Summer Movie Season Preview – The Top 20

Hey all, I am going to run through this summer’s movie releases and give you guys what I think is going to be worth checking out. I will do a separate type up for the limited releases of the summer, and will instead focus on the “blockbusters” of the summer studio season. I will try and share some thoughts but without further ado, I will get started.

20. Babylon A.D. – August 29th
Vin Diesel does a sci-fi action flick that hopes to make him a star again; I am willing to give him a shot.
19. X-Files: I Want to Believe – July 25th
I was a fan of the first film and a big fan of Duchovny, though I am a bit worried they are apparently taking a less Alien approach to the picture.
18. The Happening – June 13th
M. Night’s newest is supposed to be an R-rated pandemic disaster flick staring the solid Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel. Let’s just hope Night doesn’t get all preachy and full of himself again like he did in his previous effort.
17. Wanted – June 27th
A graphic novel adaptation that looks like a crazy action flick that could really fall on either side of good/bad. Jolie and McAvoy are pluses for this one though, so that is a start.
16. Get Smart – June 20th
Steve Carell is great and looks great here in the reinvention of this classic TV series. I am a big fan of Dwayne Johnson as well and here is hoping to a fun action comedy for the summer.
15. Hancock – July 2nd
Will Smith in a fourth of July weekend movie usually means big money, and the premise of the movie could really deliver as well. I’m very intrigued by the idea of an original superhero movie to hit amongst all the comic book adaptations.
14. The Incredible Hulk – June 13th
Ed Norton as Bruce Banner in this re-boot of the franchise is worth seeing for Norton’s involvement alone. The added action and booming material should bring back those disappointed with Ang Lee’s underrated version.
13. Sex and the City – May 30th
The show is consistently funny and I will join the legions of woman who go to see “their” movie of the summer. Though, avoid the trailer if you want to stay clean of plot points, it’s full of them.
12. Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
The follow up looks darker, more action, and a whole lot better then the lack luster original. The first one had solid action though so if there is more of that it can only be a good thing.
11. Star Wars: Clone Wars – August 15th
I’m a big Star Wars dork, sue me. This premiere for the T.V. show of the same name probably will feel like a T.V. show on the big screen. But it’s Star Wars, its feature length; I say that’s good for at least 100 million bucks.
10. Step Brothers – July 25th
Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly re-team with Adam McKay for this smart R-rated comedy with a potential gold mine of a premise. Two losers who still live at home are forced to move in together when their parents get re-married, hoping for brilliance.
9. Kung Fu Panda – June 6th
Only up so high because I have heard nothing but good things so far, so hear is hoping. Most positive thing I have heard on this one, “it’s like Kill Bill for kids,” in that it is just a balls to the wall Kung Fu homage to yesteryear.
8. Hellboy II: The Golden Army – July 11th
This sequel looks more fantastical and fun then the first which was a sleeper hit a few years back. It also helps that the awesome Guillermo del Toro is behind this one, who just did Pan’s Labyrinth and is next doing The Hobbit; he is the real deal.
7. Pineapple Express – August 8th
The next Apatow flick is a stoner comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco and is a buddy action flick at heart. Early word on this is fantastic and the preview looks amazing, this is probably going to be a winner.
6. Iron Man – May 2nd
Robert Downey Jr. is going to be worth price of admission alone and the movie looks like a fun and well acted action flick. The trailer was great and the early word is just as good, see it this weekend!
5. The Dark Knight – July 18th
Heath Ledger looks amazing in this and the first 7 minutes are pretty great as well. The follow up to Begins looks bigger and better and we haven’t even got a look at Two-Face yet, could end up being the biggest and best of the summer.
4. Tropic Thunder – August 15th
This war comedy by Ben Stiller looks hilarious and has supposedly screened to rave reviews. We don’t get to see it for awhile, but again, Robert Downey Jr. is going to be worth the price of admission here as well.
3. Speed Racer – May 9th
This looks fantastic, fun, and just the ideal summer movie. Throw in the Wachowski’s and Emile Hirsch and this one is going to surprise a lot of people. Make sure to see it in Imax!
2. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull – May 22nd
It’s Indy, you’re in, I’m in.
1. WALL•E – June 26th
Pixar’s latest looks phenomenal and I can’t wait. I want to see this so bad, I put it above Indy and his whip and I love the original trilogy with all my heart. Do not miss this one; it is going to be a winner.