Summer Movies

I love movies.  I grew up in a household that highly values film.  For about as long as I can remember, my family waited anxiously for The Academy Awards.  Forget the Superbowl, we had an Oscar pool, where the competition was fierce as we fought for the ultimate prize of the winner’s choice of restaurant for a future dinner.  In fall and winter I am especially excited as all the good Oscar contender films are released.  Back in the day, I used to be equally excited for the summer movie season.  However, disappointment after disappointment has taught me to be cautious and to realize that I typically desire more from my films.  This summer is no different.  Yet, there are some films I am looking forward to seeing, whether at the big theater, the dollar theater, or from Redbox.

So, in no particular order, here goes:

Iron Man 3 – Like many, I thoroughly enjoyed the first Iron Man.  Robert Downey Jr. seems born to play this hot head super hero and the movie had an engaging story.  Not Oscar worthy, but definitely an enjoyable experience.  Sadly, the second installment of this film could not live up to the hype.  Even Downey Jr. couldn’t help this exhausting film.  I am, however, looking forward to seeing the third Iron Man.  I’m not expecting it to surpass the first film, but I have read some favorable reviews. 

Before Midnight – I was a late comer to this series, only watching it for the first time a few years ago.  That being said, I’m not jumping out of my seat in excitement for this one, but am interested.  I appreciate the honest dialogue and am curious to see where these characters have ended up. 

Frances Ha – I first saw Greta Gertwig in last spring’s “Damsels in Distress.”  Ever since then, I’ve been fascinated with this actress.  This film is described as following a young woman who is a dancer, but not really a dancer, struggling to make her life work.  Bonus street cred for it being filmed in black and white. 

Fast and Furious 6 – Just kidding!

The Way, Way Back – I stumbled across this film recently.  It’s co-directed by the wonderful Jim Rash (the hilarious dean in “Community”, Oscar winning writer from “The Descendants”, and Angelina Jolie leg impersonator) and has a spectacular cast.  From watching the preview, it has a similar vibe to “Little Miss Sunshine” – a comedy that doesn’t shy away from the heart breaking moments found in real life. 

Blue Jasmine – Woody Allen has another film coming out.  While his films tend to be hit or miss, I still enjoy the director’s work.  This one will be at the very least a Redbox rental. 

Stories We Tell – I can’t remember how I first heard about this documentary, directed by Sarah Polley, but it sounds like an interesting exploration of family and story.  Polley interviews her own family as she tries to discover the truth in her family history. 

Mud – To be honest, I don’t know much about this film, but in the last week I’ve had two people mention it to me.  While Matthew McConaughey is not my favorite actor, as of late he has seemed to be picking more interesting films (at the very least, films that don’t revolve around him taking off his shirt). 

The World’s End – Being a big fan of “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz”, I can’t help but get excited for the next Edgar Wright offering with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.  The basic plot involves a group of men who reconvene after years apart to attempt a pub crawl they had participated in while younger.  Of course, in true Wright fashion, the town is not all it seems.  Besides Pegg and Frost, Wright has brought together an amazing cast, including Martin Freeman, Paddy Considine, and Eddie Marsan. 

Man of Steel – I never was a huge Superman fan, but it does seem as though this film is taking a hint from Chris Nolan’s revamp of Batman (Nolan is a producer of the film).   Should be interesting. 

Now You See Me – To be honest, I have mixed thoughts on this film.  Every time I see the preview I think: This could either be really fun or really awful.  It looks like a great cast, but sadly, a great cast does not equal and great film.  I’ll definitely be waiting to read reviews on this one before I head to the theater. 

Much Ado About Nothing – I am full out excited for this movie!  I hope, hope, hope it doesn’t disappoint.  Much Ado is my favorite a) Shakespeare play, and b) play period.  I read the play about once a year and even got to see it performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon.  My secret dream is to play Beatrice one day.  Wouldn’t that be glorious?  I digress. 

I was intrigued when I heard that Joss Whedon was directing this film.  Perhaps a little confused even.  Whedon is great, but his film and TV work take place in the sci-fi adventure arena.  I wondered what he would do with this classic Shakespearean comedy.  So far, all I’ve been reading is positive and the trailer peaks my interest.  And it comes out just in time for my birthday.  Please don’t be awful!

Finally, it’s not a movie, but we’re less than a week out from the new season of Arrested Development.  Eeek!  Pull out your cut-offs and start preparing your chicken impersonation. 

Still never fails to crack me up. 

Note: So far I’ve seen The Great Gatsby (better than I thought although quite vomited on with glitter) and Star Trek (fun, but nothing spectacular).