Summer movie preview.
When it comes to summer movies, just one word comes to mind – BIG. Big blockbusters, big laughs, big budgets and big stars, all coming together to make this summer movie season bigger than ever. Here is a sneak peek at what’s going to be cool in the theaters when the weather gets hot.
The summer starts early with sequels to some popular favorites. The fourth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean films is set for release at the end of May. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides sees Johnny Depp back as Captain Jack Sparrow in a new 3D adventure based on the popular Disney attraction. Go along for the ride of your life as Jack and company search for the Fountain of Youth. (Rated PG-13)
If you don’t quite have your sea legs and would prefer to drive your way to adventure, you’re in luck because Cars 2 is also hitting theaters. In this animated comedy from Pixar Studios and Walt Disney, Lightning McQueen and Mater venture overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix. Chaos ensues when the two unknowingly get themselves caught up in a little international espionage along the way. (Not Yet Rated)
What about a little 80s nostalgia, via a big-screen adaptation of a classic kid’s cartoon? In The Smurfs, How I Met Your Mother’s Neil Patrick Harris and Glee’s Jayma Mays make the move from TV stars to movie stars as a New York City couple whose lives are turned upside down by the arrival of the little blue creatures with the big hearts. It’s Hanna Barbera meets Pixar and oh-so-much-fun. (Not Yet Rated)
Of course, for many kids (and quite a few parents), summer 2011 belongs to one film alone – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II. Harry, Ron and Hermione have one last shot to defeat the evil Voldemort. Will they succeed? If you have read the books, you probably already know the answer, but somehow seeing it play out on a big screen is still an adventure unlike any other. (Not Yet Rated)
Speaking of action, if thrilling theater is what you seek, then X-Men: First Class might be the first-class choice for you. A prequel to the Hugh Jackman movies of recent years, First Class chronicles the early days of Professor X and the gang. Up-and-comers like Michael Fassbender, Nicholas Hoult and recent Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence shine as the young would-be superheroes in this action flick with heart. (Not Yet Rated)
If that’s still not enough comic book action for you, you can always check out Ryan Reynolds in Green Lantern. Not to be mistaken with Seth Rogen’s recent action caper Green Hornet, Green Lantern is all action, all the time. Based on the DC Comic of the same name, a sequel has already been commissioned before the first film is even released, so you know it’s going to be good. (Not Yet Rated)
J.J. Abrams, the man behind Lost,is back again with Super 8. A first-person-style film in the vein of his 2008 hit Cloverfield, the plot of Super 8 revolves around a group of kids who catch some alien activity on their cameras. Further details are being kept under close wraps, but early buzz leads to this being the sleeper hit of the summer. (Not Yet Rated)
Last, what do you get when you combine Academy Award-nominated actor Ryan Gosling, Grammy Award-winning opera singer Josh Groban and a former America’s Next Top Model contestant? Why, the cast of Steve Carell’s new comedy Crazy, Stupid, Love, of course. Carell plays a man whose seemingly perfect life comes crashing down around him, forcing him back out into the dating world. Out of practice and seemingly befuddled by the process, he is taken under the wing of a 30-something playboy, played by Gosling, who is appearing in his first comedic role since his pre-fame turn on a late 90s Canadian teen comedy Breaker High. A heartwarming comedy about family and starting over, it’s the flat-out hilarious, feel-good comedic romp of the summer. (Rated PG-13)
This summer is shaping up to be a great one for movies. So, when the days get too hot, slip into a cool theater for summer fun playing at a theater near you...Now That's the Red Oak Life!
Head over to Old Ferry Landing on Ceres Street in Portsmouth. The food is great, the drinks are cold and the views are spectacular!
Enjoy looking at the tugboats docked in the harbor, view the Isle of Shoals ferry as it passes by or watch the drawbridge going up on the Memorial Bridge.
