Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and gang return in the eagerly anticipated "Toy Story 3."
PHOTO: Disney/Pixar
This JUNE will have something for everyone: Tweens will savor the return of Bella, Edward and Jacob in the “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” families will enjoy the return of Woody, Buzz and gang in the long-awaited “Toy Story 3,” couples will have to choose between Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz in the action-comedy “Knight and Day,” or Katherine Heigl and Ashton Kutcher in “Killers.” Guys on the other hand, after being spoilt with "Iron Man 2," "Robin Hood" and "Prince of Persia" in May, will have to make do with remakes of 80s classics “The A-Team” and “The Karate Kid.”
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TOY STORY 3
PHOTOS: Disney/Pixar
TOY STORY 3 (June 18)
Directed by: Lee Unkrich
Starring: (voices of): Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Michael Keaton
Rated: G
Based On: Sequel to the Academy Award-winning 1995 film “Toy Story” and 1999 sequel “Toy Story 2”
Box Office Prediction: $120 million opening weekend; $370 million final
Actual Box Office: $110 million opening; $410 million final.
PLOT: The creators of the beloved "Toy Story" films re-open the toy box and bring moviegoers back to the delightful world of our favorite gang of toy characters in "Toy Story 3." As Andy prepares to depart for college, Buzz, Woody and the rest of his loyal toys are troubled about their uncertain future. Directed by Lee Unkrich (co-director of "Toy Story 2" and "Finding Nemo"), "Toy Story 3" is a comical new adventure in Disney Digital 3D that lands the toys in a room full of untamed tots who can't wait to get their sticky little fingers on these "new" toys. It's pandemonium as they try to stay together, ensuring "no toy gets left behind." Meanwhile, Barbie comes face to plastic face with Ken (yes, that Ken).
MY TAKE: Woody and Buzz are back! Having grown up with the “Toy Story” films – especially the first one – my expectations are exceptionally high for this long-awaited sequel. Disney and Pixar know the demand in the 18-30 demographic is strong and have been aggressively marketing the film to them by hosting cliffhanger screenings at numerous universities around the nation to spread the buzz. Additionally, Disney also re-released the first two films as a 3D-double feature in cinemas last October to build awareness. If there’s a reason to be skeptical about the quality of “Toy Story 3, it would be for the fact that it wasn’t directed by Pixar founder John Lasseter who directed the first two movies. Also, barring the final installment in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, when was the last time anyone saw a fantastic third film in a trilogy? Still, this is Pixar we’re talking about! These guys have yet to make a bad film (“Cars” may have been disappointing but I wouldn’t label it a stinker) and with Oscar-winning screenwriter Michael Arndt (“Little Miss Sunshine”) on board, “Toy Story 3” will more likely than not, live up to its franchise predecessors.
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KNIGHT AND DAY
PHOTOS: 20th Century Fox
KNIGHT AND DAY (June 25)
Directed by: James Mangold
Starring: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard, Paul Dano
Rated: PG-13 (Not yet classified)
Based On: Original spec script by Patrick O’Neill
Box Office Prediction: $25 million opening; $120 million final
Actual Box Office: $20 million opening; $74 million final.
PLOT: Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz star in this sexy action comedy, in which a chance encounter thrusts a woman and a charming but lethal operative into a series of adventures across the globe. As if dodging assassins and uncovering world-changing secrets weren't enough, she must now figure out if he is a good guy, a traitor – or just plain crazy.
MY TAKE: Aside from his cameo in “Tropic Thunder,” Tom Cruise hasn’t starred in a comedy since earning a Best Actor Oscar nomination for “Jerry Maguire” in 1996. That’s 14 years! Back then, Cruise was Hollywood’s Golden boy – the king of Hollywood. Today however, his record is a little less than stellar and I don’t need a reason to elaborate why. So seeing him loosen up, take a little risk and poke fun at his “super-serious man-on-the-run” persona is a welcome change-of-pace. While many have complained that the trailers for this look stupid and cheesy, I’m standing by my opinion that this looks like Cruise’s most fun outing in years. My confidence stems from director James Mangold – whose last two films have been the Oscar-winning “Walk the Line,” and the fantastic (and underrated) western “3:10 to Yuma.” While I don’t have much to say about Diaz (who I can only barely tolerate), the last time she teamed up with Cruise, (in 2001’s underrated “Vanilla Sky”), she delivered a career-best performance.
THE A-TEAM
PHOTOS: 20th Century Fox
THE A-TEAM (June 11)
Directed by: Joe Carnahan
Starring: Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, Jessica Biel
Rated: PG-13 (not yet classified)
Based On: the 80s television show of the same name
Box Office Prediction: $45 million opening weekend; $140 million final.
Actual Box Office: $26 million opening; $77 million final.
