This months Top 5 has nothing to do with gaming. We always try to do some sort of Summer movie news, so the Top 5 seems like a good outlet to do so. Here is our Top 5 picks for this years Summer movie blockbusters.
5. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides May 20 – This movie is the fourth entry in the franchise and is looking for some retribution after a lackluster finish to the original trilogy. Johnny Depp Returns in this movie directed by new comer to the franchise Rob Marshall. It picks up where the last left off. Captain Jack looking for the Fountain of Youth. The movie has some returning cast with as well as some new comers. Ian McShane has stepped up to the role of Black Beard.
jggh Opinion: Even though it’s fun to have Johnny Depp back in this fun role and also nice to see Ian McShane as the villain, I get the feeling that even though it may be a blockbuster success, fans may leave the theater a little disappointed in what the entry will bring. The idea of simplifying the plot by making it character based could be a great idea, but with Rob Marshall (Chicago) helming, I have my doubts.
4. Captain America: The First Avenger: July 22 – Tells the origin story for Steve Rogers played by Chris Evans. The movie takes place during WW2. It tells the story of Operation Re-Birth and also the story of Red Skull played by Hugo Weaving. Directed by Joe Johnston Captain America is the movie that plenty of comic fans have wanted for years and this year they will get it.
jggh Opinion: Judging from past Marvel productions there is no visible reason this movie should fail financially. On the other hand though I do see some fans being upset by the film. I have never been super excited about any of the trailers and in my opinion the movie looks some what corny. I think that most fans will be pleased by what they get, but with any movies you’ll have the haters and the fanboys who call out every change. I think that the connection that will be made into the Avenger movie will ultimately win people over.
3. Rise of the Planet of the Apes August 5 – Set in present day San Francisco, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” deals with the aftermath of man’s experiments with genetic engineering that lead to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy. James Franco will play a driven scientist who becomes a crucial figure in the war between humans and apes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_gKq200EBk
jggh Opinion: I think that this movie, as it stands right now may be the sleeper hit of the summer. With James Franco on the rise in popularity and WETA being behind the special effects on the movie, I really can’t see a wrong way to go. I’m not saying it will be the hit of the summer, but it will be one that does not disappoint.
2. Cowboys and Aliens: July 29 – Set in 1800s Arizona, a battle between cowboys and Apaches is interrupted by the crash landing of a space ship. The alien commander plans to tame the Old West and enslave everyone, but the cowboys and Native Americans turn their six-guns against the alien invaders. The movie stars Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde and Harrison Ford. Directed by Jon Favreau.
jggh Opinion: This one is a hard one to decide on. With Jon Favreau directing and him having the recent and huge success of Iron Man under his belt is not a bad thing. The cast is excellent. Daniel Craig has always been a great Actor, but not widely acknowledged until the reboot of the James Bond franchise. Also Oliva Wilde’s Tron role will still be in fans head as well. Harrison ford will be making an appearance as well in his first true action flick sine the last Indy. Lots of reasons for this movie to succeed and not many to cause it to fail.
1. Transformers: Dark of the Moon June 29 – “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” features Sam Witwicky (LaBeouf) taking his first tenuous steps into adulthood while remaining a reluctant human ally of Optimus Prime. The film centers around the space race between the U.S.S.R. and the USA, suggesting there was a hidden Transformers role in it all that remains one of the planet’s most dangerous secrets. The villain of the third film will be Shockwave.
jggh Opinion:The reason this was picked as number one is not because I’m a huge fan or anything, but there are several reasons that make me think that this movie will no doubt be the biggest movie of the summer. To start with Micheal Bay has stated that the second movie “sucked” and he has to make up for it with this one. Also, this is the final chapter in Bay’s version of the movies. This movie also takes a much darker approach than the previous entires. The idea of Shockwave taking the leadership role as well as Megatron still being in place seems to make the whole movie fell different. There are obviously going to be haters who will not be pleased no matter what the film is like. In the end I think that this movie will be the biggest money maker all Summer as well as be the one that fans are most pleased with.
I realize that I missed several movies that could be great this Summer. Face the facts though. This is a Top 5 and when it comes to Summer movies, there are just too many. So here is a list below of honorable mentions.
X-Men: First Class
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
The Hangover 2
Super 8
Cars 2
Green Latern
The Smurfs….Nah, just kidding.
