Interesting Summer Flicks You’ve Never Heard Of
Posted On: 5/27/11
Written By: Nathan Brunet
*Click images below to view larger versions.
If the weather hasn’t been an indication, summer is almost here! Ocean City has a plethora of great activities to do out in the sun, but even I can grow sick of the heat at times. So, while you’re around Ocean City in 90+ degree weather, take a break from the humidity and go see a movie! I was originally planning on writing about the most anticipated summer movies, but I had a few issues upon reading the list of movies releasing this season.
First, is that you know these movies are coming. You can’t wait to see Captain America go, “America, **** yeah” on everyone, and you already have your costume designed for the midnight premier of the final Harry Potter movie. Also what grinds my gears is that, most of the biggest hyped movies are either a sequel or based off an existing license. There’s even another friends with benefits movie creatively titled Friends with Benefits. So here are a few totally original films releasing this summer that may be worth your money just as much as the hyped blockbusters we all know about.
First, is that you know these movies are coming. You can’t wait to see Captain America go, “America, **** yeah” on everyone, and you already have your costume designed for the midnight premier of the final Harry Potter movie. Also what grinds my gears is that, most of the biggest hyped movies are either a sequel or based off an existing license. There’s even another friends with benefits movie creatively titled Friends with Benefits. So here are a few totally original films releasing this summer that may be worth your money just as much as the hyped blockbusters we all know about.
“Super 8”
Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Opening: June 10
Starring: Elle Fanning, Amanda Michalka and Kyle Chandler
“Super 8” is the brainchild of J.J. Abrams (LOST, Cloverfield), and his latest directing gig since Star Trek in 2009. It’s 1979 in Dayton, Ohio, and a group of teenagers are making a film when a disastrous train crashes right next to them. An unknown creature escapes the wreck and soon causes trouble throughout the town. The army is brought in, and as adults investigate the ongoing events, the kids search in hopes to come face-to-face with the nuisance. In typical Abrams fashion, most have never heard of the stars. But if LOST and his other productions have shown us anything, it’s that you don’t need high profile actors to provide a stunning performance.
Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Opening: June 10
Starring: Elle Fanning, Amanda Michalka and Kyle Chandler
“Super 8” is the brainchild of J.J. Abrams (LOST, Cloverfield), and his latest directing gig since Star Trek in 2009. It’s 1979 in Dayton, Ohio, and a group of teenagers are making a film when a disastrous train crashes right next to them. An unknown creature escapes the wreck and soon causes trouble throughout the town. The army is brought in, and as adults investigate the ongoing events, the kids search in hopes to come face-to-face with the nuisance. In typical Abrams fashion, most have never heard of the stars. But if LOST and his other productions have shown us anything, it’s that you don’t need high profile actors to provide a stunning performance.
“A Better Life”
Drama
Opening: June 24
Starring: Demián Bichir, José Julián and Nancy Lenehan
For those looking for a true drama, rather than an action packed one, “A Better Life” is sure to get those tear ducts flowing. Bichir (the brother of popular Mexican actor Bruno Bichir) plays Carlos Riquelme, an illegal immigrant working as a landscaper in East Los Angeles. Carlos does his best to give his son the best life possible as they both struggle to evade both police and gang members. The film looks to be an emotional tale based on the real lives of many illegal immigrants living in this country.
Drama
Opening: June 24
Starring: Demián Bichir, José Julián and Nancy Lenehan
For those looking for a true drama, rather than an action packed one, “A Better Life” is sure to get those tear ducts flowing. Bichir (the brother of popular Mexican actor Bruno Bichir) plays Carlos Riquelme, an illegal immigrant working as a landscaper in East Los Angeles. Carlos does his best to give his son the best life possible as they both struggle to evade both police and gang members. The film looks to be an emotional tale based on the real lives of many illegal immigrants living in this country.
“Larry Crowne”
Comedy, Drama
Opening: July 1
Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Bryan Cranston
Oh no, another romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts! But fear not, for it’s Tom Hanks to the rescue! Hanks plays Larry Crowne, eight-time employee of the month who gets fired during the recession due to his lack of a college degree. Instead of spiraling into depression, Larry is inspired to attend college so he can start a new life. He develops a relationship with his public speaking teacher Mercedes Tainot (Roberts), who has clearly lost the will to teach. We will explore throughout the movie how their relationship redefines their meaning of life. Sure, the movie sounds corny, but Hank’s goofy personality can make any movie a great watch.
