This post could go in two directions based on that title. One being my 2 & ½ year old son’s propensity these days to throw anything & everything when something doesn’t go exactly as he would like it to (ahhh, adjusting to life with a new sibling). The other being that the blockbuster summer movie season is officially upon us. I’ll spare you the details on the first.
I know it is only mid-May, but the studios are already pulling out all the stops, after what has been a decidedly lackluster first 4 months of the year. We’ve already seen the second biggest weekend opening ever with Iron Man ($100 million domestically).
First off, I don’t really get Robert Downey Jr. as a superhero. Drug addict? I’d buy that. Overall prick? I could see that. But a comic book superhero?!? You decide…
I for one think that the success of this movie is very telling. We are tired of awe-inspiring superheroes. We want flawed, real, human superheroes. And if you like flawed superheroes, this summer will definitely deliver.
First up on June 13 is The Incredible Hulk. What peaked my interest with this one is that Edward Norton is playing Bruce Banner. I just love this guy. He is fantastic in everything he does. Interestingly, Norton has had a bit of a falling out with Marvel & is not doing any press for the movie. Apparently both Norton & director Louis Leterrier wanted a longer, more in depth movie, & Marvel wanted a more “streamlined” version. Check out the trailer & see what you think.
I really hope it’s great because of Norton’s involvement, but the trailer is giving me a bit of a Godzilla vibe. Oh ya, & enough with the gothic chanting already!
Then on July 18 the much-anticipated sequel to Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, arrives. Obviously there is a bit of a cloud hanging over this movie due to the death of star Heath Ledger. They recently released another trailer & frankly I find it a bit haunting.
There is no doubt that Ledger was an acting genius, & that his take on the Joker can only be described as disturbing. I hope that the people behind the movie honour him justly.
And if superheroes weren’t enough for you, we have lots more flying objects in some big new franchise releases.
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (May 16)
I totally enjoyed the first movie, so I’m definitely looking forward to this one. Particularly because they have upped the role of Susan (the eldest daughter), as C.S. Lewis held a peculiar disdain for teenage girls. He felt them to be silly, pre-occupied with frivolous things like make-up & boys, & to be generally useless. I for one am happy that the producers of this film have a slightly different view.
Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of The Crystal Skull (May 22)
We’ll see if it’s the years or the mileage when Indy re-appears after a 19-year absence. Rumour has it that George Lucas originally wanted to call this movie Indiana Jones & the Saucer Men from Mars, which lead to big fat “no’s” from the star actor & director. Shocking!! We’ll see how much of the “little green men” storyline remains in the final pic.
Sex & The City (May 30)
Well, speaking of flying objects. Insults. Cosmos. Manolo Blaniks. Us fans being thrown for a loop by this supposed “big twist”. And no, apparently Mr. Big is not a marked man. So what could it be girls?!? The trailer certainly hints at something “big”.
So gals (& maybe a few guys) what do you think of the big blockbusters coming our way? Any that you just must see? Any that you’ll take a pass on? Let us know in the comments section below. Just as a little reminder, you now need to sign up in order to leave comments. Click on the Join Now tab at the top of the screen to do so. It only takes a sec.
Gotta go & see what object my lovely first-born has thrown now. Hey, at least he isn’t throwing them at his little brother. Nope, usually just at me!