Summer movie picks and predictions

April 28, 2008 —

Most Anticipated

Patrick Herald, opinion editor:
Far and away The Dark Knight. The miraculous resetting of the Batman movie franchise with Batman Begins made for a comic book film whose only real flaws were, ironically, its action scenes. It's a testament to its credibility that it proved to be great almost entirely on the strength of characterization and plot. I have faith that the next installation will be at least nearly as good. The late Heath Ledger's role looks to be a strong indication that there will still be the satisfying focus on character.

Alex Baumgardner, sports editor:
Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. As a rabid Indy fan basically since infancy, just mentioning it here is making me giddy. The trailer is more action packed than most features, and the reprisal of Karen Allen's character from Raiders of the Lost Ark leads me to believe this film is one being made for the fans. If that is any indication, there should be little doubt as to this being a welcome addition to a series that is already an American cinema classic.

Mathew C. Easterwood, A&E editor:
The Dark Knight, without hesitation. Nolan's realistic and darker take on the genre with Batman Begins in 2005 was one of the best comic book adaptations in years. Bale's take on the dual nature of the character was refreshing, and the fact that Ledger's role as the Joker could indeed have played an indirect role in his death proves how devoted to the character and film he was, which is amazing and frightening. Even in watching the trailer, I can hardly tell that it's him.

Least Anticipated

Herald:
The House Bunny. Is there even an audience for this? A Playboy bunny moves into a sorority house to to assist the socially crippled sisters with her "eternally bubbly" personality, according to imdb.com. It's directed by Fred Wolf, who helped bring us such gems as Strange Wilderness and Joe Dirt. Maybe if people just stopped going to see movies like this then they would stop making them. There's nothing wrong with comedy, which is essential for society, but, this? Really?

Baumgardner:
Undoubtedly, The Love Guru. I would rather watch a cat sleep for an hour and a half than see another Mike Myers atrocity. He seems pretty desperate at this point. Verne Troyer's cameo makes me think this film will consist mainly of Myers coyly addressing the audience as if to say, "Remember Austin Powers? That was funny, right?" The funniest thing Myers has done in the 11 years since Powers was a reaction to Kayne West. Something tells me nothing in Guru will top that.

Easterwood:
While I'm quite sure worse films are coming out this summer, The Incredible Hulk probably wins for me here. My primary issue with the film is how a mere five years have passed since Hulk, which proves how few people appreciated Ang Lee's distinctive version of both the character and the genre. Yes. I liked Hulk. For those of you that didn't, you clearly don't understand the Hulk or what Lee was attempting. Was it completely successful? No, but it was beautiful for what it was.

Highest Grossing

Herald:
I'm going to bet on Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Everyone is going to see this. An addition to a classic blockbuster franchise showing up now, almost 20 years later. Remember what happened when the new Star Wars movies (regardless of their quality) were released? Massive lineups at theaters. Expect to see something similar with the new Jones film, if a bit toned down and with less people wearing robes and carrying lightsabers.

Baumgardner:
Iron Man has a shot. The hype machine has been working overtime on this film. It's starting to reach Fantastic Four territory, which frightens me. The last thing I want to see is another of my childhood heroes be destroyed by an out-of-touch movie producer. While I'm personally not too excited for it, Iron Man appears to be garnering a lot of attention. The Dark Knight is another contender. Its year long viral ad campaign could put this film in the stratosphere in terms of box-office gross.

Easterwood:
This is tough. It's been rather disappointing to me that the last few summers have seen really crappy movies making the most money (only three of those in the top ten last year are worth multiple views). So, I'm sort of at a loss. I'd like to see it be WALL-E. It looks to be another Pixar hit, and they've only faltered once (Cars). Plus, their success continually comes from fresh ideas and not capitalizing on a previous success (Toy Story having the only sequel). So, they deserve it.

2008 summer blockbuster releases:

May
Iron Man (5/2)
Speed Racer (5/9)
Prince Caspian (5/16)
Indiana Jones (5/23)
Sex and the City (5/30)

June
Don't Mess with the Zohan (6/6)
Kung Fu Panda (6/6)
The Incredible Hulk (6/13)
The Happening (6/13)
Get Smart (6/20)
The Love Guru (6/20)
WALL-E (6/27)
Wanted (6/27)

July
Hancock (7/4)
Hellboy (7/11)
Journey to the Center of the Earth (7/11)
Meet Dave (7/11)
The Dark Knight (7/18)
Mamma Mia! (7/18)
Space Monkeys (7/18)
Step Brothers (7/24)
The X-Files (7/24)

August
The Mummy (8/1)
Pineapple Express (8/8)
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (8/8)
Tropic Thunder (8/15)
The International (8/15)
Bangkok Dangerous (8/22)
House Bunny (8/22)