10. The Break Up
Release Date: June 2
What's it about? Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn star in a movie that begins where most romantic comedies end: the "happily ever after." The lovin' good times have run their course, however, and, as the title tells ya, the two break up. That leaves Brooke (Aniston) and Gary (Vaughn) on bad terms but, for some reason, still living together. Hijinks ensue.
Why see it? Because Vaughn and Aniston have flawless track records when it comes to comedy. We love 'em both and it's hard to think of two more likeable actors around these days.
But then again… Laying low has not prevented these two from being ALL OVER THE PLACE these past couple of months. Even if it's against their will, overexposure might not help their chances at the box office.
How will it fair? Surprisingly, this is one of few romantic comedies this summer. That alone should ensure a pretty respectable box-office showing.
9. Cars
Release Date: June 9
What's it about? An animated film by the people who brought us Finding Nemo and Toy Story, Cars tells the story of a hotshot race car (Owen Wilson), who is all about being the first to cross the finish line. With the help of his friends (Bonnie Hunt and Paul Newman), he learns to not be so high-strung and just -- get this -- enjoy the ride.
Why see it? Because love 'em or hate 'em, these movies are so ridiculously well-made. If you can believe it, advances in animation technology have been made since Nemo and cars promises to be visually awesome.
But then again… Fish and toys are easy to relate to, but I'm not so sure about cars. After all, it didn't work out too well for Herbie.
How will it fair? It won't be Nemo-huge, but the younger crowds (and their families) will make this a hit.
8. Poseidon
Release Date: May 12
What's it about? Kurt Russell, Josh Lucas and Emmy Rossum star in this Titanic-like epic movie about a cruise ship that capsizes. This time around, however, it's a mammoth wall of water (read: big wave) that flips the gigantic ship. Most aboard die instantly but a few hundred passengers in the main ballroom survive and work to escape the ship alive.
Why see it? Poseidon gives us all the exciting action-adventure aspects of Titanic, but being fiction, it's bound to be more outrageous. Of course, you can expect on-board romances between the film's young, good-looking stars. And lots and lots of special effects.
But then again... This might just be another big-budget special effects spectacle with no plot. If we don't care about these characters, we're unlikely to care if they make it out alive.
How will it fair? Audiences do love romance, action and adventure jam-packed into one film, so there's potential here for huge box-office success. But I have a feeling this one might suffer from a classic case of Been There Done That (BTDT). It'll do "just okay."
7. Miami Vice
Release Date: July 28
What's it about? The movie -- a highly stylized, "cooler" version of the TV show -- features Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell and buddy cops taking on the Florida drug scene.
Why see it? Expect hot locations, hot women, and lots of well-filmed action sequences. Foxx and Farrell shouldn't disappoint, either. Director Michael Mann is famous for making this type of movie and making them well. And Mann actually helped create the TV show on which the film is based, so he knows the territory.
But then again... Are we burnt out on Jamie Foxx? And is a 1980s TV show good source material for a 2006 film?
How will it fair? Miami Vice's expected R-rating will put a dent in the number of viewers it rakes in.
6. X-Men: The Last Stand
Release Date: May 26
What's it about? More crazy business for the mutants we all know and love. A cure for "mutancy" is found and mutants are divided over whether to give in to "the man" or fight for their uniqueness and independence. Xavier, the bald-headed leader of the X-men, is all about tolerance, while Magneto, the survival of the fittest-lovin' bad guy, is all about, well, survival of the fittest. Halle Berry and all the regulars are back for this "last stand," which, contrary to what the title suggests, is not to be the last X-Men movie.
Why see it? Because you saw the first two, and this is said to have more "epic" story.
But then again... There's a new director! Bryan Singer moved on to bigger, better (?) things: Superman Returns. The new director, Brett Ratner, is best known for directing the Rush Hour movies. Is the director of such Jackie Chan/Chris Tucker nonsense really equipped to direct an X-Men film?
How will it fair? This film has a built-in audience. The masses will flock to this one.
5. Snakes on a Plane
Release Date: August 18
What's it about? Samuel L. Jackson stars as a bad ass motherfucker on a plane with -- yep, you guessed it! -- 400 snakes. The snakes were snuck onboard by some angry mobsters looking to kill a government witness. The studio recently held reshoots to move the film from a solid PG-13 rating to a definite R. That means more boobs and more gore.
Why see it? Because you'd be able to tell your loved ones and strangers that you've seen the best-titled movie in film history. And because Samuel L. Jackson is rumored to say, "I want these motherfucking snakes off the motherfucking plane!"
But then again... You'd be able to tell your loved ones and strangers that you've seen the best-titled movie in film history. And because Samuel L. Jackson is rumored to say, "I want these motherfucking snakes off the motherfucking plane!"
