Summer movie review
Blockbusters thrive on nostalgic undertones
Summer season’s best films offer sprinkling of action, thrills, comedy, science fiction and fantasy
By Tracy Lum
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Theaters nationwide should brace themselves for a jam-packed, action-driven, laughter-filled summer. From comic-book-based thrillers and off-beat indie flicks, to the latest installments in fantastical series, the impending season promises movies suited to any taste.
“17 Again”
Opened April 17; PG-13; Directed by Burr Steers.
The title and plot may be cheesy and overused, but the actors transform this tale about a middle-aged man who gets to relive his youth into a hilarious comedy. Starring Zac Efron as the younger incarnation of character Mike O’Donnell and Matthew Perry as the elder, “17 Again” boasts an all-star cast that will take audiences on an uproarious ride. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to see the dashing Zac Efron graduate from his “High School” roots and enter more mature territory?
“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”
Opens May 1; PG-13; Directed by Gavin Hood.
“X-Men” movie-lovers rejoice—the mystery behind Wolverine’s history is finally revealed in this prequel film. Get ready for some knuckle-piercing, slice-and-dice action as Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) dukes it out with Sabretooth (Liev Schreiber) and becomes the indomitable yet strangely attractive mutant beast he is.
“Star Trek”
Opens May 8; PG-13; Directed by J.J. Abrams.
This prequel installment to the popular science fiction series calls on a younger, hipper cast to revive the old saga, dragging diehard adult fans and a celebrity-obsessed younger crowd to the movies. Witness how Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) join forces for the first time.
“Angels & Demons”
Opens May 15; PG-13; Directed by Ron Howard.
Recalling the past seems to be a popular theme this summer. “Angels & Demons,” the precursor to Dan Brown’s best-selling “The DaVinci Code,” is the next film to follow suit. Tom Hanks returns as the sophisticated and intelligent Robert Langdon, who finds himself embroiled in yet another mystery overflowing with symbolism. Vittoria Vetra (Ayelet Zurer) aids him in thwarting the Illuminati’s terrorist attack. Ewan McGregor also stars as Camerlengo Parick McKenna. Hanks, sporting a shorter hairdo, has found a better hairstylist since his stint in “The DaVinci Code.”
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”
Opens July 15; PG; Directed by David Yates.
Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) is back. He traipses through Dumbledore’s (Michael Gambon) memory, discovering the truth about the Dark Lord’s past and his strange link to the Half-Blood Prince. Meanwhile he, Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) try to balance love, Quidditch and coursework. Year six could be the darkest of the series.
