The Summer Movie Season seems to be starting earlier and earlier every year. The first weekend in May is the kickoff this year with the highly-anticipated superhero action film “The Avengers”. But Summer doesn’t truly begin until June 20. So for the first part of this “Summer Movie Preview”, I’m spotlighting the “Summer Blockbusters” that are opening in Spring, along with some predictions and analysis.
MAY
4 – “The Avengers” Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth. Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor, Captain America and others come together to try to save the day. Looks like a good ol’ fashioned fun action film. Preview Grade: B+; Opening Weekend Prediction: $145M; Total Gross Prediction: $330M
11 – “Dark Shadows” Starring Johnny Depp, Michelle Phfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter. Based on the 60’s Soap Opera about a vampire; Depp and director Tim Burton’s 8th collaboration. Hopefully funnier than the trailer, which is weak in story and laughs. PG: C; OWP: $45M; TGP: $120M
18 – “Battleship” Starring Taylor Kitsch, Liam Neeson, Rihanna. An adaptation of the Hasbro board game (in name only). Has a “Transformers” look. PG: C-; OWP: $70M; TGP: $190M
25 – “Men in Black 3” Starring Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin. J goes back in time to 1969 where he meets a younger K (Brolin), and guess what? – There’s another alien invasion! PG: C; OWP: $80M; TGP: $220M
25 – “Moonrise Kingdom” Starring Bruce Willis, Frances McDormand, Edward Norton. Director Wes Anderson (“Fantastic Mr. Fox”) presents his latest dramedy with an A-list cast. PG: B; OWP: $1-$2M; TGP: $20M
JUNE
1 – “Snow White and the Huntsman” Starring Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth. The much darker “Snow White” film. PG: C+; OWP: $65M; TGP: $175M
8 – “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” Starring the voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer. The zoo animals are still trying to get back home and this time end up in a travelling circus. PG: B; OWP: $75M; TGP: $205M
15 – “Rock of Ages” Starring Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Jullianne Hough. The adaptation of the broadway musical featuring classic heavy medal songs and an all-star cast. PG: C+; OWP: $50M; TGP: $150M