Christina AmorosoThe Daily Northwestern
Ahh, summer. The time for relaxing, wearing flip-flops and tank tops, and tanning at the beach. And if this summer’s any indication, it’ll be a great time to go to the movies too. Almost every weekend has a highly anticipated action flick, comedy or cartoon opening. Oh yeah, and sequels – lots of them. In no particular order, PLAY gives you a run-down of the top 10 movies you can’t miss this summer. A little early perhaps, but we’re pumped. And you should be too.
1. SPIDER-MAN 3
Spidey’s back. This time he has a different suit: a black one that eventually overpowers him. James Franco also returns as the vengeful Harry Osborn, determined to avenge his father’s death. Spider-Man discovers who really killed his uncle Ben, but unfortunately for him and the people of New York City, the villain can transform into the fearful Sandman. Opens May 4.
2. SHREK THE THIRD
In this third Shrek film, Shrek finds himself the king after his father-in-law dies unexpectedly. Problem is, Shrek doesn’t want to be king. He and his wife Fiona look for replacements, but the only possible one, cousin Artie (played by Cameron Diaz’s ex, Justin Timberlake), is a challenge, to say the least. Opens May 18.
3. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD’S END
Leading the search for Jack Sparrow is Captain Barbossa – back from the dead. The search takes Elizabeth and Will everywhere, and they solicit the help of pirate Sao-Feng. Opens May 25.
4. OCEAN’S THIRTEEN
Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin join George Clooney and the gang in the Ocean’s series, which is as funny as it is suspenseful. Damon falls for Barkin, but all the while, the rest of the crew is attempting to pull off its biggest scheme ever. Opens June 8.
5. EVAN ALMIGHTY
Morgan Freeman is back as the Big Guy Upstairs in this sequel to Bruce Almighty. This time though, he wants Evan Baxter (Steve Carell), who recently went to Washington to become a congressman, to build an ark – much like the one Noah once built. Opens June 22.
6. LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD
It’s been more than 10 years since the last Die Hard flick captivated audiences. Bruce Willis returns as New York City cop John McClane, and he must fight the world’s smartest criminal, who’s planning on attacking the country through a form of technological terrorism. Opens June 29.
7. HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX
Yet another Potter movie. And just in time for release of the final book, which drops on the 21st. Coincidence? We think not. Opens July 13.
8. THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM
Based on the Robert Ludlum novel, Jason Bourne is still searching for clues relating to his past. Now, he is searching all over Europe, while an assassin pursues him. Opens Aug. 3.
9. THE SIMPSONS MOVIE
After 18 seasons (and a 19th one on the way), Homer, Marge, Bart and Lisa hit the big screen in their first full-length animated film from Fox. Need we say more? Opens July 27.
10. RUSH HOUR 3
It’s been a while since the last Rush Hour movie hit theaters, but Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan are back as Detective James Carter and Chinese Chief Inspector Lee. This time, the two have to go to Paris to fight the Chinese mob. Opens Aug.10.4
Medill sophomore Christina Amoroso is a PLAY content editor. She can be reached at [email protected].
