By Robin Simmons
There are a slew of promising films, likely blockbusters all, that loom on the cinematic horizon for summer viewing delights. In an informal online poll, more people want to see MAN OF STEEL than any other mainstream summer film. In order, the next most anticipated are IRON MAN 3, START TREK INTO DARKNESS, THE GREAT GATSBY and FAST & FURIOUS 6.
MAN OF STEEL
If you thought the last MAN OF STEEL trailer had phenomenal action, an insider who has seen a rough cut of the movie claims it is “a hundred times more intense and action-filled” than the trailer hints. Director Zack Snyder’s reboot of the first comic action hero treats the story as if no other movie version or TV show ever existed. It’s been described as an origin story that treats seriously the premise of a compassionate, alien being with great powers struggling with his human identity while considering if earthlings are even worth saving. Obviously, it’s a Christ story told through a contemporary lens.
Snyder did wonders with the look and drama of 300, and producer Christopher Nolan knows a thing or two about making iconic comic book figures come alive in ways we never expected but always dreamed. Henry Cavill wears the cape and tights with a bold humility befitting his commitment to a higher calling. Solid co-stars include Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe, Laurence Fishburn and Kevin Costner. This year is Superman’s 75th birthday and he’s never looked better. June 14
IRON MAN 3
The last installment in this franchise was a disappointment. This time out screenwriter Shane Black directs Robert Downey, Jr. in his fourth outing (remember AVENGERS?) as the flying armored mech. We are promised a leaner, more personal story as our hero faces the Mandarin, his most indomitable foe yet. Word is Downey dons more iron man suits than in all the previous movies combined. Is that a good thing or just filler for a weak story? Early screenings have generated mostly strong word of mouth. But no matter, Downey is always fun to watch. May 1.
STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS
J.J. Abrams’s 2009 STAR TREK reboot gave thrilling new life to the old franchise just when it most needed it. A new audience that cared little for the Trek mythos were sucked into theaters and thrilled at the big screen, sun-flare filled, space-opera adventure. In the latest version, Benedict Cumberbatch is the still mysterious villain. But is he Khan? No spoilers here. J.J. has upped the stakes and promises a thrilling and dark journey into truly unexplored territory. And it’s in 3D, which I usually hate, but early buzz suggests it is “dazzling.” Abrams is also set to direct STAR WARS EPISODE VIII already locked in for a 2015. Is that too much cinematic star stuff for one man? April 23.
THE GREAT GATSBY
Baz Luhrmann cranks up F. Scott Fitzgerald’s slim novel with big doses of pop and hip-hop and in-your-face 3D. Leonardo DiCaprio inhabits Gatsby — or is it visa versa? This fourth film adaptation is on steroids. Super stylized, the roaring 20s truly roar. This aural and visual sensation — even with the contempo tunes, is what Luhrman does best. Tobey Maguire frames the story as he tells of his encounter with the mysterious and charismatic Gatsby. Carey Mulligan is an indelible Daisy. Expectations are very high. May 10.
FAST & FURIOUS 6
Apparently Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) is back from the dead and out to get Dom (Vin Diesel her former lover. Why and how this can be we of course want to know but the main draw here, besides The Rock, is the supremely loud and visually extreme, eye-popping, visceral road action. The stunts alone are worth every penny. There should be an Oscar© for this kind of stuff and the daring guys and gals who pull it off. Hard to imagine how it could get any better, but number 7 is already in the works. May 24.
Next week, more hotly anticipated movies: ELYSIUM, THE LONE RANGER, PACIFIC RIM and WORLD WAR Z.
Comments? RobinESimmons@aol.com