“Horrible Bosses”
Comedy
Opening: July 8
Starring: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis
Here is your next ridiculous comedy scenario à la “The Hangover.” While a lot of people hate their bosses, these guys absolutely loathe theirs. Finally fed up with how they are being treated, the three stars devise a plan to murder each of their bosses. Will it be the next hit comedy? Doubtful, but these guys are comedy greats and the film looks to deliver many great laughs.
Comedy, Drama
Opening: July 1
Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Bryan Cranston
Oh no, another romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts! But fear not, for it’s Tom Hanks to the rescue! Hanks plays Larry Crowne, eight-time employee of the month who gets fired during the recession due to his lack of a college degree. Instead of spiraling into depression, Larry is inspired to attend college so he can start a new life. He develops a relationship with his public speaking teacher Mercedes Tainot (Roberts), who has clearly lost the will to teach. We will explore throughout the movie how their relationship redefines their meaning of life. Sure, the movie sounds corny, but Hank’s goofy personality can make any movie a great watch.
“Horrible Bosses”
Comedy
Opening: July 8
Starring: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis
Here is your next ridiculous comedy scenario à la “The Hangover.” While a lot of people hate their bosses, these guys absolutely loathe theirs. Finally fed up with how they are being treated, the three stars devise a plan to murder each of their bosses. Will it be the next hit comedy? Doubtful, but these guys are comedy greats and the film looks to deliver many great laughs.
“Cowboys & Aliens”
Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Opening: July 29
Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde
Han Solo is back! Well, not really, but it’s close enough. In what is quite possibly one of the most badass pair of stars to be featured in an action movie, Craig and Ford are cowboys living in 1873 Arizona. Jake Lonergan (Craig) is a drifter who is about to be incarcerated in the town of Absolution. That night, the town is attacked by technologically superior aliens, and the citizens must band together to defeat them. Although clearly overpowered, Jake has a mysterious wristband that appears to be the key in this battle. Many hope this will be the geek movie of the summer.
“30 Minutes or Less”
Adventure, Comedy
Opening: August 12
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride and Nick Swardson
Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Opening: July 29
Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde
Han Solo is back! Well, not really, but it’s close enough. In what is quite possibly one of the most badass pair of stars to be featured in an action movie, Craig and Ford are cowboys living in 1873 Arizona. Jake Lonergan (Craig) is a drifter who is about to be incarcerated in the town of Absolution. That night, the town is attacked by technologically superior aliens, and the citizens must band together to defeat them. Although clearly overpowered, Jake has a mysterious wristband that appears to be the key in this battle. Many hope this will be the geek movie of the summer.
“30 Minutes or Less”
Adventure, Comedy
Opening: August 12
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride and Nick Swardson
Let me take that back. This is your next ridiculous comedy scenario. Eisenberg plays Nick, a pizza delivery boy who gets kidnapped by two criminals wearing monkey suits. They plant a bomb on Nick’s chest and order him to rob a bank within a few hours or he will explode. Aziz Ansari stars also as Nick’s friend Chet, making this one awesome comedic cast. The film looks absolutely hilarious and I’m excited to see it upon release.
“Colombiana”
Action, Adventure, Drama
Opening: August 26
Starring: Zoe Saldana, Michael Vartan and Callum Blue
What most are excited to see about this film is Saldana’s first starring role since having great performances in both Avatar (as Neytiri) and Star Trek (as Uhura). She plays Cataleya Restrepo, who saw her parents’ murder as a child. Cataleya has since grown up to be a formidable assassin who vows to get revenge on her parents’ killers while working as a professional hitman. Colombiana was penned by the writers of “Taken” and appears to be just as action packed.
«Go back to the previous page.Action, Adventure, Drama
Opening: August 26
Starring: Zoe Saldana, Michael Vartan and Callum Blue
What most are excited to see about this film is Saldana’s first starring role since having great performances in both Avatar (as Neytiri) and Star Trek (as Uhura). She plays Cataleya Restrepo, who saw her parents’ murder as a child. Cataleya has since grown up to be a formidable assassin who vows to get revenge on her parents’ killers while working as a professional hitman. Colombiana was penned by the writers of “Taken” and appears to be just as action packed.