Film Reviews Blog: Summer Movie Preview 2013
Once again, the summer movie season seems to have kicked off just as early as the temperatures began to rise.
Although the official start of summer isn't until June 21, that hasn't stopped the release of some of the season's most anticipated films.
"Iron Man 3" has already raked in millions worldwide and domestically -- something Hollywood hopes the rest of the films on this list will do.
And just like summers-past, the sequel trend continues -- making up about a third of the list, as well as throwing in some reboots.
Check out some of the most anticipated summer films for 2013 and let us know what you are most looking forward to in the comments below.
Star Trek Into Darkness – May 16
The follow up to J.J. Abrams 2009 blockbuster has the Enterprise crew battling an old nemesis -- leaving many fans wondering and anticipating if Chris Pine will deliver one of the most famous Star Trek lines.
Fast and Furious 6 – May 24
After last year's surprisingly fun "Fast 5," it's no surprise that we're getting another installment in the franchise of sleek cars and hot women.
The Hangover Part III – May 24
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The Wolfpack heads back to Vegas in the final installment of the "what happened last night?" series. There's no wedding this time, but the shenanigans are sure to be just as outrages as the first two films.
After Earth – May 31
Will Smith and son Jaden team up in this post-apocalyptic film, crash landing on Earth 1,000 years after humanity has abandoned the blue planet. Will this sci-fi be the return to glory for director M. Night Shyamalan?
This Is The End – June 12
It's another apocalypse movie, but this time it's from the perspective of celebrities. Seth Rogen (who also serves as co-writer) and James Franco reunite in this star-studded comedy that asks the question, how would our beloved celebrities deal with the end of the world?
Man of Steel – June 14
After 2006's disappointing "Superman Returns," the Last Son of Krypton gets a reboot in this new tale that has our hero faced with the fear that Earth may not accept him.
This is definitely one of the films I'm most looking forward to seeing. It's been quite sometime since any film's trailer has looked quite as mesmerizing as for "Man of Steel."
World War Z – June 21
Zombies are all the rage right now thanks to the popularity of AMC's "The Walking Dead." Based on the book of the same title (written by Mel Brooks' son Max Brooks), the film stars Brad Pitt as a U.N. worker racing to stop the zombie pandemic from eliminating humanity.
Monsters University - June 21
From zombies we move onto monsters. The Pixar prequel takes us back to Sulley and Mike's college years where they learned to scare. We get a peek into the lives of the best friends at a time when they weren't necessarily that.
I'm biased -- I love Pixar -- and I can't wait for this film.
White House Down – June 28
Remember "Olympus Has Fallen" from earlier this year? Another one-man army saves our president -- the only difference is Jamie Foxx is much younger than Morgan Freeman.
The Lone Ranger – July 3
Disney has been pretty good to Johnny Depp, and the return of the masked Texan has been getting plenty of hype to continue that streak. Captain Jack Sparrow hangs up his sword as he steps into the role of Tonto. Let's hope this Jerry Bruckheimer-produced film is as entertaining as the pair's first pirate adventure.
Despicable Me 2 – July 3
Steve Carell returns as the former villain turned dad to help fight a powerful new super criminal. His minions still look cute, and I hope the film will be as entertaining as the first -- but please don't spawn into too many sequels.
The Way, Way Back – July 5
This is probably the closest to an indie film on our list, but you can't ignore the star-power brought to this film (also staring Steve Carell). Though you might not know the names of writers and directors Nat Faxon ("Ben and Kate") and Jim Rash ("Community"), you might remember 2011's "The Descendants," which garnered them both an Oscar for writing. The film tells the story of one awkward teenager coming into his own through the unlikely friendship with a water park employee (Sam Rockwell). It's just not summer without a coming of age tale.
Pacific Rim – July 12
Honestly, this film looks a bit ridiculous with it's MechWarrior-like story, and there is only one reason to see it -- director Guillermo del Toro. He has given us the beautiful "Pan's Labyrinth" and most recently co-wrote "The Hobbit" trilogy. The renowned Mexican director has given us some visually beautiful and entertaining films. So, this one is definitely worth giving a shot.
The Wolverine – July 26
It's another superhero reboot. After 2009's awful "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," fans needed a break from our clawed hero. Taking a note from many superhero films of late, (i.e. "The Dark Knight," and "Man of Steel") "The Wolverine" also gets dark and gritty, stripping our hero to his most vulnerable state.
2 Guns – August 2
It's a shoot 'em up staring Denzel Washington (probably playing the same role he's played since 2001's "Training Day") and Mark Wahlberg (also playing a familiar role). Directed by Baltasar Kormákur ("Contraband" -- which also stared Wahlberg), this is bound to be the obligatory standard summer action film.
Elysium – August 9
Set in the future, the privileged and poor live in separate worlds -- much like last year's "Total Recall" remake. This is director Neill Blomkamp's first feature film since his 2009 debut with "District 9." Staring Matt Damon, this film looks just as visually stunning as "District 9" did when it surprised audiences, coming out of nowhere.
Kick-Ass 2 – August 16
It's the return of the high-school heroes, but this time they have created a Justice League of their own as many more suit up in this comic book sequel.
The World's End – August 23
This is the final film in what is known as the "Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy," which includes 2004's "Shaun of the Dead" and 2007's "Hot Fuzz" -- all three are directed by Edgar Wright and star Simon Pegg (also in "Star Trek Into Darkness") and Nick Frost.
There's no doubt this is going to be one of the "guy films" of the summer. The general story is about a group of male friends going out on an epic pub crawl, which of course leads to all sorts of tomfoolery. Oh, did I mention it's also about aliens?