PLOT: "The A-Team" follows the exciting and daring exploits of a colorful team of former Special Forces soldiers who were set up for a crime they did not commit. Going "rogue," they utilize their unique talents to try and clear their names and find the true culprit. Liam Neeson ("Taken"), Bradley Cooper ("The Hangover"), mixed martial arts champ Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, and "District 9" sensation Sharlto Copley, are "The A-Team."
MY TAKE: Since I’ve never seen a single episode of the television series this film is based on (I didn’t grow up in the States!), nothing about this big-budget project had me excited. Although the original trailer for this stylized action movie didn’t do much to change my mind – what with the ridiculous machine gun battle in mid-air involving a falling tank – the final trailer, which showcased some nifty stunt work and strong chemistry between the leads, did entice me enough to believe “The A-Team” could have the potential to be something fun. As to be expected, the film’s trump-card is its strong cast led by Liam Neeson (who after “Taken” seems to have finally embraced the role of an action hero) along with Bradley Cooper (“The Hangover”), Jessica Biel (“The Illusionist”), Patrick Wilson (“Watchmen”), UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and “District 9” breakout star Sharlto Copley. Furthermore, director Joe Carnahan is experienced with this type of flashy action picture, having previously directed “Smokin’ Aces” and the drug drama "Narc." My main concern: “The A-Team” was written by Skip Woods who was also responsible for two of the worst blockbusters of 2009: “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” and “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” Scary stuff!
GROWN UPS
PHOTOS: Columbia Pictures
GROWN UPS (June 25)
Directed by: Dennis Dugan
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider, David Spade
Rated: PG-13 (Not Yet Classified)
Based On: Every SNL Cast Reunion party
Box Office Prediction: $35 million opening; $120 million final
Actual Box Office: $41 million opening; $163 million final.
PLOT: "Grown Ups," starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider, and David Spade, is a comedy about five friends and former teammates who reunite years later to honor the passing of their childhood basketball coach. With their wives (Salma Hayek, Maria Bello, Maya Rudolph) and kids in tow, they spend the Fourth of July holiday weekend together at the lake house where they celebrated their championship years earlier. Picking up where they left off, they discover why growing older doesn't mean growing up.
MY TAKE: Last summer Adam Sandler took a risk by taking on a very different role in Judd Apatow’s “Funny People.” The result was some of the best reviews of the actor’s career but also miserable box office returns. It wasn’t the first time Sandler has struck out at the box office as every time he has tackled an interesting, mature role (“Punch-Drunk Love,” “Reign Over Me”) his fans have backed off. Looks like Sandler’s fan base prefers to see him in dumb, juvenile crap more than anything else. Though the title may infer otherwise, “Grown Ups,” looks like another middle-brow, juvenile comedy that his will undoubtedly eat up. To entice fans, Sandler has assembled a bunch of his former SNL buddies (plus Kevin James), for what looks like another silly Sandler affair.
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE
PHOTOS: Summit Entertainment
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE (June 30)
Directed by: David Slade
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner
Rated: PG-13 (not yet classified)
Based On: the wildly successful novel by Stephanie Meyers; Sequel to 2008’s “Twilight” and 2009’s “New Moon”
Box Office Prediction: $135 million opening; $330 final
Actual Box Office:$122 million opening; $305 million final.
PLOT: In "Eclipse," Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger as Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob — knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella is confronted with the most important decision of her life.
MY TAKE: There are many great mysteries in life – The popularity of the “Twilight” franchise is probably the biggest one of them all since there simply is no explanation as to why these films make so much money. I can understand that the books are second only to the Harry Potter series in popularity (that in itself is a discussion for another month), but for the love of God, what’s there to love in these atrociously acted, soap operas with cheesy visual effects? Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner? If that’s the case, then it’s almost as tragic as the guys who go to watch the “Fast and the Furious” movies solely for the cars. The only good thing that has come out of this franchise is that Hollywood finally understands the power of the teenage female demographic. For the first time in history, the summer season’s two major Holiday weekends (Memorial Day and Independence Day) will be dominated by a female-skewing motion picture (“Sex and the City 2” on May 28; “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” on June 30) – both guaranteed box office blockbusters. Add the Julia Roberts romantic drama “Eat Love Pray,” due in August and you could almost proclaim this as the summer of the chick flick.
"THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE" MOVIE REVIEW
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GET HIM TO THE GREEK
GET HIM TO THE GREEK (June 4)
Directed by: Nicholas Stoller
Starring: Jonah Hill, Russell Brand, Rose Byrne, Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs
Rated: R (for strong sexual content and drug use throughout, and pervasive language)
Based On: the character created by Jason Segal in 2008’s “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”
Box Office Prediction: $25 million opening; $95 million final
Actual Box Office:$18 million opening; $61 million final.
