X-Men: First Class (Now Showing)
Stars James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender
Like all great legends, there’s always a backstory; the place where it all began with the people who made it all happen. So this time around, we learn about Professor X (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender) before they became archenemies and before the world knew about mutants.
Bottom line: First class in name, but whether it’s first class in nature depends on whether Fassbender can top McKellen’s turn in the earlier films.
Super 8 (Opens June 9)
Stars Kyle Chandler and Elle Fanning
It’s the 1970s, and in a small town in Ohio, a group of friends witness a mysterious train crash while filming a movie in Super 8. When people begin disappearing, it soon becomes apparent that whatever stalks the town isn’t human.
Bottom line: Even when he misses the mark (the latter fifty-five seasons of Lost) J.J. Abrams never fails to surprise audiences.
Green Lantern (Opens June 17)
Stars Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively
This summer superhero flick stars Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan, a man who gains superpowers from a ring and becomes a member of the Green Lantern corps—known as protectors of peace and justice in the universe. The fate of the world lies in the hands of Hal, the first human ever selected to be a Green Lantern.
Bottom line: It’s superhero season. Whether there’s room for all of them, remains to be seen.
Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon (Opens June 29)
Stars Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Tyrese Gibson
The power packed director/producer team of Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg present another high-octane summer adventure as the battle between Autobots and Decepticons continues. This time, a Cybertronian spacecraft has been discovered on the moon, leading to the possible annihilation of Earth. Join Sam Witwicky (Shia LeBeouf) and his new love interest in their quest to save the world.
Bottom line: A Megan Fox replacement? Don’t know if that’s the best move.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows II (Opens July 14)
Stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
It all comes down to this much-anticipated finale, where Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) faces a final battle against Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). After a decade, this is the curtain call of Harry Potter film franchise, so fans, be prepared to hold on to your seats for the concluding ride.
Bottom line: Someone’s going to die. And we already know who.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (August 3)
Stars James Franco, Tom Felton and Freida Pinto
What was supposed to be an experiment to cure Alzheimer’s disease leads to a breakthrough development in intelligence—for apes. Scientist James Franco and his team have to hold it together before a war breaks between humans and genetically-altered monkeys.
Bottom line: With visual effects said to be inspired by Avatar, this should be worth catching.
Captain America: The First Avenger (August 4)
Stars Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan and Hayley Atwell
Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) transforms from a weak human to a superhero after taking an experimental serum. With the power he possesses, he becomes the ultimate soldier in the U.S armed forces, battling against the Nazis during World War II. Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures bring yet another exciting film, full of suspense and thrills.
Bottom line: Chris Evans loves to play superheroes (see Fantastic Four and Push)—and we know quite a few folk who love watching him.
Cowboys & Aliens (August 18)
Stars Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Sam Rockwell
From the directors of Iron Man, comes a wild-west blockbuster about a battle between Arizona cowboys and aliens. It’s 1873, and spaceships attack the town Absolution. A wanted criminal, Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig), and the man who runs Absolution, Colonel Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford), join forces to fight them.
Bottom line: E.T vs. Gunslingers – you can’t say that isn’t original.
Cars 2 (August 25)
Stars Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy
Time to start your engines. Again. Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) goes head to head with Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) to compete in the World Grand Prix to stake his claim for the title of the world’s fastest car. A fast-paced journey of friendship, difficult decisions and unfamiliar destinations with a colorful cast.
Bottom line: We just hope this means Wilson will be doing a Wedding Crashers sequel too.
Final Destination 5 (August 25)
Stars Emma Bell and Nicholas D’Agosto
A decade after the air crash in the first Final Destination, Sam Lawton (Nicholas D’Agosto) has a premonition about a bridge collapse. Once again, this nightmare becomes reality, and we get to see a bunch of people trying to cheat death…again.
Bottom line: After 5 films in the franchise, we just hope this really will be the FINAL Final Destination.
