Well, fellow students, the school year is finally at a close, which means that summer has come rushing upon us. But more specifically, it’s time for all of the blockbusters that you have been eagerly anticipating to finally hit the big screen. With all of the buzz circling so many films, it may be hard to narrow it down to the chosen one. Oh, you know. The one that has you on the edge of your seat with every passing moment or makes you and your friends choke on a popcorn kernel from the hysterical laughter on your night out. Well, fret not, for I am here to hopefully set aside the potential stinkers and maybe even introduce you to some pieces that you may fall in love with for all eternity. So, without further ado, let’s get right into it!
1: "Captain America: Civil War" (May 6)
Starring: Chris Evans. Robert Downey, Jr. and Scarlett Johansson
Why should you go see it?
Arguably one of the most anticipated superhero spectacles of all time, the buzz from this film is beyond amazing. Coming off of the debatable disappointment called Ant-Man, Marvel knocks this one all of the way over the left field wall. With a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes (One of the biggest film review aggregators), this seems like a sure-fire classic. The action is beautiful and don’t even get me started on the people. Overall, get a bunch of the squad together, get your favorite seats in the back row and let the experience take control.
2. "Love & Friendship" (May 13)
Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Chloe Sevigny and Xavier Samuel
Why should you go see it?
The wonderful works of Jane Austen are finally getting another addition on screen in the form of Love & Friendship. But what if you are someone who doesn’t really like the previous works put out based on the author’s famous novels? Well, this film has so much more to offer than that. The head of the project is the indie darling director Whit Stillman, who is sure to put his twist on it with plenty of creative banter. Not to mention that Kate Beckinsale is one of the most adorable humans to ever grace the planet. Last, but not least, British humor will always take the cake.
3: "The Nice Guys" (May 20)
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe and Kim Basinger
Why Should You Go See It?
This movie encompasses everything you love about the culture from the 70’s. From the fashion to the dialogue to just the whole vibe, The Nice Guys will definitely fill your craving for nostalgia you didn’t even know you had. The premise looks absolutely hilarious and you can never go wrong with Ryan Gosling.
4: "Me Before You" (June 3)
Starring: Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin and Jenna Coleman
Why Should You Go See It?
Adapted from the novel by Jojo Moyes, there is already a large amount of anticipation for this film. However, the main appeal for this is that it is literally the perfect movie for date night. Also, there is bound to be a more theatre vibe to it, considering that this is the transitional film for Thea Sharrock from stage to screen. All in all, you’re going to get what you came for. Unless you go into it expecting 2001: A Space Odyssey, for some reason.
5: "Finding Dory" (June 17)
Starring: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks and Ty Burrell
Why Should You Go See It?
Everyone’s favorite talk show host is back with a film centered solely on her. Ever since the first whisperings of this emerged in 2014, every single inner child rejoiced. And after seeing the beloved characters back on screen together in multiple trailers, the excitement started to swell. Now that we are only a couple months away, it is impossible to ignore the noise this film has surrounding it. Even if it ends up being a disappointment, it is quite essential to any moviegoers list this summer.
6. "The BFG" (July 1)
Starring: Mark Rylance, Bill Hader and Ruby Barnhill
Why Should You Go See It?
Part of every elementary school curriculum, it is almost impossible that you haven’t heard of this classic by Roald Dahl. That alone should get your butt in a seat. But if you need more convincing, it is being directed by arguably the best of all time, Steven Spielberg and stars the Best Supporting Actor of last year, Mark Rylance. Literally, there is nothing else to say.
7: "The Secret Life Of Pets" (July 8)
Starring: Louis C.K., Kevin Hart and Lake Bell
Why Should You Go See It?
Aside from the fact that it looks like the cutest movie coming out, the voice talent is abundant for this flick. And if you are to doubt the cuteness that will be exuding from this, the people who are heading this film brought you the things that at one point you found out-of-this-world adorable, the minions. In addition, Kevin Hart as a bunny is worth the admission alone.
8. "Ghostbusters" (July 15)
Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig and Leslie Jones
Why Should You Go See It?
Honestly, I cannot in good faith tell you that this will be a good film. However, it is absolutely necessary for you to go see this for the experience. There is potential for this to be great, so you need to go see it for yourself! Plus, how will you able to fight against your friends based on controversial topics if you don’t go see the most controversial flick of the summer?
9. "Absolutely Fabulous" (July 22)
Starring: Joanna Lumley, Jennifer Saunders and Kate Moss
Why Should You Go See This?
As a straight male, this is something that people would not expect me to have interest in, let alone gush over. Alas, that is the situation. Based off of the amazing British sitcom, the moment that I saw the first trailer for this, I was all the way on board. The amount of banter between the two protagonists is insanely funny. If you want to just feel good, this is definitely suffice and more.
10. "Bad Moms" (July 29)
Starring: Mila Kunis, Christina Applegate and Kristen Bell
Why Should You Go See It?
Filled with a large amount of female icons in the realm of cinema, this literally looks like the equivalent to a girl’s night out heaven. Not to mention that this is the redemption film for sweetheart Mila Kunis after the absolutely atrocious Jupiter Ascending. Definitely get your friends together and prepare your vocal chords, because this is sure to be one hell of a laugh-fest.
11. "Suicide Squad" (August 5)
Starring: Will Smith, Margot Robbie and Jared Leto
Why Should You See It?
Aside from seeing the first appearance of the Joker since the legendary Heath Ledger’s performance, there are so many things to get you hyped to see this. We get to see Will Smith as a superhero, which is a dream come true! Also, anything with Margot Robbie is worth the price of admission. If you aren’t a fan of superhero films, or think that they are getting a little too old, then it would be a safe bet to say that this could be a resurrection.
12. "Pete’s Dragon" (August 12)
Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford and Oakes Fegley
Why Should You Go See It?
This childhood favorite brought back to the big screen just has an incredibly mystical feel to it. The advertisement has been rather limited, which is incredibly admirable. Again, the nostalgia train is heavy with this one with the fantastic Robert Redford leading the way. My recommendation is to try and go to the most obscure time possible and see if you can get an empty theatre for adequate enjoyment.
13. "Sausage Party" (August 12)
Starring: Seth Rogen, James Franco and Kristen Wiig
Why Should You Go See It?
The unfinished project that debuted at SXSW is already being compared to the levels of South Park. Everything about this looks like insanity in the best possible way. Even if you aren’t convinced from all of the buzz and just how ridiculously amazing the plot and just everything about this looks, Edward Norton plays a Woody Allen-esque bagel. Please do yourself a huge favor and go laugh your whole behind off at this comedic masterpiece.
14. "War Dogs" (August 19)
Starring: Jonah Hill, Miles Teller and Bradley Cooper
Why Should You Go See It?
Jonah Hill and Miles Teller are gun runners in Afghanistan. Honestly, how can you not get excited from just hearing that premise? The release has been pushed back multiple times, much to the dismay of audiences everywhere. It is confirmed, however, that this is the date we will be getting this highly anticipated project by the minds behind The Hangover. This definitely seems like a balls to the wall comedy to distract from the fact that school is right around the corner.
All in all, it looks like this summer will be overflowing with options for moviegoers. Honestly, as long as you don’t choose "Nine Lives" you should be fine.