PLOT: Aaron Green (Hill) gets things done. The ambitious 23-year-old has exaggerated his way into a dream job just in time for a career-making assignment. His mission: Fly to London and escort a rock god to L.A.'s Greek Theatre for the first-stop on a $100-million tour. His warning: Turn your back on him at your own peril. British rocker Aldous Snow (Brand) is both a brilliant musician and walking sex. Weary of yes men and piles of money, the former front man is searching for the meaning of life. But that doesn't mean he can't have a few orgies while he finds it. When he learns his true love is in California, Aldous makes it his quest to win her back... right before kick-starting his world domination. As the countdown to the concert begins, one intern must navigate a minefield of London drug smuggles, New York City brawls and Vegas lap dances to deliver his charge safe and, sort of, sound. He may have to coax, lie to, enable and party with Aldous, but Aaron will get him to the Greek.
MY TAKE: If you’ve seen the 2008 comedy “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” then you’re familiar with British comedian Russell Brand who practically stole that movie with his outrageous and over-the-top rocker character Aldous Snow. Snow was so popular among moviegoers that Universal Pictures execs decided to give him his own movie. Joining Brand from “Marshall,” but as a different character, is Jonah Hill who also has had a successful rising career with roles in everything from “Superbad” and “Funny People” to “Knocked Up” and “How to Train Your Dragon.” Combining the two vastly different comedians as an odd couple was a good idea as was rehiring “Marshall” director Nicholas Stollar. Even if the trailers haven’t been as outrageously funny as last summer’s smash comedy “The Hangover,” the film nonetheless stands the best chance at being the summer’s breakout R-rated comedy.
"GET HIM TO THE GREEK" MOVIE REVIEW
THE KARATE KID
THE KARATE KID (June 11)
Directed by: Harald Zwart
Starring: Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, Taraji P. Henson
Rated: PG (for bullying, martial arts action violence and some mild language)
Based On: the iconic 1984 film “The Karate Kid”
Box Office Predictions: $30 million opening; $135 million final
Actual Box Office: $56 million opening; $174 million final.
PLOT: 12-year-old Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's (Taraji P. Henson) latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying—and the feeling is mutual—but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. In the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate, and Cheng puts "the karate kid" on the floor with ease. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), who is secretly a master of kung fu. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life.
MY TAKE: Unlike “The A-Team,” I am more than familiar with the successful “The Karate Kid” franchise. The original 1984 film is an iconic film of the 1980s and is widely celebrated among those who grew up in the 80s for its martial arts sequences and especially for Pat Morita as the incomparable Mr. Miyagi. So naturally, when Sony Pictures announced that Will Smith was remaking the film as a launching pad for his son Jaden, with Jackie Chan taking on the mentor role, internet movie sites blew up with rage. For instance, many questioned why the film was being titled the ‘Karate’ kid when it is set in China – the land of kung fu (read the synopsis above for the explanation). Others attacked Will Smith for using an iconic franchise as a launching pad for his spoilt kid. This should have been an outright disaster but reviews emerging from Showest surprisingly indicated otherwise – many praising the film for the performances as well as the revisions to the story. This could be the summer’s biggest surprise.
JONAH HEX
JONAH HEX (June 18)
Directed by: Jimmy Hayward
Starring: Josh Brolin, Megan Fox, John Malkovich, Michael Fassbender
Rated: PG-13 (not yet classified)
Based On: the comic book series of the same name
Box Office Prediction: $20 million opening; $45 million final
Actual Box Office: $5 million opening; $11 million final.
PLOT: Jonah Hex (Josh Brolin) is a scarred drifter and bounty hunter of last resort, a tough and stoic gunslinger who can track down anyone... and anything. Having survived death, Jonah's violent history is steeped in myth and legend, and has left him with one foot in the natural world and one on the "other side." His only human connection is with Leila (Megan Fox), whose life in a brothel has left her with scars of her own. But Jonah's past is about to catch up with him when the U.S. military makes him an offer he can't refuse: in exchange for his freedom from the warrants on his head, he must track down and stop the dangerous terrorist Quentin Turnbull (John Malkovich). But Turnbull, who is gathering an army and preparing to unleash Hell, is also Jonah's oldest enemy and will stop at nothing until Jonah is dead. Based on the legendary graphic novel, "Jonah Hex" is an epic adventure thriller about one man's personal quest for redemption against the vast canvas of the battle between good and evil.
MY TAKE: While the premise for this comic-book adaptation is very interesting (a civil war-era bounty hunter who can communicate with the dead) and the actors cast are an extremely talented bunch (save Megan Fox), everything I’ve seen or read makes me fear that this may go down as the misfire of the summer. Here’s why: After writing the screenplay for the film, original directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor (“Crank”) left the project over creative differences and were replaced by live-action film newbie Jimmy Hayward (“Horton Hears A Who”) who in turn was replaced by Francis Lawrence (“I Am Legend”) during reshoots earlier this year. Adding to the troubled production was the complete lack of publicity for the film other than a pair of production images, a lazy poster and a campy trailer (which only debuted this week) that makes the film look like a cross between “Wild Wild West” and “Van Helsing.” To make things worse, reviews coming out of test screenings have been universally negative and its competition at the box office that weekend is “Toy Story 3.”
