Summer Movie Preview: Dinosaurs, Cyborgs, and Moods; Oh my!

"Avengers: Age of Ultron" has clearly been a force to be reckoned with at the box office; with its second weekend utterly crushing the comedy "Hot Pursuit" and bringing its domestic total to over $427 million. It has also added another $1 billion worldwide gross to Marvel's wheelhouse.

Yet, it's more than an ensemble cast of heroes easily washing away last year's disappointment of "The Amazing Spider-Man 2". Summer 2015 looks to be one of the most competitive ones ever; so today we're going to be going over the biggest releases of the season as well as a few to avoid.

The Heavy Hitters


Jurassic World (June 12)

Courtesy: Universal Pictures

The latest entry in the long-running "Jurassic Park" franchise is sure to add yet more millions to its already successful earlier entries. With the dominant belief for the first film in 1993 is still the most well-regarded; new director Colin Trevorrow ("Safety Not Guaranteed") seeks to not only build on nostalgia for that film, but also wow a new generation of fans with rising star Chris Pratt ("Parks and Recreation", "Guardians of the Galaxy") and many advances in special effects and paleontology in the 22 years since that film. With original director Steven Spielberg serving as executive producer; the film should easily make millions and be a sure thrill in the vein of the massive 1993 hit.


Inside Out (June 19)

Courtesy: Walt Disney Pictures/Pixar Animation Studios

As the latest film from the venerable Pixar animation studios; this film should easily do well with families and animation fans with 20 years having passed since the original "Toy Story" first hit theaters. The premise consists of manifestations of emotions inside a young girl trying to guide her through life. They are Joy (voice of Amy Poehler); Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith), Anger (voice of Lewis Black), Disgust (voice of Mindy Kaling), and Fear (voice of Bill Hader). Director Pete Docter, who already impressed with "Monsters Inc." and "Up" is aiming to once again make a film with loads of humor and heart. As the studio's 15th film; expect large turnouts of many kinds.

Terminator Genesis (July 1)

Courtesy: Paramount Pictures/Skydance Productions

The "Terminator" franchise has had a very interesting history in the more than 30 years it's been running. While the first three films were generally well-received; they hit a snag in 2009 with "Terminator Salvation." The attempt to tell the conflict with the machines may have been an interesting premise on paper; but director Joseph "McG" Nichol did not utilize the concept to its full potential, with a PG-13 rating and a well-publicized viral video where star Christian Bale berated his assistant director did not help matters. With this film, Alan Taylor ("Thor: The Dark World") is aiming to capture the look and feel of the first two entries as well as offer a new angle on the timeline of the near future. With the return of Arnold Schwarzenegger as the iconic T-101 (who publicly criticized "Salvation" on Good Morning America); it should easily prove the phrase that he first uttered in 1984: "I'll be back."


Minions (July 10)

Courtesy: Universal Pictures/Illumination Entertainment

Before there was Gru, there was the era of Jimi Hendrix and ugly sweaters. In this prequel to the "Despicable Me" franchise (whose proper third entry will be out in the coming years); the journey of the Minions is chronicled throughout history until they reach New York in the 1960s. As the Minions have essentially become the mascots of Illumination Entertainment; the film should inevitably be a fun diversion for families and animation fans when it opens.


Ant Man (July 17)

Courtesy: Marvel

With the continuing success of "Avengers: Age of Ultron," it is clear that Marvel is now capable of selling their lesser-known heroes in a manner that makes them accessible to not only the built-in audience of the comics; but also give them a broader appeal that many others are hoping to replicate. With "Ant Man", Marvel is hoping to once again catch lightning in a bottle the way they did with the first "Iron Man" in 2008. Thief Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is recruited by scientist Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) to use a suit of his design in order to pull off heists and again a chance at redemption. The advertising not only hints at an even darker tone than Phase 2 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also shows off the trademark humor of the brand as well as a plethora of creative action scenes and special effects. With the film now in the slot that would have been home to "Batman VS Superman: Dawn of Justice" (now on track for March 25, 2016); expect another hit to add to their diverse wheelhouse of superheroes.