How will it fair? This film already has itself an internet fan base, and I think movie-goers will find the straight forward title and premise refreshing. And Sam Jackson's in it!
4. Superman Returns
Release Date: June 30
What's it about? Superman returns to Earth after a long, mysterious trip to the planet Krypton. Lois, the love of his life, has moved on and gotten married. Lex Luthor, Superman's arch-nemesis, is back and ready to finish him off for good. Standard superhero business.
Why see it? Because, in a way, it seems like a very American thing to do this summer. It doesn't hurt that the bad-guy side has two of the great working actors on its team (Kevin Spacey and Parker Posey). Also, Superman Returns was directed by the director of the first two X-Men movies, who seems to know what he's doing in this genre.
But then again... Superman is played by an unknown actor named Brandon Routh. Superman is an American icon. You've got to wonder whether this newbie can pull it off.
How will it fair? As far as superheroes go, this is as big as it gets. And on the eve of Independence Day, American audiences will eat this movie right up. Expect it to take in bigger numbers than, say, Batman Begins did last summer.
3. Mission: Impossible III
Release Date: May 5
What's it about? Ethan Hunt (Cruise) tries to save his girlfriend and the world from a dangerous arms dealer (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Lots of secret agent business
and popcorn violence ensue.Why see it? Because the Mission: Impossible franchise has yet to disappoint viewers. The first two movies were solid action flicks with lots of style and gadgetry to ogle at. And this time, J.J. Abrams (the creator of Lost!) is in charge as writer and director. And Philip Seymour Hoffman is playing the villain. How can this not be excellent? But then again... We see the Cruise on TV and in the rag magazines every single day. The whole Tom/Katie spectacle has reached its boiling point with the arrival of their newborn. How much Cruise is too much Cruise?
How will it fair? Cruise's recent shenanigans will hurt this film's box-office draw, but not by much. This will still be one of the summer's biggest movies.
2. The Da Vinci Code
Release Date: May 19
What's it about? Harvard symbologist, Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks), gets called to investigate a mysterious symbol left next to the murdered body of a Louvre curator. After he and his French sidekick start finding clues in Da Vinci's paintings and his French sidekick, they realize they've stumbled upon a huge discovery. Car chases, conspiracies and weird religious stuff ensues.
Why see it? Because a movie based on a book that's been at the top of the best sellers' list for this long cannot be bad. And because this is the type of meaty role Tom Hanks is awesome in.
But then again... What's with Hanks's hair? And can the movie possibly live up the buzz it has amounted?
How will it fair? This will be one of the top two movies of the summer.
1. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Release Date: July 7
What's it about? Johnny Depp and friends are back for part two, in which Jack has an unpaid debt to sea-ghost, Davy Jones. That unpaid debt, it turns out, is his soul. OoOoOh.
Why see it? After the unexpected and huge success of the first film, this one promises to be bigger and better. And judging from the trailer, Dead Man's Chest looks a whole lot scarier (yes!) than the original.
But then again... Will Depp's once wildly original Jack Sparrow character seem like old news a second time around?
How will it fair? It's hard to say whether Dead Man's Chest will outsell the The Da Vinci Code, but since I'd like it to, I'm predicting this will be the highest-grossing movie of the summer.
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Honorable mention goes to the following films:
Click
Who's in it? Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale and Christopher Walken
Plot? Sandler plays a family man who gets his hands on magical remote-control, which allows him to fast-forward, pause and rewind his life -- sort of like TiVo for the real world.
Bottom line: The actors involved are pretty high-quality (Christopher Walken for president!) but if you've seen the preview, there's barely any question left as to how the movie will play out. Still, this should be solid fun for families and younger crowds.
The Devil Wears Prada
Who's in it? Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep and Entourage's Adrian Grenier
Plot? A young go-getter nabs herself a job working for one of New York City's premier magazine editors. Oh, and that magazine editor's a huge bitch.
Bottom line: Based on a best-selling book, this movie should already have itself a long list of fans. Other than that, though, this one probably isn't for everyone.
The Omen
Who's in it? Liev Schreiber, Julia Stiles and Mia Farrow
Plot? Another horror remake, this one focuses on a little boy who, his parents realize, might be the devil incarnate.
Bottom line: You can't say this movie hasn't been cleverly marketed. It's a movie about the devil being released on 6.6.06, and the previews for the film include life-like images of hurricanes and tsunamis -- omens that evil is on its way to Earth. But, like all horror, this movie won't do anything more than modest box-office business.
So there you have it: your movie guide for Summer 2006. Let me know what you'll be seeing (and what you'll be skipping). And, of course, if I've left something out, don't hesitate to tell me. Happy summer movie season!
1 comment:
davinci code will be the best movie
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