HOLLYWOOD—There is a reason the box-office explodes during the summer months: some amazing movies arrive at the multiplex. So long April and hello May. The month of May sees the release of some major blockbusters that are sure to ignite the box-office on fire. First up is the sequel to everyone’s favorite web slinger, as “The Amazing Spiderman 2” arrives on May 2. Andrew Garfield returns in the title role, alongside real-life beau Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy.
Spiderman will have his hands full battling a slew of villains including Electro (Jamie Foxx), The Green Goblin (Dane DeHaan) and The Rhino (Paul Giamatti). Just a week later comedy hits the theaters with Seth Rogen and Zac Efron in “Neighbors.” The movie has a witty premise as Rogen and his wife Rose Byrne do battle with Efron and his frat brothers. It’s been nearly 16 years since sea monster Godzilla invaded theaters, well he’s back. “Godzilla” hits theaters on May 16, starring Bryan Cranston, Elisabeth Olsen and Aaron-Taylor Johnson. Let’s just say this monster is out for blood and NYC is in big trouble. Did I mention it’s in 3D?
Another fight at the box-office arrives on May 23 with the release of “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” The picture is generating massive buzz, as the cast from the first three “X-Men” movies and 2011’s riveting hit join forces to stop the eradication of mutants. With so much superhero craziness at the multiplex in 2014, this is one to watch. May isn’t done yet, as Angelina Jolie oozes creepiness in the fantasy flick “Maleficent.” I will admit Jolie brings sheer fright to the role, which could deter many parents from taking little ones to see the movie. It opens on May 30.
The month of June is a slow month in my opinion, but there are still pickings for the audience to choose from. On June 6, Tom Cruise returns to the multiplex with the sci-fi thriller “Edge of Tomorrow.” It’s a futuristic piece that looks to play with the mind. Emily Blunt co-stars in the movie. On June 13, it’s the battle of the sequels, as “How to Train a Dragon 2” competes against “22ndJump Street.” Both films did big business at the box-office in the past, so it will be interesting who comes out on top: a dragon or Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill?
The following week sees the debut of another sequel, “Think Like a Man Too” starring Kevin Hart, Gabrielle Union and Taraji P. Henson. This time the entire gang heads to Las Vegas to celebrate the impending nuptials of friends. It’s been awhile since Optimus Prime and Bumblebee saved planet Earth from the evil Decepticons, but on June 27 “Transformers: Age of Extinction” hits the multiplex. The robots will be back to wow audiences as Mark Wahlberg, Kelsey Grammar and Nicola Peltz do battle with intergalactic aliens. I’m definitely looking forward to this action-extravaganza.
July is known to be the month of big-time blockbuster features, with a mix of surprises here and there. For audiences looking for a scare just in time for the Fourth of July weekend, “Deliver Us From Evil” will get underneath your skin. Eric Bana and Olivia Munn will do battle against the supernatural entities that haunt their family. On July 11, the apes are back to continue their rule on the human race in “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.” It’s important to note James Franco isn’t returning for the sequel, but Andy Serkis is indeed back as Caesar. Keri Russell and Jason Clarke star.
The thriller of 2013 that shook audiences to the core returns on July 18, as “The Purge: Anarchy” allows citizens 12 hours to commit any crime they please. It will be interesting to see what direction the thriller takes this time around with a fresh cast at the mercy of America. The same weekend Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis star in the action-flick “Jupiter Ascending” about a woman facing a bleak future, until Caine (Tatum) arrives to track her down.
Rounding out the last weekend in July is the comedy “Sex Tape” starring Cameron Diaz and Jason Segal. Will the laughs be as big as the premise sounds? One can only hope. Audiences were already treated to one “Hercules” film in January 2014; they’ll get another in July, this time starring Dwayne Johnson in the title role. Still wondering if audiences will be enticed for this flick?
Rounding out summer movies is the month of August which sees another Marvel flick as “Guardians of the Galaxy” hits theaters on August 1. The film stars Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana. Michael Bay unleashes his interpretation of everyone’s favorite reptiles as “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” hits the multiplex alongside Megan Fox. For those who haven’t seen the trailer, this could be the sleeper hit of the summer.
If comedy is on the brain, check out “Let’s Be Cops” starring Damon Wayans Jr., Jake Johnson and Nina Dobrev. Wayans and Johnson play buddies portraying to be cops, who really aren’t cops. The movie hits the multiplex on August 13. Just two days later, the ultimate action franchise returns as Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Nicolas Cage and every other action star to grace the screen in the past 40 years join “The Expendables 3.” I must say it’s the perfect B-movie audiences have come to love.
If drama is your cup of tea, than catch “The Giver” starring acting legend Meryl Streep, Jeff Bridges, Katie Holmes and country darling Taylor Swift on August 15. With Streep in the cast, this movie will be a hit right? Rounding out summer at the multiplex could be one of the longest delayed sequels, as “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For” hits theaters. Jessica Alba, Mickey Rourke, Josh Brolin, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Jamie King star in the noir thriller hitting theaters on August 22. So let’s just say summer 2014 looks to be an explosive, dramatic, comical, animated treat for audiences young and old.
By LaDale Anderson
