What better way to beat the summer heat than to watch a great movie? This summer is going to be filled with some of the hottest movies of the year, with many sequels returning and other new films coming to the screen. This year’s blockbuster list contains movies from all genres—from superhero action movies to animated fantasies, so there’s definitely something for everyone.
Men in Black III opened on May 25, and is sure to appeal to old fans of the series. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones return to take the roles of Agent J and Agent K, as Agent J travels back in time to stop an alien assassin from killing Agent K. With a budget of over $200 million and extensive special effects enhanced by the efforts of director Barry Sonnerfield and producer Steven Spielberg, this movie is a lock to make waves at the box office.
Brave, a Pixar film, comes out on June 22, starring Kelly Macdonald and Emma Thompson. In the kingdom of Scotland, a young girl named Princess Merida has a special talent for archery. Defying her parents’ orders, she disrupts the kingdom in order to pursue her dream. Unfortunately, she is cursed by a witch and must understand real bravery before time runs out. While this movie does have a more mature tone than previous Pixar movies, it is still a film for all ages.
In one of the most anticipated movies of the summer, The Dark Knight Rises, Batman makes his return to the silver screen on July 20. Starring Christian Bale as Batman and Tom Hardy as the villain, Bane, Batman returns to Gotham City eight years after the previous movie, The Dark Knight, where he must foil the plans of Selina Kyle, played by Anne Hathaway. With Christopher Nolan directing the scene once more, many longtime superhero fans are looking forward to this movie. Expect this to be at the top of many lists as people’s favorite movie of the summer.
The Amazing Spider-Man will hit the theaters on July 3, with Andrew Garfield playing the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy, and Martin Sheen as Ben Parker. Many may remember Garfield from The Social Network, but this time he plays Peter Parker as he embarks on a quest to understand his past and his parents’ disappearance. Along the way, he encounters the villain, Dr. Curt Connors, or Lizard, played by Rhys Ifans, and other characters from the series. This long-awaited movie is sure to be popular.
On the more comedic side of things, The Campaign, starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, comes out on August 10. Both well-known comedians will be competing in an election to represent North Carolina in Congress. After Cam Brady (Ferrell) undergoes a scandal, his seat is threatened by Marty Higgins (Galifianakis) and the two must fight it out to win the election. Judging from their previous films, this movie will fill the theaters with laughter.
These are some of the major blockbusters for the summer, but there are also other movies coming out, including Madagascar 3, Prometheus, and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. No matter what your taste is, there’s a film for you. Stay cool and catch a good flick!