SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW
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Written By: John H Foote
The major and minor studios see the summer with dollars signs in their eyes as it is historically a time when films are blockbusters. The studios jockey for release position, change release dates in fear of another film, and sit back and tally their earnings. While it is rare that Oscar worthy films are released in the summer months, it is certainly not unheard of, and there are a few that could land in the nominees circle next year. Here’s a look at the major films coming our way in the hot summer months.

Click on the titles in red for the trailers


SHREK 2…The sequel to one of the biggest hits in DreamWorks young history sees the ogre and his new bride meeting her parents, who are justifiably concerned about their beloved daughters choice of mate. Mike Myers is back as the green guy, Eddie Murphy will repeat his finest screen performance as the donkey and Cameron Diaz is back as Mrs. Shrek. Poised to be a major hit.

TROY…In exploring the story of Helen, the face that launched a thousand ships, director Wolfgang Peterson has created a massive picture on the scale of some of Hollywood’s biggest and grandest epics. Brad Pitt is the warrior Achilles, sent to bring Helen home. The early test screenings have been threw the roof and the trailers look astounding. Should be a major hit if it not ridiculous.

VAN HELSING… The man who fought Count Dracula is back as some sort of super hero in this new film featuring heartthrob Hugh Jackman as the fighter of all things evil and supernatural. Not only does this Van Helsing go to war with vampires, but werewolves and the Frankenstein’s monster are thrown into the mix as well. Could be huge, if it does not look like The League of Extraordinary Gentleman (2003).

THE CLEARING… An intense little independent film in which Robert Redford is the rich man kidnapped by the insane Willem Dafoe and held hostage as the police try to find them. Sparse and frightening, this could be one of those early Oscar contenders.

HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN…The third of the incredibly popular films is now a summer release unlike the previous two, which were released in the fall. Once again Daniel Radcliffe is the most famous little wizard of that world, with his trusty friends Ron Weasly and Hermione Granger along for the ride. This time something from Harry’s past reaches into the future and poses a great threat to our favourite wizard. Once again a who’s’ who of British cinema populates the cast with Emma Thomson and Gary Oldman the most notable newcomers.

THE TERMINAL…What more needs to be said other than it is a Steven Spielberg film starring Tom Hanks and recent Oscar winner Catherine Zeta-Jones? My understanding is the film takes place entirely in an air terminal, with Hanks cast a man obsessed with a woman who works there. The have always said Spielberg could make the phone book interesting. Any chance to see Hanks on screen works for me.

GARFIELD…The caustic though lovable feline comes to the big screen in a live action film with Garfield being a computer generated image. Bill Murray will deliver the voice of Garfield, very likely at his droll best. For fans of the comic strip, this will be a must see.

SPIDER MAN 2…The second installment of the Spider Man saga swings into theatres in July with Tobey Maguire reprising his role as Peter Parker/ Spider Man and Sam Raimi again at the helm. Alfred Molina is cast as the villain of the piece…should be the blockbuster of the summer months.

I,ROBOT…Will Smith stars in this massive science fiction film based on the famous novel. Early test screenings have been strong, Smith may get a chance to flex his acting muscles once again, something he has not done since Ali (2001).

CATWOMAN…Halle Berry steps into the ultra tight cat suit where Michelle Pfeiffer left off. Rumours have circulated for months that the film is either a huge hit or a dud…either way, it puts Berry in the spotlight yet again.

THE MACHRIAN CANDIDATE…A remake of the classic cold war thriller has a cast to die for including Denzel Washington as the brainwashed soldier, and Meryl Streep stepping into the role Angela Lansbury made all cool menace in the original. Worth a look just to see Washington and Streep together for the first time.

COLLATERAL...Michael Mann directs Tom Cruise as a hitman who hijacks a taxi cab to take him through the night to his various executions. At his best Mann is among the more stylish directors in the business, and it seems he has given Cruise a strong role the actor loved performing. Could be this year’s summer Oscar film.










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