Fantastic Four (August 7)

Courtesy: Fox/Marvel

Ten years have passed since the first big-budget version of "Fantastic Four" was released. While the film and its sequel; "Rise of the Silver Surfer" were financially successful, they were highly polarizing among critics and fans for the liberties taken with the source material and the sillier tone of the films. Reasons often cited included the film came out in the wake of more serious superhero films such as "Batman Begins" and the first two "Spider-Man" and "X-Men" films. For this film; director Josh Trank ("Chronicle") and "X-Men" alum Simon Kinsberg aim to put a greater focus on the Four as characters and craft a film with a darker tone. With "Chronicle," Trank made a superhero story on a budget of just $3 million; which became a sleeper hit in early 2012. With that on the table, he can easily transition to big-budget action fare of this kind with such a big team as the Four.

The No-Hopers


Mad Max: Fury Road (May 15)

Courtesy: Warner Bros. Pictures/Village Roadshow Pictures

Is "Mad Max" a film that needs reimagining? This is a highly doubtful notion. Yet, director George Miller feels a need to follow up his trilogy of boffo 1970s and 1980s action films with a project that screams more "zombification" than "resurrection." Despite Max's (Tom Hardy; coming off more like Bane without the charm, grace, wit or talent) claims of it being "a lovely day;" the film looks ugly as sin. In spite of surprisingly good reviews; this smells of a desperate attempt to remake a film that didn't need remaking. If there is a lesson to be learned from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and The Dark Knight Saga; it's that an action film can be beautiful; intelligent, and moving. "Fury Road" looks to be a crass; noisy, and ungainly machine designed to give teenagers and young adults the impression they are seeing a movie. With the continued success of Ultron, box office prospects are dismal at best.

Poltergeist (May 22)

Courtesy: Fox/MGM

To add another film to the growing list of "movies that don't need remaking but they are anyway," for your consideration;  the new "Poltergeist." The 1982 film is one of many that came out that year that's a classic of the horror genre, thus there is little reason for Gil Kenan's take to exist. Didn't we already get that with "Monster House?" Couple that with a preview that seems pulled from Heather O'Rourke's cold dead hands (pictured above); and you have one of the most pointless remakes in recent years. Expect this to be left in the cold on memorial day weekend.

Pixels (July 24)

Courtesy: Columbia Pictures

There is a scene in this film where the creator of "Pac-Man" is eaten by his own creation. Let that be an indication of what you're in for if you see this film. This wannabe "Wreck-It Ralph" attempts to cobble together a plot from classic video games and 1980s nostalgia; then toss in Adam Sandler in yet another attempt to appeal to the teenage "dudebro" demographic. When Sandler starred in the underrated gem "Reign Over Me," he bonded with Don Cheadle over the modern classic "Shadow of the Colossus," coming to terms with losing his family in 9/11. Yet; Sandler feels little need to take advantage of his hidden talents, and would rather make lousy cash-grabs like this. Despite the reported $110 million budget; the high concept effects work appears downright terrible, even if it's trying to capture the feeling of the likes of "Pac-Man" and "Donkey Kong" in live-action. You're better off watching "Wreck-It Ralph" again; then buying a ticket to "Ant Man."

Even with the good and the bad in mind; the ideal mantra for this season is as follows: "Just repeat yourself, it's just a show; I should really just relax!"

Movie Review: Avengers: Age of Ultron

Courtesy: Marvel

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, and Mark Ruffalo

Directed by Joss Whedon

Rated PG13

My Rating: ****1/2:5

The summer movie season is off to a spectacular start with “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

The sequel to the massive hit superhero film is everything a sequel to “The Avengers” needs to be.

Director Joss Whedon has not only managed to deliver a satisfying follow-up to his adaptation of the

Marvel comic ensemble of the same name; but also craft a film which can stand against its predecessor

on its own.

After a dazzling opening fight scene in Eastern Europe; the Avengers are overwhelmed

as a team. Tony Stark (Downey Jr.) attempts to jury-rig a dormant peacekeeping program cobbled

together from the ashes of HYDRA. This program becomes self-aware as Ultron (James Spader); who

instead seeks to destroy the earth and rebuild it in his image. Ultron is also a much more active villain

than Loki. He takes great pride in driving a wedge between Tony and fellow team members Thor

(Hemsworth), Captain Steve “America” Rogers (Evans); and Bruce Banner (Ruffalo).  

