Summer Movie Preview
Iron Man 2 (Released May 7) — Just like its predecessor in 2008, this sequel kicks off the summer movie season, and should benefit greatly by being the first one out of the gate. It looks big, loud and fun. It certainly helps that stars Robert Downey Jr. and Mickey Rourke have so much talent running through their veins... well, talent and residue Jack Daniels and cocaine, but mostly talent.
Robin Hood (Released May 14; available as a Toonie Tuesday selection on May 18) — Russell Crowe reunites with his Gladiator and American Gangster director Ridley Scott in this take on the classic tale of Robin Hood, the legendary figure who stole from the rich, and gave to the poor. It's a story that's been told many times before, but Crowe always delivers so it should be a big hit. And if it's not, may God have mercy on anyone who crosses Crowe.
Shrek: The Final Chapter (Released May 21; available as a Children's Film Series selection on May 30) — They may never reach the quality of the original Shrek again, but I wish they would keep making these movies forever. If only to tie up Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy so they wouldn't have time to work on atrocities like The Love Guru and Norbit. This latest Shrek chapter, presented in 3-D promises to be the last in the series, although Puss in Boots headlines his own movie in 2011.
Sex in the City 2 (Released May 27; available as a Toonie Tuesday selection on June 1) — I'm more than a little disappointed the film isn't going to be titled Sex Harder. All of the cast members from the show and original movie will be back, including Kim Cattrall and Seabiscuit… oh sorry, on closer inspection that is Sarah Jessica Parker. Men, if you plan on dragging your lady friends to The A-Team, then be prepared to enjoy the antics of Carrie Bradshaw and friends as they vacation in Dubai.
The A-Team (Released June 11; available as
a Toonie Tuesday selection on June 15) — One of
my childhood favourites gets resurrected on the
big screen. Hopefully it will not be desecrated
the same way Transformers was. Liam Neeson,
Bradley Cooper and UFC competitor Quinton
“Rampage” Jackson star as Iraq war veterans who
have been framed and are looking to clear their
name. If the classic A-Team van, explosions galore
and cameos from original stars Dirk Benedict and
Dwight Schultz aren't enough to get men excited,
they've thrown in Jessica Biel for good measure.
This movie could be more effective than Viagra.
Toy Story 3 (Released June 18; available as
a Toonie Tuesday selection on June 22) — This
one should be the biggest hit of
the summer.
Woody, Buzz, Mr. Potato Head and the
gang face an uncertain future when their
owner Andy moves away to attend college.
The first two Toy Story films were revolutionary,
and eleven years gone by since the last
one, so anticipation should be sky high. The
film is presented in 3-D. Shouldn't they have
something new by now? 3-D is so early
2010. The people demand 4-D entertainment!
Grown Ups (Released June 25; available
as a Toonie Tuesday selection on June 29) —
This Adam Sandler comedy should fall short
of last year's Funny People in terms of quality,
but it also should be more enjoyable then
some of the crap he has unleashed upon the general
public. Sandler is joined by Kevin James, David
Spade, and surprise, surprise, Rob Schneider.
If Sandler decides to go a year without making a
movie, Schneider will be in line at a soup kitchen
somewhere. Sandler and company play a group
of former high school basketball players who get
together for a weekend after their former coach
passes away.
Twilight Saga: Eclipse (Released June 30;
available as a Toonie Tuesday selection on July
6) — It seems that Twilight movies are released as
often as the latest iPod model or celebrity sex tape.
For those familiar with the series, this one sees
Bella faced with the difficult choice between her
love for Edward, and her friendship with Jacob,
while some mysterious killings are taking place.
For those not familiar with the series, a bunch of
emo looking kids will be running around pretending
to be vampires and werewolves.