Welcome to Part 2 of my Summer
Blockbuster Preview.
Last week I began to peel away the layers of hype surrounding this year's
batch of soon-to-be-released summer blockbusters. Bringing us up to the 4th
of July Weekend will be a varied mix of superhero flicks, paranormal
thrillers, and the return of Indiana Jones. From July onward, the offerings
will be predominantly sci-fi in nature. With titles like The Dark Knight,
The X-Files, and Star Wars, it's certain to be a busy couple of months for
all you fanboys out there.
Read on as I sort the rockage from the suckage for the remainder of the
summer blockbusters...
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Release Date: July 11
Why it might rock: Coming off the success of Pan's Labyrinth,
director Guillermo del Toro has decided to helm the sequel to his 2004 comic
book adaptation, Hellboy. From what has been revealed so far, del Toro
intends to outdo himself in terms of creature design; Hellboy 2's bestiary
is an imaginative group of nightmarish monsters. Also, this sequel will keep
star Ron Perlman in the titular role that he fits perfectly.
Why it might suck: The heavy emphasis on monster making could leave
the story of this creature feature lacking.
The Dark Knight
Release Date: July 18
Why it might rock: If ever there was a sure bet, it's that The Dark
Knight is going to be a hit. From director Christopher Nolan comes this
followup to the Batman restart staring Christian Bale as the caped crusader.
Joining him this time will be Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and the late
Heath Ledger as The Joker. Heath's final performance is sure to steal the
show.
Why it might suck: Batman Begins certainly set the bar high for this
sequel. Coupled with the tragedy of Heath Ledger's untimely demise, many
fans may be expecting far too much from this comic book movie. But
really...there's very little chance of suck here.
The X-Files: I Want To Believe
Release Date: July 25
Why it might rock: It has been far too long since everyone's favorite
FBI duo have shared the screen. An icon of 90's television, The X-Files is
nothing short of a modern classic. Is it still relevant with current
audiences? Maybe not. But at its heart this one is for the fans.
Why it might suck: With so many stories already told, I'm skeptical
as to where writer/director Chris Carter will take us with I Want to
Believe.
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
Release Date: August 1
Why it might rock: The Mummy trilogy is mostly a mediocre franchise,
but reliable in its mindless entertainment capacity. This time, Brendan
Fraser and team make their way to China to do battle with the undead forces
of some reanimated emperor. Jet Li also joins the cast, so, if nothing else,
you can expect some cool stunts.
Why it might suck: Iffy CGI, an aging Brendan Fraser, and no actual
mummies does not a good mummy movie make.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Release Date: August 15
Why it might rock: With the Star Wars prequels more computer
generated than not, it makes sense that they finally went all the way and
made an animated film. Filling in the gap between episodes II and III, The
Clone Wars looks to be an action-packed tale of Jedi on Sith action.
Why it might suck: The animation style may be a turn-off to some.
Also, most of the film's cast will not voice their animated characters.
Lame.
Babylon A.D.
Release Date: August 29
Why it might rock: Vin Diesel can still be a bad-ass, right? Right?
Why it might suck: Chances are slim. Also, it's troubled production
and late August release date are just the start of its problems.
Thus concludes my Summer Blockbuster Preview for 2008. Now get out there and
watch some damn movies.
