As the April weeks continue to pass and the pain of final exams ebbs with the arrival of the summertime sun, the coming months offer well-worn college students time to unwind. And what better way to enjoy the laid-back relaxation of summer than with a movie or two? Here’s a list compiled with the best of the best — and a little something for everyone’s particular taste. From action to animated, this summer’s movie lineup has something for everyone and is bound to take up some well-earned time.
MAY
“The Avengers”: There is no better way to kick off the close of the Spring semester than by indulging in your inner superhero. “The Avengers” crashes into theaters nationwide on May 4 to save the world. Melding superheroes and epic action scenes is the name of the Avengers game, but don’t fret over lack of plot. Although not much has been divulged through the trailers, it looks like Joss Whedon — who’s at the helm of this blockbuster giant — is ma king sure to keep audiences young and old hooked, even for those not a fan of this uber classic super group. With Captain American, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye and Nick Fury leading the way into summer movies, The Avengers will set the bar for films to come.
“Dark Shadows”: Johnny Depp and Tim Burton team up once again, but this time it’s to bring a 60s T.V. show back from the dead.
“Dark Shadows” is the tale of Barnabas, a nobleman who gets cursed by a jealous witch in the 1700s because he just won’t love her. He gets buried alive and then brought back to life, but must undergo a major culture shock. Barnabas must now learn the ways of the 1970s and returns to his home where his descendants now live. It’s a dark comedy, right up Depp and Burton’s allies and looks to be just as entertaining as all their other collaborations. “Dark Shadows” will be released into theaters May 11.
JUNE
“Snow White and the Huntsman”: Jumping onto the fairy tale bandwagon is Universal’s big budget adaptation of Snow White. Don’t be alarmed yet. Yes, another Snow White film was in theaters in March, but this fresh twist on Snow is entirely its own. Starring Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron as the Wicked Queen, this telling of the beloved fairy tale is darker and much more action packed. For all its hang-ups, the take this film has on the Snow White tale is actually pretty riveting, and Charlize Theron’s wicked persona brings a whole new level to the adaptation. Snow White’s character also gets a bit of a personality-lift in this version as well: She’s not all damsel in distress and takes on the challenge of fighting back. You go Snow White! We’ll see how this adaptation fares when it sweeps into theaters June 1.
“Brave”: Switching gears and venturing into the world of animation is Pixar’s newest addition. Like the title suggests, “Brave” is about a red-haired Scottish girl who has to go on an adventure to set the turmoil she unleashed on her homeland straight again. Pixar looks to get its bearings with the release of this film on June 22. Fun fact: Merida — the main character of the film — is the first female lead for a Pixar film, a “brave” title for Brave’s protagonist, and a fitting one as well.
JULY
“The Amazing Spider-Man”: Peter Parker and his web-slinging alter ego return to the big screen in Columbia’s reboot of the suit wearing arachnid. This new Spidey production has even been fitted with an entirely new cast, and even starts from the same humble high school beginnings as the previous film series. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are now set to be immortalized in this new superhero flick as Spider-Man and Gwen Stacey; characters the Lizard and Proto-Goblin become Spidey’s new foes, and the movie goes back to good old New York City for all the skyscraper action any avid movie buff wants to see. The movie comes out July 3, just in time for Independence Day, and, in a way, “The Amazing Spider-Man” will see if it can rise above the shadow of its predecessor and form its own niche.
“The Dark Knight Rises”: Most likely the most anticipated movie of the summer — and year — is Christopher Nolan’s latest (and last) installment of his cape-wearing vigilante. Christian Bale returns as Bruce Wayne/Batman and from tiny scraps of information (and the rumor-mill) his character has hit a patch of disillusionment. Enter Bane and Catwoman, who throw Batman’s life into turmoil like any good villain and anti-hero do, pushing Batman to get himself out of his funk and go to the rescue of his beloved Gotham. This is Nolan’s Batman’s last hoorah, so it’s no doubt that there will be epic action scenes with our favorite caped crusader. However, since it is the last we’ll see of this particular Bat, rumors have gone around about how the story will play out. Bane is known to be the baddie who breaks Batman’s back after all — I guess July 20 will finally disclose the end of this fantastic series when the movie is released into theaters.
