Summer Movie Preview 2015

Though it seemed as if it may never again be a possibility, it is finally safe to say that winter is over. While it wouldn’t be surprising to see remnants of snow in June, the temperatures are on the rise, and the sun may actually be here to stay. April in Syracuse means you no longer have to wear 43 layers of clothing just to step out your front door, and it’s an indication that the summer movie season is just around the corner.

As is the case every year, there are going to be dozens of blockbusters at our disposal. Some will be smashing successes, while others will be forgotten about the moment they are released. Here are a few of the projects I’m looking forward to the most in the ensuing months.

THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON (Opening May 1) 

It seems absurd to think about now, but when THE AVENGERS was released in 2012, there was some questions as to how well the group of superheros would coexist with one another on the screen. The answer, of course, was that each one of Marvel’s-finest fit cohesively together with impeccable results. Not only was the film a hit with critics and audiences alike, but with over $623 million at the domestic box-office, it became the third-highest grossing film of all time.

I don’t think there is any doubt that AGE OF ULTRON will be the most popular of this summer’s blockbusters. At this point, the only real financially-based question is whether or not it will surpass AVATAR’s $760 million mark and become the top dog in the history of film.

Though there is no reason to believe that it is likely, there is some concern as to whether or not the second installment can recapture the magic of the first. Many would argue that AVENGERS was the best superhero film ever made, and they would have a pretty strong case. So, how can AGE OF ULTRON compete? The key, of course, is following the same formula that worked the first time around. Each actor and character needs to realize that they are part of a larger story, and while they are capable of carrying an entire film on their own, this time, they are members of a team. Director Joss Whedon found an excellent balance with that in 2012, and while he had a number of marquee action sequences, there were large doses of humor which only enhanced the overall product.

With the fate of the Marvel characters (and the actor’s portraying them) uncertain for the future, this is a chance to prove that audiences are better off with the entire team than they are without them.

JURASSIC WORLD (Opening June 12)

It seems like an eternity has passed since JURASSIC PARK 3 was released, and in cinematic terms, it sort of has. It was 2001 when the disastrous third installment of the dynamic dinosaur franchise was unleashed upon the movie-going public. While still a financial success, it was uninspired and laughably bad. Rumors of a forth film have been swirling for years, but it seemed unlikely that the project would ever get off of the ground.

On June 12, fans of the franchise will finally get their wish as JURASSIC WORLD finally opens its doors. It’s been 22 years since the tragic events at Isla Nubar (seen in the original JURASSIC PARK) but with new management and security measures in place, the theme park has been operational for the past 10 years. Though the park had been featuring a number of token favorite dino’s, interest in the park is waning, so changes are made to reignite public interest. This, of course, is where things start to go horribly wrong.

Chris Pratt, who starred in last year’s breakout hit GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, appears alongside Bryce Dallas-Howard and Vincent D’Onofiro in what will surely be a colossal hit for Universal Pictures. Special effects have evolved exponentially since JURASSIC PARK first hit theaters in 1993, so it is no longer enough to merely showcase a bunch of cool looking dinosaurs. Now, with the popularity and quality of sci-fi actioners continuing to rise, success isn’t achieved by simply being flash; you need substance and brevity to set yourself apart from others. JURASSIC WORLD certainly has competition in that regard this summer, and it remains to be seen if it will be the film that reignites the long-missed series.

INSIDE OUT (Opening June 19)

There is no doubt that Pixar has become one of the most revolutionary studios in the history of cinema, and have reached a point in which every production is an absolute must-see. Having built a brand that has achieved a colossal amount of success, they have, in recent years, relied heavily upon sequels to build up their cannon (and popularity). With proven commodities like TOY STORY, CARS, and MONSTERS, INC, they have an unimaginable amount of potential projects at their disposal.

While sequels are entertaining and provide families with an opportunity to revisit some of their favorite characters (let’s be honest….who isn’t looking forward to FINDING DORY) there is something inherently exciting about seeing something different. This summer, the studio’s INSIDE OUT will be the first original story since 2013’s BRAVE.

When a young girl is forced to move from the quiet Midwest to the bustling city of San Francisco, she experiences the same turmoil many of us would face. Unlike other films that would merely showcase her outward struggles as she attempts to navigate her way through her new life, INSIDE OUT highlights the inner-struggle of the emotions of joy, fear, anger, disgust.

If past Pixar productions are any indication, it is fair to expect heaping helpings of humor and originality in what will surely be one of the biggest family hits of the year.

PAN (Opening July 24)

There are few characters who have remained as timeless and beloved as Peter Pan. I have to look no further than my own home to verify Pan’s stronghold on the imaginations of the young. My 5-year-old daughter has loved the character from the very first time she saw him.

For the better part of half of a century, Peter Pan has seen numerous incarnations, including the animated Disney classic, and most recently, on NBC’s live production of the stage show. This summer, the origins of the legendary character are to be explored in Joe Wright’s PAN.

It’s fairly rare for a live-action family adventure to remain entertaining enough for adults to stay interested, yet kid-friendly enough to allow youngsters to enjoy the tale without experiencing any emotional scarring. Those familiar with Peter Pan and his many adventures know that violence plays a large part in his world, and there will certainly be plenty of darkness surrounding his origins. Captain Hook is not the main antagonist this time around, although Blackbeard (played by Hugh Jackman) looks to be a intense adversary for the young protagonist. It will be interesting to see in which direction Wright takes his film, and who its target audience will be.

I know a certain 5-year-old who is certainly hoping that she fits into that group.

A special thanks goes to Regal Cinemas at Destiny USA for allowing me to attend this summer’s biggest blockbusters.

Brian Miller