Winter is almost coming to an end, and there’s a whole glut of great movies on their way in Spring. You can find out about some of the coolest by checking out Five Cool Movies For Spring 2010 here.
This is the movie industry, however, and that means that it’s never too early to look at the big Summer blockbusters. Here are the five i might just be looking forward to most.
The A-Team
When is it? – US 11th June UK 30th July
Who is it? – Directed by Joe Carnahan. Starring Liam Neeson, Sharlto Copely, Bradley Cooper, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Jessica Biel
What is it? – Movie version of one of the most iconic TV series ever. In the words of that fantastic intro… “In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit. They promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no-one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the A-Team.”
Why am I excited? – It’s the A-Team! What more do you need? The A-Team was huge, and firmly my era. Carnahan has showed the ability to craft knockabout action and thriller with Narc and Smokin’ Aces. The movie features some actors who made a big impact last year. Liam Neeson showed his action chops in Taken, Bradley Cooper scored in comedy of the year The Hangover. Sharlto Copley was the star that ran last year’s surprise hit District 9, arguably the best sci-fi movie of the year. And of course, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson… hang on, this belongs in the next bit…
But? – ‘Rampage’ Jackson is a bit of an unknown acting wise. He looks the part, but may be the weak link of the lead four. Released not long after The Losers will have finished it’s run, and The Losers has the potential to be far better written and a lot less silly than The A-Team. Movie versions of classic television shows don’t have the best pedigree. Charlie’s Angels, Starsky and Hutch, The Saint? Let’s hope it’s more in line with Mission: Impossible.
Would you like to know more? – We’ve got some images here, a trailer here, and some set footage here
Toy Story 3
When? – US 18th June UK 23rd July
Who? – Directed by Lee Unkrich. The voice talents of Tim Allen, Tom Hanks, Joan Cusack, John Ratzenberger, Michael Keaton, Timothy Dalton, etcetera etcetera
What? – The second sequel to Toy Story, featuring all the original characters and a couple of new ones. Young Andy, the toys’ owner, isn’t so young any more, and is off to college. The gang are sent to a day care centre, and hilarity ensues…
Why? – For all around family entertainment, Pixar’s Toy Story series are considered both the turning point and the pinnacle of animated movies. They perfected the blend of child friendly action and adult friendly humour, and have arguably yet to be bettered. Pixar movies have evolved since, and recent movies Wall*E and Up have dealt with much more mature issues, so it’ll be interesting to see to what extent Toy Story follows in their footsteps.
But? – Director of the first two movies John Lasseter is handing over the reigns to Lee Unkrich, will the same magic still be there? With the addition of yet more characters, there’s a danger of the story being overstuffed (Sorry).
Would you like to know more? – A billion posters can be found here, here, here, here, here, here… There’s a clip here, images here and here, a teaser trailer here and a theatrical trailer here
Predators
When? – US 7th July UK TBA
Who? – Directed by Nimrod Antal. Starring Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, Danny Trejo, Laurence Fishburne
What? – The latest addition to the popular Predator franchise. Members of the fearsome alien race are stalking a unit of elite commandos
Why? – The first Predator was a fantastic action movie. The idea of technologically advanced aliens doing battle with ultra-tough marines is a pretty kick-ass concept, and Predators looks like it will follow that dynamic. The presence of Adrian Brody, and to a lesser extent Topher Grace suggests we may be offered more complex characterisations than in previous installments. Director Antal’s recent Armored showed enough action and tense thriller to suggest he’s capable of doing a good job here.
But? – The attempt to resurrect and continue the Terminator series after an extended period has been a failure. Aside from the first Predator movie, the franchise hasn’t exactly been strong. Predator 2 was a dissapointment, and the presumably non-canon Alien Vs Predator movies have been awful.
Would you like to know more? – we have some set photos here, and will have much more closer to the movies release.
Inception
When? – US 16th July UK TBA
Who? – Directed by Christopher Nolan. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt,
What? – A corporation has discovered the technology to allow entry into peoples dreams. There’s some kind of blackmail plot, and a twisty, turny storyline (I assume. Nolan and co are keeping things pretty close to their chest for now).
Why? – By arguably the best director of the last decade, starring one of the finest actors of his generation alongside the man tipped as the next big thing? Nolan has a track record of putting together great casts. His characteristic intelligent, twisting plot-lines are a perfect match for a story that takes place ‘within the architecture of the mind’.
But? – Nolan has flirted with sci-fi with The Prestige, but it was regarded as a cheat in that particular movie, and a full blown sci-fi storyline is new territory for the gifted filmmaker. Dark Knight topped many lists of the best movies of the last decade, meaning a lot is expected of Inception, possibly too much. It’s difficult to see how it could ever live up to it’s predecessor.
Would you like to know more? – So would we. We do however have a picture here, couple of posters here and here, and a trailer here.
The Expendables
When? – US 13th August UK TBA
Who? – Directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone, also starring Jet Li, Jason Stathum, Dolph Lungren, Steve Austin, with reported cameos from Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenneger.
What? – a team of deadly mercenaries go on a mission to overthrow an evil dictator in the jungles of South America. There may not by much more story to it than that…
Why? – The cream of the action movie crop coming together for the ultimate men on a mission gun fest has awesome written all over it. Whether it turns out to be a great action movie or as camp as a row of tents, The Expendables will be unmissable. Individually the cast wouldn’t generate a lot of box office, but as an ensemble this is a once in a lifetime project that’ll make hundreds of millions. Stallone has much experience with this kind of movie, having written, directed and acted through much of the Rambo series, as well as many other action movies.
But? – With so many big names, and big egos, there could be a lot of squabbling for elbow room and screen time. Your favourite may only get a few minutes of screen time, or a couple of lines of dialogue. The latter may however be a blessing, because although all icons, there isn’t a respected ‘actor’ among them.
Would you like to know more? – It’s a little way off, but there is a photo here, and some video here and here.
Bazmann – Check out the HeyUGuys IMDb250 Project here. You can follow our progress at and http://twitter.com/gary_phillips_
