2010 SUMMER PREVIEW

With Iron Man 2 only fourteen days away, I thought I would shed some light on what to expect this summer. And I have to say there isn't much to get excited about this summer. It looks like it may be one of the most disappointing summers I have ever seen. I am really hard on summer movies. That is when people go to the movies the most, and for what a ticket costs these days and how much money goes into making these summer blockbusters, they need to be worth going and seeing. So lets see what we have coming up.



IRON MAN 2 (MAY 7)
This is obviously what I am looking forward to the most. I was blown away by how much I enjoyed the first one, and this one looks like it might even be better with the addition of Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Furry, Mickey Rourke as Whiplash and one of the most underrated actors, Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer. Anticipation 10/10.



ROBIN HOOD (MAY 14)
Most of the time when Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe team up, the outcome is normally pretty good. I'm sure the same will be for this film, but at the same time, I really haven't been blown away by the trailers so far. And I really don't like Cate Blanchette as Maid Marian. I'm very partial to Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner. This story has been told so many times, I hope it goes away for a long time after this. Anticipation 6/10.

TAKERS (MAY 14)
Takers revolves around a notorious group of criminals who pull of heists without any trace of evidence at all. When they decide to pull off one last heist that has more money than ever at stake, they come in danger of getting caught when a detective becomes obsessed with catching them. Takers stars Idris Elba, Paul Walker, T.I., Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen and Matt Dillon.

This film looks like a big joke. I already know how it is going to end before I even see it. This seems more like a September release rather than a summer movie. Plus Hayden Christensen sucks and T.I. acting skills are non existant. Anticipation 2/10.

SHREK FOREVER (MAY 21)
When Shrek falls into the habits of a married man and father, he begins to miss the fun of his swamp and scarring trespassers. When Rumpelstiltskin tricks Shrek into signing some kind of pact, it transforms Far Far Away into an alternate land where Rumpelstiltskin is king and him and Fiona have never met.

The first two films were ok, but the third was terrible in my opinion. The fourth one looks no different from what I have seen so far and I think they have stretched this franchise as far as it can go. Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas all are returning. Anticipation 1/10.



MACGRUBBER (MAY 21)
In the 10 years since his fiancée was killed, special op MacGruber has sworn off a life of fighting crime with his bare hands. But when he learns that his country needs him to find a nuclear warhead that’s been stolen by his sworn enemy, Dieter Von Cunth, MacGruber figures he’s the only one tough enough for the job. Will Forte, Ryan Phillippe, Kristen Wiig, Val Kilmer and Powers Boothe star.

I thought this was a horrible idea and a waste of money when I first heard this was happening, then I saw the trailer and I still wasn't convinced. But it premiered at ShowWest this year and it got a ton of positive reviews and is apparently really funny which brought by anticipation up some. Anticipation 6.5/10.



PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME (MAY 28)
Based off the popular video game, Prince of Persia is set in medieval Persia, and tells the story of an adventurous prince who teams up with a rival princess to stop an angry ruler from unleashing a sandstorm that could destroy the world. Which is why after the prince was tricked by a dying Vizier to unleash the Sands of Time that turns out to destroy a kingdom and transforms its populace into ferocious demons. In his effort to save his own kingdom and redeem his fatal mistake, it's up to the prince and the princess to return the sands to the hourglass by using the Dagger of Time, which also gives him a limited control over the flow of time.

Did anyone else just read that premise? This sounds and looks horrible. I think they took the wrong approach with this film and will pay for it big time at the box office. Anticipation 3/10.

SEX AND THE CITY 2 (MAY 28)
The group of skanks go on vacation and Carrie may or may not cheat on her husband while she is there.

This looks like a desperate attempt to make some more money off a very successful first film. If there are more stories to tell, then tell them, but this just looks like an excuse to make money. Anticipation 0/10.



