooted, beloved cult show Star Trek will find themselves on the silver screen again, with a salivating audience. Two years ago, JJ Abrams stunned everyone with a film that further bridged the gap between geek and pop culture. The fans are hungry for more, and your second helping is only weeks away. All of the same faces from before have returned, with the addition of Benedict Cumberbatch (best known for BBC’s Sherlock) as the villain. Nothing more need be said. This will be epic.
24 – Fast and Furious 6 – Last year, Vin Diesel came back to the Fast and Furious franchise and reignited the quality of the films. The addition of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson cemented F&F 5 in the books of worth-watching speed films. This year they look to continue the trend and the storyline. Ever since the first film, the lives of these outlaws have been the focal point of the franchise, but development has been very slow, given the nature of the films: speed action, not drama. The stunts and production values always make these films entertaining, along with beautiful cars and fast women. Or is that the other way around?!?
24 – The Hangover: Part III – What really needs to be said here? Hollywood is capitalizing on you spending money on these films! The funny is coming, and it’s the same drunkards from the previous two big screen hits, with brand new antics and witty one-liners. If you are a fan of the series, this will be for you. If you’re not, keep reading!
24 – Epic -Chris Wedge, one of the brains behind Ice Age, broke off on his own to do this project, which is an amalgamation of “The Leaf Men” and “Brave Good Bugs.” If you are a lover of animated films, this will likely be the one you must take your kids to, or just see yourself. It is already being compared to the work of Hayao Miyazaki. That’s a tall order, as far as statements go.
31 – The Purge – If Sci-Fi thrillers are a dollar-spender for you, then catching Ethan Hawke and director Jason Blum (Paranormal Activity) with their latest film, may be a requirement. The Purge is being heralded as a story that scares because of its believability; all things illegal are legal for 12 hours. WHAT?!? This one sounds like it could be a very interesting twist on conventional law movies.
JUNE
7 – After Earth – For those of you like me who’ve been craving another M. Night Shyamalan film: it has finally arrived. (Please take note of my sarcasm) It arrives in theaters this summer, and it does so with the recently absent Will Smith, and also his child-star son, Jaden Smith. One saving grace for this post-apocalyptic alien planet film is that Shyamalan didn’t write the script, and is only directing, which he actually does reasonably well. The buzz is quiet, which raises the intrigue.
7 – Now You See Me – Continuing with the trend of blockbusters this summer, Now You See Me is a highly anticipated film about illusionists that rob banks during their shows, giving their proceeds to the audience! The star-studded cast and famous French director easily propel this movie to the must-see list. The Chemical Brothers score this Louis Leterrier movie, and they’re aided by big names like Morgan Freeman, Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, and Woody Harrelson.
7 – The Internship – It’s been eight years since Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson brought us the comedic genius of Wedding Crashers, and now they team up again to show us what happens when two washed-up salespeople, pushed out of jobs by technology, get internships with Google. I have two hopes: first, that it’s not just Wedding Crashers in difference pants, and second, that this isn’t one giant ad placement for Google. Aside from that, I’m excited for some very fun entertainment!
7 – Much Ado About Nothing – Shakespeare’s classic is being remade yet again, but this time it’s in Joss Whedon’s hands. Enough said. Go see it.
14 – Man of Steel – This is the year’s most anticipated film. Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon star in this Superman movie, and it’s directed by Zack Snyder. You will go see this film. You don’t need to know anything more.
14 – This Is the End – Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, James Franco, and Paul Rudd star in this short, which looks absolutely ridiculous. But hey, if you like this type of comedy, perhaps you’ll piss yourself laughing! The end of the world is nigh, and these jokers are going to show you how they handle it!
21 – Monsters University – Monsters, Inc. was a marvel of moviemaking. But this time, instead of a sequel, Pixar has decided to do a prequel, much to my chagrin. Monsters University is the story of how Mike and Sulley met. Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi return, with the addition of Sir Ben Kingsley. They are the star power that will drive this film (which I nonetheless remain dubious about). Regardless, here is your Kid Film of the Year!
