While Summer doesn’t officially begin (and schools don’t get out) until the third week in June, MY Summer begins on May 3rd with the highly-anticipated release of “Iron Man 3”. Last May’s “The Avengers” ended-up being the Box Office champ of 2012, but it was really the only HUGE film that month: “Dark Shadows” disappointed, “Battleship” bombed, and “Men in Black 3” underperformed. With five Fridays and an incredible line-up, this May will not only surpass last May’s $1.18B, but has the chance to become the biggest money May of all-time.
May 3 – “Iron Man 3” (PG-13) Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Gwenyth Paltrow, Sir Ben Kingsley. Can “IM3” repeat the success of “The Avengers”? Very doubtful. It will surpass the first two installments, it won’t get to close to “The Avengers”‘ $623M. Early teaser made it look too serious, but the newer trailers, with multiple Iron Men coming to Tony Stark’s rescue, have diehards and casual fans pumped. Opening Weekend Prediction: $155M; Total Gross Prediction: $375M
10 – “The Great Gatsby” (PG-13) Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan. Director Baz Luhrman’s first film since 2008’s “Australia” is the vivid adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel. It was originally supposed to open last Christmas as a primary Oscar contender, but production delays spoiled that plan (at least we hope that’s the reason). Can’t imagine this won’t be a hit, unless early reviews are poor. OWP: $45M; TGP: $125M
17 – “Star Trek Into Darkness” (PG-13) Starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana. It’s been four long years since “Star Trek”, which may be why this sequel isn’t getting as much hype as “Iron Man 3”, “The Hangover: Part III” or “Fast & Furious 6”. I really enjoyed the original, but don’t expect it to duplicate 2009’s the box office success. OWP: $95M; TGP: $230M
24 – “Epic” (PG) Starring the voices of Josh Hutcherson, Amanda Seyfried, Christoph Waltz. Blue Sky Studios’ previous film – “Ice Age: Continental Drift” – was the least popular of the franchise (at least domestically). Look for the studio to bounce back with “Epic”, the first animated film release since February. While it’s got some hefty competition opening weekend, families will flock to it. OWP: $50M; TGP: $170M
“Fast & Furious 6” Starring Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Ludacris. Could be one of the best action films of the year. How it does against “Hangover” opening weekend is anybody’s guess. Shocked that neither film is being open on Wednesday the 22nd (though that could change). OWP: $75M; TGP: $230M
“The Hangover: Part III” (R) Starring Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, John Goodman. The “final” installment in the franchise (if we can believe that) appears to actually have a fresh storyline, which may appeal to those who were incredibly disappointed by “Part II”. Look for “Hangover” to win Memorial Day weekend – in a tight race with “FF6”. OWP: $85M; TGP: $260M
31 – “After Earth” (PG-13) Starring Will Smith, Jaden Smith. Sony recently moved this sci-fi adventure from June 7th to the final day in May. Not sure why (hope they’re not afraid of “The Internship”). Nothing I’ve seen or read so far seems to be very original. Will struggle to match “Men in Black 3” numbers. OWP: $40M; TGP: $130M
“Now You See Me” (PG-13) Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Morgan Freeman. While the magician comedy “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” is one of 2013’s biggest bombs, this intriguing thriller may be a smart alternative for audiences wanting to avoid another futuristic post-apocalyptic sci-fi, comedy or action film. OWP: $25M; TGP: $70M
Can these films (and the other, smaller releases) combine to break the May record of $1.4B (2003)? They just MAY!