The portrayal of Ultron is easily one of the most frightening things about the movie; even when he isn't murdering

those who stand in his way.

As a man who had extensive TV work under his belt (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,”

“Angel,” “Firefly”); Whedon more than understands how the technical aspects of film work. In

essence; Marvel's films have been the films the live-action “Transformers” films wish they could be

ever since the first “Iron Man.” This is largely due to the fact that the human characters are given

equal worth to the machines they coexist with; rather than merely being glorified extras for when

the special effects and action scenes take over. In obvious fact, Whedon never forgets the human

element behind his $250 million globetrotting adventure with an ensemble cast of costumed heroes.

With a fight scene featuring the Incredible Hulk and Tony in his new “Hulkbuster” armor; every punch

hits with the force of an emotional brawl between two friends as it does raw thrill. As Natasha “Black

Widow” Romanov (Scarlett Johansson) and Clint “Hawkeye” Barton (Jeremy Renner) are evacuating

civilians in South Korea and the final battle in Eastern Europe; you feel everything they go through

as massive set pieces crumble around them. Even new characters Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson)

and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) are given emotionally powerful backstories that help fuel their

speed and sorcery in this 141-minute successor to an already great film.

As Tony remarks “this is the end of the path I started us on;” this is also Whedon's last film he

is making for Marvel. For the two-part “Infinity War” this film helps set up (both entries are due out

in 2018 and 2019; respectively); the reins will be handed to Anthony and Joe Russo. As they already

directed the superb “Captain America: The Winter Soldier;” it will be in good hands. For now;

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” ends his take on the story with a bang and kicks off a season filled with

films hoping to achieve the bar for success Marvel has helped set. If other Marvel films in the coming

years (such as “Ant Man,” on the docket for July 17) can be as intense and slickly-produced as this

one; then Whedon's work with their studio will definitely have finished on a high note. Much like how

“The Dark Knight” improved on “Batman Begins” while also being a great film on its own,

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” is an incredible follow-up to “The Avengers” as much as it can possibly be.

Netflix Review: Daredevil

Courtesy: Marvel/Netflix

Starring Charlie Cox, Rosario Dawson, and Vincent Don'ofrio

Created by Drew Goddard (Based on the graphic novel series by Marvel Comics)

Rated TVMA

Available on Netflix (Basic subscription $7.99 a month)

My Rating: *****/5

The first part of Marvel's “Defenders” series for Netflix has arrived in the form of

“Daredevil.” While Marvel has already crafted high-quality TV series with “Agents of SHIELD”

and “Agent Carter;” Drew Goddard has reimagined the famed superhero in a manner that is being

called “a bloody triumph”by USA Today and “Marvel's biggest triumph yet” by Vanity Fair.

You know the story: young Matthew Murdoch is blinded by an industrial accident in

Hell's Kitchen in New York City; but his remaining four senses heighten to levels that are far more

powerful than that of a normal person. He grows into a fledgling lawyer by day (Cox); but by night,

he fights the scum of Hell's Kitchen as Daredevil. While he may start out wearing an all-black

ensemble (a move well-known for the “Batman” and “X-Men” movies); he does get to eventually wear

the iconic blood-red costume from the comics (which is teased in the opening sequence, which looks

reminiscent of “Dexter.”).

This attracts the attention of many organized crime outfits; most notably Wilson Fisk,

better known as the Kingpin (Don'ofrio). His portrayal is a stark contrast to the late Michael Clarke

Duncan in the 2003 film; as he has very little tolerance of failure, to the point where he'll kill members

of his mob legal team with his bare hands.

While the 2003 film was an early attempt to craft a darker superhero story before other

franchises dabbled with the concept; it ended up being critically-panned and highly divisive among

fans to this day. Stan Lee himself even hated it for being “devoid of optimism.” Now that darker

stories are more commonplace; this, along with the growing popularity of alternative entertainment

through online streaming are the ideal way to bring the character back.