GET HIM TO THE GREEK (JUNE 4)
This is a spinoff of Forgetting Sara Marshall with Russell Brand's character, Aldous Snow starring in this one. The story is about Aaron Greenberg, an ambitious 23-year-old who has exaggerated his way into a dream job just in time for a career-making assignment. His mission: Fly to London and escort a rock god to L.A.’s Greek Theatre for the first-stop on a $100-million tour. His warning: Turn your back on him at your own peril.

This looks like it will be just as good as Forgetting Sara Marshall. The only thing I'm curious about is that Jonah Hill played a character in Forgetting Sara Marshall and now he is playing a completely different character in this film. Maybe they will say that was his brother or something but it would be nice if that character got a nod in this film. Anticipation 8/10.

ONDINE (JUNE 4)
The story of an Irish fisherman who discovers a woman in his fishing net who he believes to be a mermaid. Colin Ferrell stars.

I haven't heard or seen anything about this film, but it is a wide release movie so I'm wondering if they are going to do any marketing on it or not. I'm guessing this is going to be a flop due to lack of promotion. My anticipation may change once I finally see something on this. Anticipation 0/10.

MARMADUKE (JUNE 4)
A suburban family moves to a new neighborhood with their large yet lovable Great Dane, who has a tendency to wreak havoc in his own oblivious way.

This is obviously a kid's movie all the way. I'm sure it will be a hit with them, with all the dancing dogs and crap like that, but it won't be for adults. The key to kid's movies is to make them appeal to adults and kids. That is why Pixar is so successful. Anticipation 1/10.



KILLERS (JUNE 4)
Spencer is an undercover, government-hired super-assassin. But when he meets Jen, a beautiful, fun-loving computer tech recovering from a bad break-up, he finds true love…and happily trades international intrigue for domestic bliss. Three years later, Spencer and Jen learn he's the target of a multi-million dollar hit. Even worse, the hired killers have been stalking the happy couple for years, and could be anyone: friends, neighbors or co-workers. Spencer and Jen are then forced to hit the road and take down whoever is after them. Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigel star.

This has to be one of the worst trailers I have ever seen. Not just because I hate Katherine Heigel, but the story is such a rip off of things we have seen before. This looks absolutely terrible and I'm sure a bunch of women who for some reason think Heigel has talent will run and see it, but I will not be. Even the poster is horrible. Anticipation 1/10.



SPLICE (JUNE 4)
Two young scientists achieve fame by splicing human DNA with the DNA of different animals to create a new creature. In the process they ignore their society's ethical and legal boundaries. The scientists name their creature "Dren", which is initially a deformed female infant, however it rapidly develops into a beautiful but deadly winged human-chimera. Adrien Brody stars.

This is a limited release film, but I think it will be this year's District 9. Guillermo del Toro is producing this, just like Peter Jackson produced District 9 and it has the same low budget sci-fi feel to it. Anticipation 9/10.



THE A-TEAM (JUNE 11)
A group of Iraq War veterans looks to clear their name with the U.S. military, who suspect the four men of committing a crime for which they were framed. Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Biel, Sharlto Copley, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Patrick Wilson star.

I want to be optimistic about this film, but I'm really on the fence about it. It looks like it's going to be your average over-the-top action flick that Hollywood pumps out these days. I am going to hope for the best with this one. Anticipation 5/10.

THE KARATE KID (JUNE 11)
We all know the story to this one. It's a remake with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith.

I simply say to this: No thanks. Anticipation 1/10.



TOY STORY 3 (JUNE 18)
When Andy heads to college, he donates the toys to a local day care. Unhappy, the toys begin to plan an escape and Andy realizes he may have made a mistake by throwing them out. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return with the rest of the crew and Michael Keaton joins the cast.

This is a close second for the movie I am most excited about. Pixar is going to knock this out of the park and I can't wait to see the next journey these guys go on. Anticipation 10/10.



