When the summer is too much to handle, there are few better escapes than a nice, cool movie theater. Though summer is short, this season is famous for featuring some of the best flicks of the year, and this summer is no different. Whether you’re looking for a follow-up to one of your favorite movies or a new spin on an old classic, the movie lineup for this summer is sure to have something that will entertain you.
Men in Black 3 (May 25)
Prepare to relive your childhood: Agents K and J are back.Men in Black had a strong following, but its unclear that this series needed a third film. Agent J must protect Agent K from an alien criminal who has traveled back to 1969 to kill K before he can become the most revered agent in MIBhistory. To do so and thus save the world, J, now a veteran of the MIB, will make use of time travel. On the one hand, there are the usual caveats of a time limit and the cliched use of time-travel plotlines. On the other hand, nostalgia for the genre could make the kitsch of a third Men in Black movie forgivable. But the only way to decide is to watch for yourself.
Snow White and the Huntsman (June 1)
Is anyone surprised that Kristen Stewart is doing a gothic interpretation of this fairy tale? No. But aside from that, Snow White and the Huntsman brings the famous tale back to its graphic, Grimm-esque roots. What will really determine the strength of the movie is the supporting cast. With Hollywood knockouts like Chris Hemsworth playing the titular Huntsman and Charlize Theron portraying the evil and heartless Queen, Snow White and the Huntsman is a film that should please the typical college student, with its combination of adventure and romance.
Prometheus (June 8)
From the mind of director Ridley Scott, Prometheus will make or break the summer blockbuster season. Compared to the over-hyped upcoming Batman sequel, Prometheus may not come out on top in ticket sales, but it will beat out its competitors on style, depth and complexity. The film’s premise has tantalized audiences for months as they have received only glimpses of the plotline. However,Prometheus will be worth the money to watch quality actors show why they earn the big bucks.
Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (June 8)
Madagascar 3 continues to show the lack of creativity currently plaguing Hollywood. The third film of the franchise, this time the unlikely animal team is reunited to take on Europe. After facing animals in the wild, Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, Gloria the hippopotamus and the clever penguins will now interact with other animals in captivity. The crew becomes circus animals, where — of course — unorthodox hilarity ensues. Head to Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted to get in touch with your inner child.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (June 22)
An unconventional choice, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter will hauntingly draw you in. The film, based on the Seth Grahame-Smith novel of the same name, takes a different look at our 16th president. In this version of U.S. history, Lincoln is a gun-toting, ax-wielding hunter of the living dead who has sworn to avenge the murder of his mother by killing the very creatures that caused her demise: vampires. This best-seller-turned-movie is the dark horse of the summer movie circuit, one that you cannot miss.
Brave (June 22)
Another highlight of the summer is the Disney-Pixar movie Brave. The animated film brings to life the tale of a Scottish princess named Merida who yearns for freedom and the right to choose her own path. The film provides a different take on the Disney princess movies and is the first Pixar creation with a female lead. Many girls will identify with Merida’s struggles, though few have had to learn archery to save their village. This movie is a refreshing way to spend time at the movie theater.
The Dark Knight Rises (July 20)
A long way off but ever present on the summer movie mindset is The Dark Knight Rises. Christian Bale, who has twice strapped on the black suit to fight crime, will once again transform into Batman. As this will be the third and final Batman film produced by the Nolan brothers and starring Bale, the trilogy will certainly go out with a bang. The only trouble is the hype that surrounds the film. High expectations leave the lingering question of whether the film will live up to all the talk. Mix in the controversial choice of Anne Hathaway as Catwoman and the film will walk the line between great artistic success and utter mediocrity. But one thing is for sure: Get your tickets early, because everyone will be out to see The Dark Knight Rises.
