My Summer/Fall Movie Checklist

Who doesn't love a good movie?  Summer is one of the biggest and busiest times of the year for the movie industry, along with the winter holidays.  I don't go to movies at theaters all that often, mostly because it's so expensive these days.  Seriously, eleven dollars for a matinee?  But sometimes, I'm willing to risk the ridiculous price for some entertainment.

I recently saw "Dark Shadows," and thought it was well done and entertaining (see my previous post all about it).  Since then, I have seen multitudes of previews for several upcoming films, some of which look nothing short of fantastic, while others...well...they could go either way.  Here are my insights into and predictions about this summer's (and fall's) most anticipated films.

Disclaimer: I'm no movie expert; I'm just a watcher like the majority of us.  The following notes are based solely on previews and my opinions on similar movies, prequels, etc.  

• Rock of Ages: I love musicals-turned-movies.  I haven't seen this stage play yet, but it is surely on my list.  It tells the story of "just a small town girl" Sherrie and "just a city boy" Drew as they try to make it big in Los Angeles.  And yes, that is a Journey reference.  The entire film's soundtrack is loaded with 80s rock hits like "Paradise City," "I Love Rock & Roll," "Pour Some Sugar On Me," and more.  I really want to see this one, if not just to see how Tom Cruise performs in this role (I love Cruise, even if he is kind of a nut).  And really, what's not to love about Tom Cruise, 80s rock, and some drama?  I think this looks like a great, enjoyable, energetic movie.  Cast includes Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Alec Baldwin, and Russell Brand.  Directed by Adam Shankman of "Hairspray" and "So You Think You Can Dance."

• Brave: I haven't been this excited about a Disney/Pixar movie since "Toy Story 3."  Seriously though, I really want to see this.  Any movie with a strong female lead immediately catches my attention: Princess Merida must set out to break a curse and save her kingdom.  The previews look amazing, and I'm expecting nothing less from the whole feature.  Disney/Pixar has never failed me before.  I can't wait to see what's in store for me here.  And plus, Princess Merida has a really pretty horse as her faithful companion.  Cast includes Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane (HAGRID!), and Craig Ferguson.  Directed by Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, and Steve Purcell.

• Ted: This is one of the films I think could go either way...absolutely hilarious or downright terrible and overdone.  Either would be acceptable from Seth MacFarlane.  I think the concept is funny: a grown man with his childhood "pal" still by his side.  Maybe it's just me, but I've never understood the hype about these kinds of outrageous films.  Regardless, I'm too curious about this to pass it up.  It'll probably end up on a movie night playlist at college in the fall.  Cast includes Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth MacFarlane, Joel McHale, and Giovanni Ribisi.  Directed by Seth MacFarlane.  Noticing a pattern?

• That's My Boy: I'm not an Adam Sandler fan.  Yeah, okay, go ahead and hit me.  I just don't get him and why people are so entertained by him.  Sure, he's funny, but only in small doses.  Most of his movies are too predictable, anyway.  The last one I saw was "Just Go With It," and I watched it on our return flight from Paris last summer.  But whatever.  Again, I think this could go either way: hilarious or awful.  Of course, that depends on how you feel about Sandler.  He's got a huge fan base, though, so I'm sure this will be successful, but you won't see me at this one.  Cast includes Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Leighton Meester, James Caan, and Milo Ventimiglia.  Directed by Sean Anders.

• Madagascar 3: To be honest, I was kind of surprised they kept this series going.  That's not a complaint by any means, however.  Although I've never seen either of the first two films in their entirety, the bits I have seen were hilarious, and the previews for the third installment don't look any different.  I absolutely love the penguins.  All of the animals are so animated and perfectly done.  I definitely want to see this, but I'll have to watch 1 and 2 first.  And lastly: "Da da dada da da circus circus!"  Cast includes Ben Stiller, Cedric the Entertainer, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, and Jada Pinkett Smith.  Directed by Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, and Conrad Vernon.

These next two won't come out until later, but I'm including them in this list anyway because I'm SUPER EXCITED about both.

• The Great Gatsby: I read this book my senior year of high school and loved it.  I don't think I can find a better novel to represent the American dream than F. Scott Fitzgerald's early 20th century masterpiece.  I nearly jumped for joy when I heard they made this into a film, and was even more ecstatic when I saw the cast.  What could make it better?  Due out this Christmas.  Cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher, and Joel Edgerton.  Directed by Baz Lurhmann.

• Skyfall: What would the Thanksgiving holidays be without the release of a James Bond movie?  The 23rd installment...yes, twenty-third...is due out November 9th.  I love Daniel Craig as 007; the dynamic between him and M, played by Judi Dench, is almost indescribable.  Bond is tested in every way in every movie, and yet he lives on.  Word is, in "Skyfall," his loyalty to M is pushed, and he must battle the threat that is causing those issues.  I can barely wait.  Bring on the Bond!  Directed by Sam Mendes.  Written by Ian Fleming.  Based on the book series. 

Let the movie loving (or hating) begin!  If I see any of these, I will surely post about them. 

Also coming out this summer: "Spiderman 3" and "The Dark Knight Rises."