In essence, the series is probably the most grounded and realistic work Marvel has

made as their own studio. The fight choreography is incredibly fluid (there is notably a fight scene

filmed in one continuous shot; and the series is touted as the “most stunt-heavy series ever”); and the

writing and tone are in line with Frank Miller's run on the comic. In addition to Kingpin, there is

involvement with the Russian mafia; Japanese Yakuza, and Chinese Triad gangs (as I continue my

binge-watch; I'll keep an eye out for others.). Even so, there are some great Easter eggs for fans of the

Marvel Cinematic Universe (a line in the pilot mentions that an event caused real estate values in New

York to drop dramatically; referencing the climax of “The Avengers”); so keep all your senses open.

Even though I have not seen the director's cut of the 2003 film (which adds 20 minutes

of new footage and bumps up the rating from a PG-13 to an R); I can say that “Daredevil” has not

only managed to create a superb superhero series that makes a wonderful take on the comics, but also

an engaging crime drama in the vein of “The Dark Knight Saga.” With the promise of further series

in the coming months; this 13-episode first season is more than a satisfactory take on “the man without

fear.”

DVD Review: Big Hero 6

Courtesy: Walt Disney Pictures/Marvel

Starring the Voices of Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, and Daniel Henney

Directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams

Rated PG

My Rating: ****/5

When I first saw “Big Hero 6” being promoted this past November; I honestly didn't

know what to make of it. I personally expressed more interest in the type of “intelligent

blockbusters” that studios are more willing to offer; such as young adult book adaptation

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part One” and Christopher Nolan's “Interstellar.”

By all means, it should have been an easy sell. An animated Marvel film from the same

talented animators that produced the likes of “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Frozen?” One that draws

heavy influence from anime at that? Yet, I remained reluctant until I found out the film won

Best Animated Feature at the Oscars. Because of this, my interest was finally piqued enough

to rent the film.

The story concerns a young robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada (Potter) and his

brother Tadashi (Henney) living in the fictional metropolis of San Fransokyo (an amalgam of

Tokyo and San Francisco in more than just name). Tadashi is not impressed with the fact that

Hiro spends time in back-alley robot fights instead of using his intelligence and skill more.

He encourages Hiro to pursue higher education, but an accident occurs during a campus

demonstration; and he's killed.

Learning to cope with his brother's absence; Hiro has been left a rubbery “health care

companion” known as Baymax (Adsit). He also latches onto an eclectic group of friends such

as extreme sports nut Go Go Tomago (Jamie Chung); gentle giant Wasabi (Damon Wayons Jr.),

eccentric scientist Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez) and genre-savvy fanboy Fred (TJ Miller).

As the first animated entry in the multi-billion dollar Marvel Cinematic Universe; there

are clear strains of the Avengers within the team. Hiro's rebellious tinkerer persona often recalls

Tony Stark. Go Go's no-nonsense attitude and little to no need to be rescued can easily parallel

Natasha “Black Widow” Romanov. Wasabi displays a sense of intelligence mixed with fighting

prowess that is all too familiar to Bruce Banner. Honey's idealistic spirit would definitely not be

lost on Captain Steve “America” Rogers. Even Fred gets a piece of the action not too dissimilar

from Clint “Hawkeye” Barton. The villain Yokai (whose identity I will not be spoiling) is

every bit as frightening as Marvel's rogues gallery in live-action as well as the line of Japanese

beasts that give its name.

There is a clear amount of anime influence in the character designs; both looks and

personality. It also has influence from the Japanese genre of “tokusatsu” (literally “special

effects”); to the point where late “Kamen Rider” and “Super Sentai” (the series that would

become the basis for “Power Rangers,” itself being rebooted in 2016) creator Shotaro

Ishinomori is honored in the credits.

As befitting a movie a health care robot is kitbashed into a superhero in a garage; the

film also borrows many elements from other animated films of its kind, notably “The Iron

Giant” and “The Incredibles” (the latter having the honor of being my favorite Pixar film). Yet,

while no “Wreck-It Ralph” or “Frozen;” I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised in a

similar manner to when I saw the first “Iron Man” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” for the first

time.

Are the concepts familiar? Yes. Do the superhero tropes and action stand out more than

the laughs? They do. Are there elements from works that have come before it? Definitely. Does

it also contain the flaws of its lineage but lack the tongue-in-cheek sendups Disney offered

in “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Frozen?” It does. Yet, “Big Hero 6” still manages to be an

entertaining and spectacular animated film that never stops surprising you. I can say that I'm

satisfied with my treatment.