21 – World War Z – Marc Forster directs Brad Pitt in this film adaptation of the popular book. This movie comes as no surprise to me, as we are amidst a huge zombie craze. Movies, books, TV shows, comics, gear, games, and everything else you can think of. It’s no shock that a very popular novel was turned into a movie to capitalize on the millions of zombie fans cropping up around the world. The production values look to be high, and World War Z may be a very entertaining action film, laced with drama.
28 – The Heat – Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy star in this comedy about an FBI agent and a Boston cop who are rigid and career driven, with no friends. Hilarity ensues, as one might guess, when two socially awkward people are forced into partnership. I don’t like Sandra Bullock, but if you’re a fan of her work, then undoubtedly this film will entertain you. If you are in my camp, then stay away, dear friends!
28 – Kick Ass 2 – The cult classic Kick Ass is getting something that most people wouldn’t have bet on: a sequel. Films of this caliber are rarely graced with another opportunity to tell a different chapter in the story (and make potentially even more money than its progenitor). If you enjoyed the first, then this will be a must-see on your summer list.
28 – White House Down -Jamie Foxx, Channing Tatum, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Richard Jenkins fill the screen with action and drama as the White House is overtaken by a rogue group and a Secret Service agent must protect the President. I don’t smell any awards, but the movie is likely to be very entertaining. If you are in need of an action fix, and White House films do it for you, this one should be on your list.
JULY
By Gareth von Kallenbach
3 – Lone Ranger – Disney kicks up the lucrative Fourth of July weekend with their adaptation of “The Lone Ranger”, which stars Johnny Depp as Tonto and Armie Hammer as the masked crusader. The film has been plagued by budget issues were reportedly the initial budget of 250 million was trimmed to 215 million before production even began. Issues ranging from weather to set design have reportedly pushed the budget over the $250 million Mark the Disney was so anxious to avoid and rumors of script rewrites in order to control the spiraling budget have been reported. Director Gore Verbinski worked well with Depp on “Pirates of the Caribbean”, and there is hope that he can breathe life into what is considered a stagnant Western genre. The film chronicles a Texas Ranger who is betrayed and left for dead. Assisted by Tonto is returned to health and the duo set to seek justice in the Wild West.
3 – Despicable Me 2 – Steve Carrell returns as Gru, this time with Al Pacino, Kristen Wiig, and Miranda Gosgrove joining the cast. Of course the lovable minions who will be getting their own movie in 2014 are back, as are the lovable scamps that made the first film such a delight. Expect more 3-D hijinks on this merry band of misfits reunite. As anyone who’s seen the trailer to this point can attest this is going to be one highly anticipated film that hopefully will retain the humor and originality that vaulted the original box office gold.
12 – Pacific Rim – Director Guillermo del Toro’s action epic is set to debut which portrays humanity’s struggle between trying creatures from beneath the Sea and gigantic robots built to save humanity. The film promises post converted 3-D l visuals, solid action, and epic adventure.
Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, and Charlie Day represent humanity’s last hope and as anybody who’s seen the trailer knows, they face a daunting task indeed. Typically action disaster films do well for the summer season and Warner Bros. is certainly hoping that they got a smash and perhaps a franchise on their hands with this one.
12 – Grown Ups 2 – Adam Sandler and the crew from the first film are back for seconds to their smash hit. Sandler has had a couple of duds with “Jack and Jill” and “That’s My Boy”, so both star and studio are hoping for better results this time out and would be delighted to see the revenue similar to the first film. Chris Rock, Kevin James, and David Spade bring their talents to the ensemble picture which should stay fairly close to the successful formula of the original and focusing on the bond between friends and families.
26 – The Wolverine – Hugh Jackman returns to the titular role, which had its planned production and filming delayed by the tragic tsunami in Japan. Dir. James Mangold takes over from Darren Aronofsky who departed film amidst the production delays. Despite some issues with the previous film, he did well enough at the box office to give the popular character another chance to stand on his own studio hopes will lead to several films in the future. Set in Japan and pitted against the Silver Samurai, expect plenty of romance, action, and character development this time out which hopefully will satisfy fans who were very upset with previous film especially with the liberties taken with the characters back story in regards to his brother.