GROWN UPS (JUNE 25)
A comedy about five friends and former teammates who reunite years later to honor the passing of their childhood basketball coach. Adam Sandler, Salma Hayek, Steve Buscemi, Kevin James, Maria Bello, Jamie Chung, Rob Schneider, Dave Spade, Chris Rock, Maya Rudolph, Gary Busey, Norm McDonald, Tim Meadows, Colin Quinn all star in the film.

At some point Adam Sandler is going to have to let Rob Schneider and David Spade go. This looks like it will be an average comedy with nothing really special going on in it. Hopefully I am wrong. I am curious as to what Gary Busey's role is going to be in this because he is awesome. Anticipation 5/10.



KNIGHT AND DAY (JUNE 25)
A fugitive couple on a glamorous and sometimes deadly adventure where nothing and no one - even themselves - are what they seem. Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz star.

They really haven't given a whole lot away on what this film is really about which I like. Even the synopsis is pretty bland. I'm a big Cruise fan and I think this will turn out to be a good film. Anticipation 8/10.



ECLIPSE (JUNE 30)
The never ending battle of whether Bella will choose Jacob or Edward continues in the latest installment of the Twilight franchise.

I've seen the trailer and it looks exactly the same as the second one. Millions of girls are going to go crazy and make this movie a lot of money, but I have no faith in this franchise. Anticipation 3/10.



So let's stop and recap for just a quick sec. I have gone over eighteen films that are released during May and June alone and out of the eighteen, I only have nine that are at least a five out of ten in anticipation. That isn't very good for summer movies. Let's continue and see if this will improve.

THE LAST AIRBENDER (JULY 2)
Air, Water, Earth, Fire. Four nations tied by destiny when the Fire Nation launches a brutal war against the others. A century has passed with no hope in sight to change the path of this destruction. Caught between combat and courage, Aang discovers he is the lone Avatar with the power to manipulate all four elements. Aang teams with Katara, a Waterbender, and her brother, Sokka, to restore balance to their war-torn world.

I have no interest in seeing this movie based off a kids cartoon. M. Night Shyamalan has proven time and time again now that he has lost his talent for making good films. Anticipation 2/10.



PREDATORS (JULY 7)
When a group of elite warrior-types wake up to find themselves lost in a jungle. They soon find out that they are being hunted down by Predators, and they are on their planet. Adrien Brody, Lawrence Fishburne and Topher Grace star.

This looks like it will put the Predator franchise back on track. It seems to have everything you need to have for a successful Predator film. I really like the cast that has been brought in for this film as well. Adrien Brody and Topher Grace were really interesting choices. Anticipation 10/10.

DESPICABLE ME (JULY 9)
Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays, and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad. Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Miranda Cosgrove, Will Arnett, Ken Jeong, Mindy Kaling, Kristen Wiig, Russell Brand, Danny McBride all lend their voice for the film.

The marketing for this film has been interesting. All the trailer so far have just been little shorts for the film and no real footage from the film. I think this will end up being a really good movie for adults and kids. Anticipation 7/10.

THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE (JULY 16)
Balthazar Blake is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath. Balthazar can't do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler, a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé. Nicholas Cage and Jay Baruchel star.

This looks absolutely ridiculous. It's sad that after Cage's awesome performance in Kick-Ass that he is going to go back and make another bad film. Now on the flip side, I think this could possibly be a surprise hit. I'm not holding my breath but we will see. Anticipation 4/10.



INCEPTION (JULY 16)
In a world where technology exists to enter the human mind through dream invasion, a single idea within one's mind can be the most dangerous weapon or the most valuable asset. Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe, Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine and Tom Berenger all star.

All we really know about this film is that it looks great. I think that it's beginning to be clear that Christopher Nolan can do no wrong. The cast is fantastic the trailer looks fantastic and I can't wait to see what going on with the story. Anticipation 10/10.



SALT (JULY 23)
The film centers on a CIA officer who is fingered as a Russian sleeper spy. She eludes capture by superiors who are convinced he is out to assassinate the president. While trying to reunite with her family, she struggles to prove someone else is the traitor. Angelina Jolie and Liev Schrieber star.

