
Movie filling theatres this spring


OK so it's half over, but there are still tons of goodies.
I guess I kind of missed the boat when it comes to a spring preview, since we're already on the cusp of summer. Where does the time go? Who knew that while I was sitting in a darkened movie theatre time was actually marching on in the great outdoors? Well, I may be a little late, but there are still some heavy hitters to talk about in the next couple of months before the full box-office blast of summer.
Action
Iron Man (out now) - The preview for this has got me pretty excited, especially since it features Robert Downey Jr. as the metal clad superhero. It will be nice to see him get some mainstream attention after doing his time (and some great work) on smaller projects. The original Marvel comic had Tony Stark, weapons designer extraordinaire forced to wreak havoc on the Vietcong, but of course the modernized version had to place Stark in Afghanistan.
Speed Racer (May 9) - The colourful graphics and imagery of the original anime series are pretty iconic and have a fan base even today. With all the glitzy posters and images being flashed around to promote the movie it will be interesting to see if the Wachowski Brothers (Matrix) can provide a solid story for the art-brought-to-life film version. Stars Emile Hirsch and Christina Ricci.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (May 22) - Let's be honest. Watching Harrison Ford battle it out with Paul Bettany in Firewall was downright embarrassing. Indeed the 66-year-old might be getting a little long in the tooth to be hammer punching and dropkicking, but I'd be willing to bet he'll still be mighty cool in that hat!
The Incredible Hulk (June 13) - Maybe it's just me, or does anyone else find it weird that Hollywood is pretending 2003's The Hulk starring Eric Bana just doesn't exist? It wasn't even that long ago! I mean, remakes are big right now, but this is ridiculous. Anyway, this version stars Edward Norton as the big green guy.
Chick flicks
Made of Honor (out now) - Anything I say isn't going to affect the fact that this film will make hoards of money. Women will flock to see everyone's favourite Dr. McDreamy, Patrick Dempsey picking out flowers and making wedding plans. The fact that his character happens to be a male maid of honour who is in love with the bride will just have the swooning even further.
Sex and the City: The Movie (May 30) - They talked about sex for six seasons on TV but we all know that's a topic that can never be exhausted. Everyone's favourite columnist Carrie Bradshaw and her fashionista friends are back for more and this time it's supposed to be all about happy endings. But we all know that "happily ever after" is a bit more complicated in real life. I for one can't wait to follow up with these classic TV characters.
Suspense
The Strangers (May 30) - On paper, The Strangers sounds a bit like the art-house film Funny Games released a little earlier this year. Some strangers terrorize a young couple, played by Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman, in their own home with a lust for torture. I saw a preview the other night and it actually gave me a bit of a chill.
The Happening (June 13) - Does M. Night Shyamalan have what it takes to recover from his last flop Lady in the Water? We'll soon see when Mark Wahlberg and wide-eyed Zooey Deschanel star in his latest film. What will the big twist be? Your guess is as good as mine.
Kids
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (May 16) - The classic children's books get the sequel treatment and I for one can't wait. These were my favourite books as a child and to see them brought to life is wonderful. The first installment was perhaps a little disappointing (mostly due to my high expectations and couple of lackluster performances) but was still beautifully done. I'm definitely ready to continue the journey.
Comedy
What Happens in Vegas (May 9)- The preview for this looks simultaneously awful and intriguing, much like a car crash. That being said, I kind of want to see it. It stars Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher mugging for the camera as a couple that meet and marry one crazy night in Vegas. Of course they discover they hate each other, but not before winning several million dollars which certainly does complicate matters. I've heard of money ruining marriages but never the other way around!
Get Smart (June 20) - The previews for this make me laugh out loud. Every time. I'm just hoping they aren't showing all of the funny parts. 'Nuff said.
The Love Guru (June 20) - Mike Myers, one of our favourite Canadian exports, hasn't been around much lately. It seems that his Austin Powers days are over, at least for now, so it's time to come up with a new shtick. Sadly I don't think The Love Guru is it since the previews left me without so much as a smile on my face.
So, there you have it. Only two short months to cover, but a long list of films to look forward to. Keep an eye out for my summer movie preview not too far down the road!




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