Summer movie preview

April 28th, 2008, 3:45 pm · Post a Comment · posted by Brad Milner

The summer movie season officially kicks off on Friday with the release of “Iron Man,” and the rest of this year’s crop is promising.

Summer has always been the best time for moviegoers, especially when network television stations provide the deluge of cruddy shows and reality muck. Big summer openings are always exciting, with packed house the norm. Although I’ve noticed Panama City doesn’t get as amped for movies as in other places I’ve lived.

But it’s still a good time.

The group features three superhero movies (well four with Will Smith’s comedic take as one), with my pick for “The Dark Knight” to rule over “Iron Man” and “The Incredible Hulk.” There are several sequels in the summer season, which runs into August. The most anticipated sequel, aside from Batman, is “Indiana Jones 4.”

Without further delay, here’s a look at this year’s summer movies. The first few are on my list as can’t miss. I’ll add the complete summer list, with links, near the end of this post.

Movies I have no doubts about and will see

“Iron Man” (opens Friday)

Robert Downey Jr. stars in what many are saying will be the best comic book movie of the season. Again, I think Batman will eclipse it, with it being Heath Ledger’s final movie and all. But don’t get me wrong, “Iron Man” will be a wonderful romp.

There will be plenty of laughs, plenty of explosions and plenty of stars to be had. Downey is joined by actors Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges as well as director Jon Favreau.

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“The Dark Knight” (July 18)

“Batman Begins” restarted and recharged a series that was seriously lagging with the horrid “Batman and Robin.” Christian Bale’s turn as Bruce Wayne/Batman rivaled Michael Keaton’s. “The Dark Knight” will bring the rethought story to a whole new level.

“The Dark Knight” is Heath Ledger’s final film, and most accounts say his turn as the Joker is exactly what was needed. The Joker had to be a lunatic, but one who could be your friend one minute, snap the next then go out for a drink. This could be the best villian portrayal in a long while.

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“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” (May 22)

Who cares that Harrison Ford is 900 years old? Who cares that action-adventure movies have evolved? This is Indiana Jones, which set the standard all those years ago. It’ll do the same this time around. Oh, and the new Mr. Blockbuster Shia LaBeouf is in it, too.

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Other movies I’ll be seeing: “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” (May 16), “The Incredible Hulk” (June 13), “Hancock” (July 2), “Hellboy 2: The Golden Army” (July 11), “The X-Files: I Want to Believe” (July 25), “Step Brothers” (July 25).

Movies that I won’t waste my time on but others are sure to like

“Sex and the City: The Movie” (May 30)

Wow now there’s something else to lose two hours of our lives. And, man Sarah Jessica Parker looks rough these days.

“The Happening” (June 13)

M. Night Shymalan took my last dollar with the dung fest of “The Lady in the Water” and the even worse “The Village.”

“Speed Racer” (May 9)

Great for the kids, but so-so for the adults. Lots of special effects and probably stupid jokes.

Some of the other movies showing this summer

“Made of Honor” (Friday)

“Kung Fu Panda” (June 6)

“You Don’t Mess with the Zohan” (June 6)

“Get Smart” (June 20)