This looks like it could go either way. I remember I thought The Interpretor was going to be good and it end up boring me to death. I think will probably be a satisfying film but nothing more. Anticipation 5/10.

DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS (JULY 23)
Tim, an up-and-coming executive who has just received his first invitation to the "dinner for idiots," a monthly event hosted by his boss that promises bragging rights to the exec that shows up with the biggest buffoon. Tim's fiancée, Julie, finds it distasteful and Tim agrees to skip the dinner, until he bumps into Barry, an IRS employee who devotes his spare time to building elaborate taxidermy mouse dioramas – and quickly realizes he's struck idiot gold. Tim can't resist, and invites Barry, whose blundering good intentions soon sends Tim's life into a frenzied downward spiral and a series of comic misadventures, threatening a major business deal, bringing crazy stalker ex-girlfriend, Darla, back into Tim's life and driving Julie into the arms of another man. Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and Zach Galifianakis star.

I need to see more on this before I really judge it. The first trailer they released looks pretty bad, but I would really like it to turn out funny. Obviously, movies fail and I have a feeling this will turn out to be a flop. Anticipation 5/10.

MORNING GLORY (JULY 30)
An old-school anchorman who quit his longtime evening newscast because of its new, gossipy ways is recruited by a hotshot producer whose looking to revive a failing morning show. Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, Jeff Goldblum and Patrick Wilson star.

There has been no trailer or poster released for this film, but I am extremely interested in this film. Anytime Jeff Goldblum is in something I am up for it, but when you throw in Rachel McAdams and Harrison Ford as well, I am definitely going to be looking forward to it. Since there is nothing out on it though, it's really just hype for me, because it will probably just be an average romantic comedy. Anticipation 7/10.



BEASTLY (JULY 30)
A modern-day take on the "Beauty and the Beast" tale where a New York teen is transformed into a hideous monster in order to find true love. Vanessa Hudgens, Mary Kate Olsen, Neil Patrick Harris, Alex Pettyfer.

This looks absolutely rediculous and I can't figure out why Neil Patrick Harris would be in this film. He looks like he is playing the role of Daredevil in a different movie. Anticipation 2/10.

CATS & DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE (JULY 30)
The ongoing war between the canine and feline species is put on hold when they join forces to thwart a rogue cat spy with her own sinister plans for conquest. Chris O'Donnell lends his voice.

I really don't think anything needs to be said about this film, so I'm not going to waste my time. Anticipation 0/10.

THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU (JULY 30)
The affair between a politician and a ballerina is affected by mysterious forces keeping the lovers apart. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt star.

This is a very rare genre of sci-fi romance. I really like Damon, Blunt and sci-fi, so I think this has the potential to be a good film, just not a summer blockbuster type. There is no trailer yet, so maybe when I see one I can get a better grasp on it. Anticipation 5/10.



JONAH HEX (AUGUST 6)
A scarred bounty hunter tracks a voodoo practitioner bent on liberating the South by raising an army of the undead during the wild west. Josh Brolin and Megan Fox star.

The trailer will debut on Nightmare on Elm Street this month, but I am looking forward to this film as of right now. It's based of a DC comic and hopefully the trailer will look pretty good. My anticipation could drastically change after seeing the trailer. Anticipation 6/10.



THE OTHER GUYS (AUGUST 6)
The Other Guys follows Detective Allen Gamble, a forensic accountant who's more interested in paperwork than hitting the streets, and Detective Terry Hoitz, who has been stuck with Allen as his partner ever since an embarrassing public incident with his quick trigger finger. Allen and Terry idolize the city’s top cops, Danson and ManzettI, but when an opportunity arises for the Other Guys to step up, things don’t quite go as planned. Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Johnson, Eva Mendes, Steve Coogan and Michael Keaton star.

Hopefully this will bring redemption to Ferrell. This looks a little different than his usual stuff. It has a big, diverse cast so the focus will not be all on Ferrell. I think this is a make or break film for Ferrell so he needs this one after the disaster that was Land of the Lost. Anticipation 7/10.

