2011 Summer Movie Preview

[Mark Vader]

Hey everyone, I want to thank all of you for all the positive responses you have given me for setting up all the monthly movie previews that I do on this board. It's something that I enjoy doing and provides a good discussion for all other movie lovers.

 

So to make things a little more fun I am making my first ever Summer Movie Preview. As you all know Summer is a big time of the year for movies, as we get lots of big budget-special effects-popcorn munching-movies with big titles and big stars. I'll be focusing on those big tent pole titles and throw in a few "sleeper" titles as well. So sit back and let the anticipation build as we look at what Hollywood has to offer this Summer.

 

After last year's big disappointments(Prince of Persia, The Last Airbender, Sex & The City 2) movie studios are eagerly awaiting the start of the Summer Season, which is flooded with even bigger titles and more important, more franchise movies. And that is what we will look at first.

 

Sequels:

 

What started in November 2001 now comes to a conclusion in July 2011. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2" marks the end of the Harry Potter franchise. And what a series it has been. After 9/11 people in America got a much needed welcome distraction with the return of a dead genre in movies: Fantasy. Within the span of a month the first Harry Potter & Lord of the Rings movies were released and all of a sudden, fantasy was en vogue. I won't be going into details about this movie as most of you know what is going on. Needless to say it'll be sad to see this franchise ending, at the same time it'll be exciting to witness as we only got a foretaste of what was to come from the last installment. Now we'll be getting the Armageddon version of this series we've been anticipating.

 

Disney returns their most successful live action franchise to date with "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides". Johnny Depp & Geoffrey Rush return, Orlando Bloom & Keira Knightley are out, and Ian McShane & Penelope Cruz are added. Having a plot that involves the search for The Fountain of Youth and a nemesis in the form of Blackbeard, this series is headed in a completely different direction. Which many fans will be glad to have. But we still have Captain Jack Sparrow back in his usual antics.

 

Paramount brings it's 3rd installment of the robots in disguise with "Transformers: Dark of the Moon". Everyone except Megan Fox returns for this outing and the likes of John Malkovich, Frances McDormand & Leonard Nimoy are added. Will Michael Bay fulfill his promise of an edgier, darker storyline and more character depth for the robots? Also we get the addition of another villain: Shockwave.

 

Disney/Pixar are back with "Cars 2". While collectively "Cars" is seen as one of Pixar's weakest movies it did sell a lot of toys. The plot involving Lightning McQueen entering "The Race of Champions" taking him and his crew across the world looks like fun and the idea of Mater getting involved with international spies sounds very amusing. Adding in the voices of Bruce Campbell, Jason Issacs & Michael Caine, should make this addition a delightful one.

 

Dreamworks moves on with an animated sequel of it's own and it's not a Shrek movie. "Kung Fu Panda 2". There is not a lot to add to this venture. The original cast returns and the story involves the Furious Five going to China to battle an old villain. Expect plenty of the same antics.

 

Probably the riskiest sequel this season is the comedy, "The Hangover 2". The main cast is back, although Heather Graham is absent and Liam Neeson is added. This time the bachelor party takes place in Thailand. After the enormous success of the first film are people going to be eager for what looks to be much of the same stuff, just in another country?

 

A sequel that is flying under the radar is "Rise of the Planet of the Apes". One could argue that this a remake or reimagining of "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes". James Franco, Andy Serkis & Freida Pinto star with Brian Cox and John Lithgow added for good measure. The Apes franchise does have it's following and fans might find this new installment more appealing than the Tim Burton remake.

 

There are sequels that people didn't necessarily ask for too. We get "Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World", and "Final Destination 5". Funny wasn't the last one entitled, "The Final Destination"? Oh well.

 

Superheroes:

 

Superhero movies have become more and more prominent as there appears to be a new one each year. This Summer we get plenty to see.

 

Marvel continues it's successful pace leading up to it's eventual "Avengers" movie, which is scheduled for Summer 2012, as they add the last two pieces of the puzzle. First we get "Thor". Newcomer Chris Hemsworth is the God of Thunder and the supporting cast includes Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgard, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson & Rene Russo.

