So yes, I'm the blockbuster man. I could give a fuck if Tranformers is good just as long as the explosions look awesome in slow motion. I appreciate the indie flicks and other stuff. I even reviewed this summer's indie sci fi semi-masterpiece Moon and am still anxious for it to come out so I can see it again. I'm also pretty excited to see the Rian Johnson delayed Brothers Bloom, which I have on good authority is really finally coming out. But what makes my butt wet this summer? Well I'll tell ya:
Star Trek
May 8th
The origin story of Captain James T. Kirk, Spock and the crew of the USS Enterprise before they had boldly gone where no man had gone before. Trailers for it are awesome, and J.J. Abrams is an evil mad genius. He even made me giddy for watching a Mission Impossible movie, I mean Mission Impossible I and II were okayish, but III was totally awesome. I am super stoked about this reboot.
Funny People
July 31
When seasoned comedian George Simmons (Adam Sandler) learns of his terminal, inoperable health condition his desire to form a genuine friendship inspires him to take a relatively green performer (Seth Rogen) under his wing as his opening act. Judd Apatow, comedic greats, and a solid trailer = summer movie excitement. It looks like it could slide down the slippery slope to sappy-ville, but I got faith in Apatow who always seems know to how to walk that fine line.
Terminator Salvation
May 21
John Connor (Christian "I'm Batman" Bale) is joined in his attempt to defeat Skynet and its army of Terminators by Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington), a man who apparently has been rescued from the past, though Connor wonders if instead he's been sent from the future as a foil to his plan. As Connor and Wright push deep into the heart of Skynet, they get closer and closer to learning the secret behind the organization's mission to wipe humankind off the planet. I actually had a dream that I saw this movie, and it was totally awesome. So McG is a douche, but c'mon, Christian Bale? Terminators? How can you guys not at least be a little excited?
UP
May 29
By tying thousands of balloon to his home, 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America. Right after lifting off, however, he learns he isn't alone on his journey since Russell, a wilderness explorer 70 years his junior, has inadvertently become a stowaway on the trip. I saw a healthy chunk of this movie back at Butt Numb-a-Thon and I wasn't really excited to see it until I saw that footage. It's heartfelt, funny, and though it's a cartoon it feels completely organic and real. I'm excited about it, even if this movie has few promises of nudity and/or explosions.
500 Days of Summer
August 20
An offbeat romantic comedy about a woman (Zooey Deschanel) who doesn't believe true love exists, and the young man (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who falls for her. I already saw it, but I'm so excited for you guys to see it so we can talk about it. I loved it and can't wait to see it again. I'll have my review up shortly. But in the meantime, know it actually tackles relationships in a realistic and so-true-it's-funny angle, and the soundtrack is pretty popping. Let the waiting game begin....
Guilty Pleasure
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
June 24
Decepticon forces return to Earth on a mission to take Sam Witwicky prisoner, after the young hero learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers. Joining the mission to protect humankind is Optimus Prime, who forms an alliance with international armies for a second epic battle. Michael Bay is a genius. That being said, pairing a genius like him, with a movie based on a cartoon that is in turn based on a toy is pure genius. Having said movie revolve, almost exclusively, around robots fighting is also genius. So yeah...I'm pretty excited to witness this summer's greatest spectacle.
--Greg MacLennan
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