Every summer comes with highly anticipated movies, and the summer of 2012 is no different. This year audiences will see the return of superheroes, musicals, and more. Here is a preview of some of the movies coming out this summer:
(CU Independent Illustration/Josh Shettler)
The Avengers
Release: May 4
There is only one thing cooler than a superhero, and that is a gang of superheroes coming together to save humanity from evil. The Avengers is that exact ragtag gang. The cast includes big names like Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Robert Downey, Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Evans (Captain America), Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk), and more. The plot is complex, with plenty of twists to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, and of course action of epic proportions.
This film was written and directed by Joss Whedon, whose past work consists of writing and directing for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and working on films such as “X-Men,” “Thor,” and the recent release, “The Cabin in the Woods.” With “Thor 2” and “Iron Man 3” set for release in 2013, and a hint of a sequel for “The Avengers,” there are multiple interwoven story lines that are sure to keep the comic book nerds appeased.
Dark Shadows
Release: May 11
Of course Tim Burton’s “Dark Shadows” includes his buddy Johnny Depp and wife Helena Bonham Carter, who have been in multiple Burton films together. Burton’s latest endeavor is a rendition of a 1960’s soap opera by the same name. It is about a vampire, Barnabas Collins, that is buried alive in 1752 only to break free from his coffin in the 1970s. When he returns to his old home, it is inhabited by his descendants, who all have problems of their own. Apparently, Depp and Burton have wanted to do a vampire movie together for a long time. Now, their dream has finally come to fruition and is promising Burton’s unique artistic vision, Depp’s quirky personality and a new take on vampires.
Rock of Ages
Release: June 15
For all you lovers of musicals out there, get ready. “Rock of Ages” is the film rendition of the wildly popular Broadway show, with a star-studded cast including Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Paul Giamatti, Russell Brand, Will Forte and Mary J. Blige. The story is set in 1987 Los Angeles and follows Drew (Diego Boneta) and Sherrie (Juliann Hough), who are chasing their dreams and encounter many adventures, as well as falling in love along the way. This movie has a classic soundtrack filled with songs from Def Leppard, Poison, Journey, Foreigner and Twisted Sister. This film is going to be the musical classic of summer 2012.
The Amazing Spider-Man
Release: July 3
Peter Parker is back to find out about his father’s past, as well as his own. This mission leads him to some of his father’s secrets, which puts Parker on an adventure of epic proportions. There is a fresh new cast with Andrew Garfield taking the place of Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man and Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy. Many are wondering why a Spider-Man 4 wasn’t made. Apparently, the movie studio decided to go back to the comics that explore Parker’s past in order to add depth to the story of Peter Parker and to understand him a little more. This highly-anticipated movie is going to astound audiences with its special effects and character developments that will add to the world of Spider-Man.
Ted
Release: July 13
Although this summer may feel like the Summer of the Nerds with all the comic book movies coming out, the comedy genre is promising to be properly represented with Seth MacFarlane’s new movie, “Ted.” The movie stars Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, and a cuddly little bear voiced by MacFarlane. “Ted” is MacFarlane’s take on imaginary childhood friends, as a boy’s magic wish brings a bear to life. The movie focuses on the friendship between the boy and the bear when they are grown up and what they have become. They are no longer sweet and innocent; rather, they cuss and may, or may not, do drugs. This movie is promising to be just as hysterical as everything else MacFarlane makes.
The Dark Knight Rises
Release: July 20
The final installment of the Batman series, “The Dark Knight Rises,” is finally coming out. The plot of this film takes place eight years after the end of “The Dark Knight.” Harvey Dent has died, and Batman takes responsibility for crimes committed by Dent in order to save Dent’s reputation. Now, the Gotham City Police Department labels Batman as a wanted man while a new villain creates unrest in the city of Gotham. The plot reveals two new villains, Bane (Tom Hardy) and Selina Kyle, more commonly known as Catwoman (Hathaway). This film will astound the audience with a budget of upwards of $250 million dollars. As the final Batman film directed by Christopher Nolan, it is sure to be a hit.
This summer will have plenty of hit movies. Along with all the blockbusters already named, there are many more in store: “The Bourne Legacy,” “The Dictator,” “Men in Black III,” “Prometheus,” “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter,” and many more. Get ready for plenty of midnight premieres and summer afternoons at the theater, it’s going to be a great summer at the movies.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Ellie Patterson at Elizabeth.n.patterson@colorado.edu.