 

Marvel then follows up with one of their tougher selling points, "Captain America: The First Avenger". Chris Evans is Steve Rogers, and coming along for the ride are Hugo Weaving, Tommy Lee Jones, Stanley Tucci & Hayley Atwell. Captain America is known, but are fans as excited for this character as they were for Iron Man? Paramount is distributing both movies.

 

Warner Bros. & DC continue their relationship with another big name from the DC universe, "Green Lantern". Ryan Reynolds is Hal Jordan and Blake Lively & Peter Sarsgaard co-star. DC is still trying to expand their franchises beyond their Batman series. They may have found the right lead for this franchise.

 

Marvel & 20th Century Fox continue their relationship with the prequel, "X-Men: First Class". James McAvoy & Michael Fassbender are the young versions of Charles Xavier & Erik Lehnsherr, Jennifer Lawrence, Rose Byrne & Kevin Bacon join in as well. Seeing Professor X & Magneto in their young lives should prove to be a success and the 1960's backdrop sounds very delicious. Don't worry we have more Wolverine movies still to come.

 

Screen Gems releases the delayed graphic novel adaptation of "Priest". The vampire hunter story stars Paul Bettany in the lead role, along with Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q, Karl Urban, Lilly Collins and Christopher Plummer. This action flick faces a stiff challenge as it is sandwiched between much bigger titles in the month of May.

 

Original Entertainment:

 

Not everything this Summer is all about sequels. In fact there are a few flicks that will garner attention on both starpower and premise. A pair of science fiction films are at the top of the list.

 

After his successful reboot of the Star Trek franchise, J.J. Abrams goes behind the camera to direct "Super 8". Set in Ohio of 1979 a group of kids witness a train crash while filming a super 8 movie. After the crash strange phenomena begin to happen in the town of the crash. So what was in the train?

Abrams as usual has kept plot details under wraps and trailers have been somewhat vague. Throw in Steven Spielberg's involvement, and many people are very curious to see the goods.

 

Director Jon Favreau steps away from superheroes and ventures into science fiction with a western backdrop with "Cowboys & Aliens". An alien invasion strikes in 1873 Arizona causing both western settlers and Apaches to unite to combat the threat. The pairing of Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford is absolute brilliance, but also adding Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde, Paul Dano, Clancy Brown & Keith Carradine makes this film just too good to pass up.

 

Tom Hanks directs and stars in "Larry Crowne", and is reunited with "Charlie Wilson's War" co-star, Julia Roberts. This comedy-drama is about a middle-aged man who returns back to school to find a new path and career for his future. Hanks has been unseen on the big screen in two years, not counting "Toy Story 3", and this is probably the type of movie that most of his fans want to see him in.

 

Also returning to the big screen froma near 2 year hiatus is Jim Carrey, in "Mr.Popper's Penguins". A businessman inherit's six penguins and most rearrange his apartment accordingly to accomodate them. This is a more family friendly film, but people will be glad to Jim Carrey in something funny again. The addition of Carla Gugino & Angela Lansbury, has appeal as well.

 

Brad Pitt & Sean Penn star in the heavy handed, "The Tree of Life". Directed by the renowned Terrence Malick, this film will no doubt be one to watch for as a possible early Oscar contender.

 

Disney also continues it's return to 2-D animation with the return of the silly old bear, "Winnie the Pooh". Five different stories from A.A. Milne are featured in this film, and Disney knows these characters do have a strong following. However, you would think a movie like this would have a better home in November or December, and not the middle of July. Putting this out the same day as the last Harry Potter movie is probably showing more guts than brains.

 

 

Sleepers:

 

There is always a few films out there that tend to get lost in the shuffle from the big named movies, but they have just as much potential to make it big as well. So what are this Summer's sleepers films? The month of August appears to have the most potential for that subject, so let's take a look. A pair of thriller remake's top the list.

 

Producer Guillermo Del Toro brings us "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark". Based on the popular 1970's TV movie of the same name, this thriller involves a family moving into a new home inhabited by devilish creatures. The formula may sound tired, but Del Toro has had success with this genre and we may have a genuinely frightening horror movie this Summer. Guy Pearce, Katie Holmes & Bailee Madison star.

 

Disney & Dreamworks bring us "Fright Night". A remake of the 1985 thriller about a teenager who believes that his new neighbor is actually a vampire. Anton Yelchin & Colin Farrell star.