STEP UP 3-D (AUGUST 6)
People break dance battle each other just like the first two films. No one anyone would know is in this film.

I will admit that I liked the second movie, but his looks exactly the same as that one. There is no originality here and I think dance movies need to go away for a long time after this one. Anticipation 4/10.



SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD (AUGUST 13)
Scott Pilgrim must defeat his new girlfriend's seven evil ex-boyfriends in order to win her heart. Michael Cera, Kieran Culkin, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick, Brie Larson and Brandon Routh star.

I think this has the potential to be a really fun movie. It has a unique look to it and I kinda like the cast they put together. Anticipation 6/10.

EAT,PRAY,LOVE (AUGUST 13)
While trying to get pregnant, a happily married woman realizes her life needs to go in a different direction, and after a painful divorce, she takes off on a round-the-world journey. Based on the memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert. Julia Roberts, James Franco, Billy Crudup and Javier Bardem star.

These are the kinds of chick flicks that I enjoy. Something different that you haven't seen a thousand times before. I am really looking forward to seeing Roberts back in a starring role. She really hasn't done much since popping out those kids of hers.



THE EXPENDABLES (AUGUST 20)
A team of mercenaries head to South America on a mission to overthrow a dictator. Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Randy Couture, Steve Austin, Terry Crews, Mickey Rourke, Eric Roberts, Dolph Lundgren, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny Trejo, Charisma Carpenter and Bruce Willis all star.

Does it have a huge cast? Yes. Is it full of action? Yes. But does it have a good story as well is the question. I hope this movie is THE action of all action movies. With this cast, there is no reason this shouldn't easily be the greatest action film of all time. We shall see. Anticipation 9/10.

THE SWITCH (AUGUST 20)
An unmarried 40-year-old woman turns to a turkey baster in order to become pregnant. Seven years later, she reunites with her best friend, who has been living with a secret: he replaced her preferred sperm sample with his own. Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Jeff Goldblum and Patrick Wilson star.

Ah, two Goldblum movies in one summer. How did I get so lucky? I think the movie does look pretty good without Goldblum, but adding him bumps it up a little. Anticipation 6/10.

PIRANHA 3-D (AUGUST 27)
Every year, the population of sleepy Lake Victoria explodes from 5,000 to 50,000 for Spring Break; a riot of sun and drunken fun. But this year, there's something more to worry about than hangovers and complaints from local old timers; A new type of terror is about to be cut loose on Lake Victoria. After a sudden underwater tremor sets free scores of the prehistoric man-eating fish, an unlikely group of strangers must band together to stop themselves from becoming fish food for the area’s new razor-toothed residents. Elisabeth Shue, Jerry O’Connell, Ving Rhames, Richard Dreyfuss and Christopher Lloyd star.

I wish studious tried a little harder to set the summer off with a bang. Normally I'm less excited about the August releases than the other three months of the summer. This year Piranha is ending the summer movie season. I'm a big fan of awesomely bad movies, and this is the definitely going to be an awesomely bad movie. Anticipation 7/10.

So, in my opinion there really isn's a whole lot of big blockbusters coming out this year. There seems to be a lot of films that normally would come out during the year. But there is a reason to get excited for next summers movie. Here is a sneek peek to why.

Cowboys & Aliens: anticipation 8/10
Captain America: The First Avenger: anticipation 10/10
Cars 2: anticipation 6/10
Fast Five: anticipation 4/10
Green Lantern: anticipation 10/10
The Hangover 2: anticipation 10/10
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2: anticipation 4/10
Kung Fu Panda: The Kaboom of Doom: anticipation 5/10
Mission: Impossible IV: anticipation 9/10
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides: anticipation: 8/10
The Smurfs: anticipaiton 3/10
Spy Kids 4: Armageddon: anticipation 1/10
Thor: anticipation 10/10
Transformers 3: anticipation 6/10