When looking at the movie schedule, there are many movies followed with a “2” or a “3,” causing other movies without those numbers to be overlooked. These are the movies to take a chance on this summer.
After Earth – May 31 – Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith star in this apocalyptic action-adventure. They crash on Earth centuries after humanity has left, and have to find a way off the doomed planet. The concept is interesting, and the chemistry between the father and son was great in “The Pursuit of Happyness.” The only questionable choice is M. Night Shyamalan as the director. He hasn’t directed a good film since “Signs” in 2002, but with the star power of Will and Jaden Smith, “After Earth” could be his comeback film.
The Conjuring – July 19 – Horror director James Wan tries for a third hit in the genre, having previously directed “Saw” and “Insidious.” Early reviews of the film have been positive, and given Wan’s previous work, this is more than likely true. “The Conjuring” stars “Insidious” actor Patrick Wilson, as he and his family are being haunted by dark entities. Sounds familiar, but trust in Wan to inject it with his own style.
Elysium – August 9 – Director Neill Blomkamp follows up the spectacular “District 9” with “Elysium,” where he aims to use fictional futuristic problems to symbolize present-day problems again. Elysium is a paradise where only the rich can afford to go, and Earth is an overpopulated diseased mess where the poor reside. Elysium doesn’t want them coming to their oasis in the sky, but Max (Matt Damon) will try to break in. While there are definitely similarities between both films, this is not necessarily a bad thing. “Elysium” will feel familiar while bringing a completely new story to the sci-fi genre.
The Great Gatsby – May 10 – Yes, this is a remake, but only in name. Director Baz Luhrmann looks to lace the classic novel with his own signature style, such as that in “Moulin Rouge!” Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and what is sure to be the movie soundtrack of the year, “Gatsby” could be one of the rare summer movies to get an Oscar nomination.
This is The End – June 12 – When movies have too many stars, they usually tend to become cluttered messes and flop, such as “Valentine’s Day” or “Movie 43.” But in this case, they aren’t just a bunch of stars, they are a bunch of friends who have been in numerous films together. Starring the likes of Seth Rogen, Craig Robinson, James Franco, and Jonah Hill, “This Is the End” is about, well, the end of the world, and all the actors that appear are playing themselves. There should be a lot of ad-libbing and hilarity, and if that isn’t enough, Emma Watson makes an appearance as a cursing and violent version of herself.