KILLERS
KILLERS (June 4)
Directed by: Robert Luketic
Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Katherine Heigl, Tom Selleck, Catherine O'Hara
Rated: PG-13 (not yet classified)
Based On: original screenplay by Bob DeRosa and Ted Griffin
Box Office Prediction: $20 million opening; $65 million final
Actual Box Office: $16 million opening; $47 million final.
PLOT: Trying to recover from a sudden break-up, Jen Kornfeldt (Katherine Heigl) believes she'll never fall in love again. But when she reluctantly joins her parents on a trip to the French Riviera, Jen happens to meet the man of her dreams, the dashing, handsome Spencer Aimes (Ashton Kutcher). Three years later, her seemingly impossible wish has come true: she and Spencer are newlyweds living the ideal suburban life – that is, until the morning after Spencer's 30th birthday when bullets start flying. Literally.
MY TAKE: Fans of Katherine Heigl’s last comedy “The Ugly Truth” are the target audience here as the bland-looking “The Killers” looks to capture the same amount of business as the former did last summer. Sporting a premise that’s almost identical to the Tom Cruise-Cameron Diaz comedy “Knight and Day” (which frankly looks 10 times better than this), “Killers” does have the advantage of opening three weeks earlier. Chalk this one as a massive waste of time, just like everything Heigl has done since “Knocked Up”!
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ONDINE
ONDINE (June 4)
Directed by: Neil Jordan
Starring: Colin Farrell, Stephen Rea, Alicja Bachleda
Rated: PG-13 (for some violence, sensuality and brief strong language)
Based On: an original screenplay by Neill Jordan; inspired in-part by the myth
PLOT: "Ondine" is the story of Syracuse, a simple fisherman who catches a beautiful and mysterious woman in his trawler's nets. The woman seems to be dead, but then she comes alive before Syracuse's eyes and he thinks he may be seeing things. However, with the help of his ailing, yet irrepressible daughter, Annie, he comes to believe that the fantastical might be possible and that the woman (Ondine) might be a myth come true. Ondine and Syracuse fall passionately in love, but just as we think the fairytale might go on forever, the real world intercedes. Then, after a terrible car crash and the return of a dark and violent figure from Ondine's past, hope eventually prevails and a new beginning is presented to Syracuse, Ondine and Annie.
MY TAKE: Colin Farrell is one of the best actors of his generation. After hitting the big time right out of the gate with terrific performances in “Tigerland,” “Minority Report,” and “The New World,” the actor struck out with a series of flops (“Daredevil,” “Alexander,” “Miami Vice”). So after these failures, Farrell returned to smaller, serious material like last fall’s “Crazy Heart” and the underrated “In Bruges” for which he scored a well deserved Golden Globe award for Best Actor –proving that behind all the bad-boy visage there lies an extremely talented actor. Now with three anticipated projects in the can, including William Monahan’s crime thriller “London Boulevard,” Peter Weir’s World War 2 drama “The Way Back” and “Ondine,” Oscar-winning filmmaker Neil Jordan’s (“The Crying Game,” “Interview with the Vampire”) personal drama about a widower who falls for a woman he believes to be a mermaid, Farrell might be only one film away from superstardom. “Ondine” played at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival where it received very strong reviews.
ALSO OPENING IN JUNE:
MARMADUKE
Cyrus (June 18): In this dark-comedy, John C. Reilly plays an unlucky-in-love guy who finally meets the woman of his dreams (Marisa Tomei) only to realize she has a creepy and over-protective son (Jonah Hill ). Trailer. MOVIE REVIEW
I Am Love (June 18): Tilda Swinton plays a Russian woman who begins an affair with a younger Italian man in an impeccably-shot and reviewed drama. Trailer.
Marmaduke (June 4): Owen Wilson voices the famous comic character in this family flick that hopes to capture the attention span of the same audience who made “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” a smash hit in the fall of 2008. Trailer.
Splice (June 4): Adrian Brody and Sarah Polley star as a pair of genetic scientists who play Dr. Moreau. Obviously, things don’t go as planned! Trailer. MOVIE REVIEW
JUNE RELEASE SCHEDULE
June 4
Get Him to the Greek
Killers
Marmaduke
Ondine
Splice
June 11
The A-Team
The Karate Kid
June 18
Cyrus
Jonah Hex
Toy Story 3
June 25
Grown Ups
Knight and Day
June 30
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW (CLICK TO GO TO MONTH)
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