 

Jason Momoa is "Conan the Barbarian". For years and years there has been speculation as to whether this franchise would ever continue. Well here you go. Ron Perlman, Stephen Lang, Rachel Nichols & Rose McGowan co-star.

 

Jesse Eisenberg plays a kidnapped pizza delivery guy who must rob a bank in 30 minutes for two criminals or the bomb he has been strapped to will blow up, in "30 Minutes or Less".

 

Family man Jason Bateman switches bodies with slacker Ryan Reynolds and looks to woo Olivia Wilde, in "The Change-Up".

 

There you have it everybody, now lets have some trailers.

 

May

 

5/6

"Thor": http://thor.marvel.com/

 

5/13

"Priest": http://www.priest-themovie.com/

 

5/20

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides": http://disney.go.com/pirates/

 

5/26

"The Hangover 2": http://hangoverpart2.warnerbros.com/index.html

 

5/27

"Kung Fu Panda 2": http://www.kungfupanda.com/

 

"The Tree of Life": http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi838506521/

 

June

 

6/3

"X-Men: First Class": http://www.x-menfirstclassmovie.com/

 

6/10

"Super 8": http://www.super8-movie.com/

 

6/17

"Green Lantern": http://greenlanternmovie.warnerbros.com/

 

"Mr. Popper's Penguins": http://www.popperspenguins.com/

 

6/24

"Cars 2": http://disney.go.com/cars/

 

July

 

7/1

"Transformers: Dark of the Moon": http://www.transformersmovie.com/

 

"Larry Crowne": http://www.larrycrowne.com/

 

7/15

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2":

 

"Winnie the Pooh": http://disney.go.com/pooh/

 

7/22

"Captain America: The First Avenger": http://captainamerica.marvel.com/

 

7/29

"Cowboys & Aliens": http://www.cowboysandaliensmovie.com/

 

August

 

8/5

"Rise of the Planet of the Apes": http://www.apeswillrise.com/

 

"The Change-Up": http://www.thechangeupmovie.com/ (Redband Trailer)

 

8/12

"30 Minutes or Less": No trailer as of yet

 

"Don't Be Afraid of the Dark": http://dontbeafraidofthedark-movie.com/#/trailer

 

8/19

"Fright Night": No trailer as of yet

 

"Conan the Barbarian": http://www.conanthebarbarianin3d.com/index2.html

 

"Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World": No trailer as of yet

 

8/26

"Final Destination 5": No trailer as of yet

 

There you have it everyone. So what are you looking forward to the most. I hope you enjoyed this preview.

Look forward to your feedback.

 

I'll have the May Movies up soon. So for now, enjoy!

[Just Jack]

Warner Bros. & DC continue their relationship with another big name from the DC universe, "Green Lantern". Ryan Reynolds is Hal Jordan and Blake Lively & Peter Sarsgaard co-star. DC is still trying to expand their franchises beyond their Batman series. They may have found the right lead for this franchise.

I feel that a lot of people don't like Ryan Reynolds based on previous films/TV shows of being the smart ass know it all character, but I'm looking forward to it based on other, dramatic roles he has done like in Definitly, Maybe.

[The Poojer]

Jack, I like Ryan Reynolds, always thought he had a funny delivery.

 

Mark, nice work, as usual, I am looking forward to the new pirates movie, and cars2.

[CowgirlsFan]

Jack, I like Ryan Reynolds, always thought he had a funny delivery.

 

Mark, nice work, as usual, I am looking forward to the new pirates movie, and cars2.

 

 

I agree this is some more nice work on Mark's part. "Cowboys and Ailens" look fun to me!!

[Mark Vader]

I feel that a lot of people don't like Ryan Reynolds based on previous films/TV shows of being the smart ass know it all character, but I'm looking forward to it based on other, dramatic roles he has done like in Definitly, Maybe.

Or the little seen "Buried". http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1462758/

[Mark Vader]

Jack, I like Ryan Reynolds, always thought he had a funny delivery.

 

Mark, nice work, as usual, I am looking forward to the new pirates movie, and cars2.

Thanks Poojer, and yes the Disney stuff will be fun this year.

 

With all of these big name franchises having a movie this summer, I have no idea who is going to be the Box Office Winner this time around.

[ajzepp]

Great job, Mark!

