Abe & his axe, Caped Crusaders, Vampires, Spidey's web, Explosions, Cartoon Lions & Tigers, Deep Scary Space - Ah, the Cinema of Summer
Every summer season finds us eagerly buying our popcorn and gleefully standing in mile long lines to see the latest offering from the cinematic powers that be. The bulk of the big-screen blockbusters heading to a theatre near you are either remakes of previous hits or reboots of an existing series adding another chapter to the story. But, that doesn't mean what's coming isn't worth waiting in line for. Industry ratings aren't out yet but it's clear the summertime blockbusters this year are definitely not to be missed. So buy that popcorn and get in line early.
Prometheus
This eagerly anticipated return by Director Ridley Scott to the sci-fi genre promises to be as bone chilling as his initial Aliens film from 1986. In Prometheus, a team of explorers discovers a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a dark journey to the furthest corners of the universe for an epic battle to save the future of the human race. With a cast full of award winners, Noomi Rapace (Lisbeth Salander in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo), Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron, and Patrick Wilson (Dr. Michael Holt on television’s A Gifted Man) Prometheus delivers a sure winner for the sizzling summer movie season. Opens June 8.
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
Join the fun as the crew from Madagascar, Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, and Melman the Giraffe continue their fight to return home to the streets of New York City. Their travels through Europe going undercover with a traveling circus set the stage for hilarity – Madagascar style. The fantastic voices of Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, David Schwimmer, and Chris Rock once again bring these lovable characters to life. On a hot summer day, head to the theatre to enjoy a summer sequel perfect for the entire family. Opens June 8.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
Benjamin Walker stars as the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln in this film adaptation of the best-selling novel Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter written by Seth Grahame-Smith. The original novel was written as a biography of Lincoln supposedly based on “secret diaries” kept by the President detailing his ongoing fight to eliminate vampires who are planning to take over the United States. Now brought to the big screen by Director Timur Bekmambetov, who directed vampire thrillers Night Watch in 2004 and Day Watch in 2006, Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter offers a chilling new twist on the life and times of Honest Abe. Opens June 22.
The Amazing Spider-man
One of the world’s most popular comic book characters is back to deliver another revealing chapter in the legacy of Spider-man. In this sequel that delves into an untold story in his past, Peter Parker finds a clue that may help him understand the disappearance of his parents. His actions put him on a direct collision course with his father’s former partner, Dr. Curt Connors (aka Lizard) as Parker searches for answers. Andrew Garfield is cast as the incomparable Spiderman for this new adventure with Emma Stone (The Help) playing his girlfriend, the lovely Gwen Stacy. Opens June 26.
Ice Age: Continental Drift
This summer welcomes back Manny (Ray Romano), Diego (Dennis Leary) and Sid (John Leguizamo) as the old friends embark on another adventure after their continent is set adrift. This fourth installment in the hilarious series about these unlikely friends and Skrat's constant battle with the acorn guarantees a great afternoon of family fun. Join the crew as they use an iceberg as a ship to make the journey back home, encounter a gang of pirates along the way, and battle the deep-sea creatures. Diego finds love with Shira (voiced by Jennifer Lopez) and Sid reunites with his long lost family. Opens July 13
The Dark Knight Rises
This third, and possibly final, installment in Christopher Nolan's Batman film series should rock the box office when the film opens in July. Media hype and tantalizing trailers have action film and comic book aficionados chomping at the bit waiting for opening weekend. Taking place eight years after Batman took the fall for the crimes of arch villain, Two Face, a new terrorist leader, Bane threatens the safety of Gotham city and its citizens. Bane overwhelms Gotham's finest and the Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy. Christian Bale reprises his role as enigmatic billionaire Bruce Wayne who fights to protect the city he calls home. Opens July 20.
Photo Credits:
Prometheus - Twentieth Century Fox, Kerry Brown
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter - Twentieth Century Fox, Stephen Vaughan
The Dark Knight Rises - Warner Bros Studios