AUGUST
by Joseph Saulnier
2 – 300: Rise of an Empire – In this follow up to 2006’s 300, we see the Greek General Themistocles battle an invading army of Persians under the mortal-turned-god, Xerxes. This prequel finds Noam Murro directing and Zack Snyder producing. The cast, aside from Eva Green, are mostly unknown. But that’s okay. Because it really worked for 300. There’s not a lot out there about this movie yet, but if they can pull off the same stunning visuals and stick true to the graphic novel as they did in 300, it should be rather good.
2 – RED 2 – Bruce Willis, Mary-Louise Parker, Helen Mirren and John Malkovich return for round 2 in what looks to be as a humorous and action packed as the first; possibly even more so. This time Catherine Zeta-Jones, Neal McDonough, Anthony Hopkins and David Thewlis are along for the ride. The first was thoroughly enjoyable, and with the Hoeber’s (Jon and Erich) returning to write and Dean Parisot of GalaxyQuest, Fun with Dick and Jane, and several TV Series fame set to direct, this should prove an interesting outing.
9 – Elysium – Set in the year 2159, where the very wealthy live on a man-made space station while the rest of the population resides on a destroyed earth, a man takes on a mission that could bring equality to the polarized worlds. That man: Matt Damon. Rounding out the cast in this movie is Jodie Foster and Sharlto Copley. This looks to be a really good step for Matt Damon as he is taking a leap into science fiction. With Neil Blokamp set to write and direct, an A-list cast, possible alien planet setting and the layers of secrecy surrounding this project, this whole movie looks very promising as a new entry into the vast science fiction landscape we have coming this year.
9 – We’re the Millers – A veteran pot dealer creates a fake family as part of his plan to move a huge shipment of weed into the U.S. from Mexico. Starring Jason Sudekis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts and Ed Helms and directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber (Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story), this looks like it has a good formula for a classic comedy. Though, there have been many flops coming from the comedy genre in recent months, this looks to be very smartly written and executed by a talented cast.
9 – 2 Guns – A DEA agent and an undercover Naval Intelligence officer who have been tasked with investigating one another find they have been set up by the mob – the very organization the two men believe they have been stealing money from. While this movie was originally conceived as an action/comedy with Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn, it has been evolved to a straight-up action thriller starring Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington and Baltasar Kormakur directing. I am a big fan of both actors and am really looking forward to what this teaming can bring.
23 – The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones – When her mom is attacked and taken from their home in New York City by a demon, a seemingly ordinary teenage girl finds out truths about her past and bloodline on her quest to get her back that changes her entire life. Based on Cassandra Clare’s six-novel series, Mortal Instruments, this looks to be a movie that will please many fans and newcomers alike. I have been hounded to read this book series, but I am not sure I want to as the trailer looks absolutely gorgeous. I am very much looking forward to the dark magic, secret family histories and love-triangle dynamics this movie looks to offer, even if it does make me sound like somewhat of a teenage girl.
SEPTEMBER
6 – Riddick – Left for dead on a sun-scorched planet, Riddick finds himself up against an alien race of predators. Activating an emergency beacon alerts two ships: one carrying a new breed of mercenary, the other captained by a man from Riddick’s past. This much anticipated (at least on my part) addition to Riddick series has been kept under wraps for the most part. A few on-set photos have leaked here and there, and a bit of the plot has been set out, but so far mum is the word on a lot. But with Vin Diesel’s return to power, as it were, in Fast Five, this should prove to have a good outing.
13 – Machete Kills – The U.S. Government recruits Machete to battle his way through Mexico in order to take down an arms dealer who looks to launch a weapon into space. It is my opinion that Machete was a fluke. It stemmed from a fake trailer and actually turned it into a decent movie. But sequelizing it… I do not think this is the best thing to do. Typically we see recycled material that was used in the first movie, only in a slightly new setting. But who knows, I could be wrong. Look at the success of The Expendables 2.