 

I'm actually really looking forward to the Captain America film. Based on what I've seen and read about it, it seems to be VERY well done. I have a feeling this film may receive some critical praise much like Iron Man did. I don't know if I feel the same way about Thor, but we'll see.

 

I'm REALLY excited about Super 8. JJ Abrams + Spielberg is as big of a dream team as it gets these days....I have huge expectations for it, and I wouldn't be surprised if this film met or exceeded every one of them

[Phlegm Alley]

I really can't wait to see "Tree of Life". The trailer alone could win an Oscar.

[shrader]

Leonard Nimoy in transformers? Does that mean Galvatron?

 

Great thread as usual Mark. So much to digest here.

[GoodBye]

Would you guys be OK with having Mark's threads pinned for a while? That way they don't get lost in the shuffle. It's nice to back here and get movie ideas from these threads.

 

Good job, as always, Mark!

[Fixxxer]

I love horror films and Guillermo del Toro is one talented film maker. "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark", I will enjoy it.

[Mark Vader]

Leonard Nimoy in transformers? Does that mean Galvatron?

 

Great thread as usual Mark. So much to digest here.

Thank you shrader, I think Nimoy is going to be the voice of Sentinal Prime, who I believe is the robot in the ship on the Moon.

 

I have not been a big fan of this series, and I love Transformers, but I will admit the trailer looks exciting.

Edited April 26, 2011 by Mark Vader

[Fixxxer]

Thank you shrader, I think Nimoy is going to be the voice of Sentinal Prime, who I believe is the robot in the ship on the Moon.

 

I have not been a big fan of this series, and I love Transformers, but I will admit the trailer looks exciting.

 

The second movie was like watching a two hour trailer, too damn much.

[Mark Vader]

I love horror films and Guillermo del Toro is one talented film maker. "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark", I will enjoy it.

I've been looking forward to this since they made the official announcement.

 

I remember the TV movie that scared me as a kid, and I have no problem with this being remade.

 

Del Toro's presence is great, so I am sure they will keep the dark undertones of the story.

[shrader]

Thank you shrader, I think Nimoy is going to be the voice of Sentinal Prime, who I believe is the robot in the ship on the Moon.

 

I have not been a big fan of this series, and I love Transformers, but I will admit the trailer looks exciting.

 

Yeah, I'll still see it even though the only thing I'm going to enjoy is the random iconic line Prime randomly says.

[Doc]

Disney/Pixar are back with "Cars 2". While collectively "Cars" is seen as one of Pixar's weakest movies it did sell a lot of toys. The plot involving Lightning McQueen entering "The Race of Champions" taking him and his crew across the world looks like fun and the idea of Mater getting involved with international spies sounds very amusing. Adding in the voices of Bruce Campbell, Jason Issacs & Michael Caine, should make this addition a delightful one.

I've heard this before and I just don't see why. It was a great movie with a lot of heart, sold a lot of toys, and apparently was good enough for a sequel. I'd put it right up there with "Monsters, INC." and "Toy Story."

[Mark Vader]

Would you guys be OK with having Mark's threads pinned for a while? That way they don't get lost in the shuffle. It's nice to back here and get movie ideas from these threads.

 

Good job, as always, Mark!

Thank you Lana, and I would be ok with my movie posts getting pinned.

[shrader]

I've heard this before and I just don't see why. It was a great movie with a lot of heart, sold a lot of toys, and apparently was good enough for a sequel. I'd put it right up there with "Monsters, INC." and "Toy Story."

 

I eventually wind up seeing most of their movies, mostly when they air on free tv, but that one never interested me at all. I'm sure it's a good movie, but the whole concept of a movie full of talking cars just seems stupid to me.

[Doc]

I eventually wind up seeing most of their movies, mostly when they air on free tv, but that one never interested me at all. I'm sure it's a good movie, but the whole concept of a movie full of talking cars just seems stupid to me.

Dumber than talking toys, bugs, or monsters?

[ajzepp]

I wasn't sure if I was keen on seeing Thor, but so far after 30+ reviews it has a 96% rating on rotten tomatoes....that's ridiculous! My boy Harry Knowles at AICN also gave it a very glowing review...I'm almost certain I'm gonna check it out at the theater now...opens first week of May.