Well, a one day postponement of fireworks last Friday was unfortunate, but at least we had a good show, rain check or not! Last week’s weather wasn’t quite as stormy as expected, but it’s safe to say everyone could forecast the temperature immediately rising back up to mid-summer levels once Hurricane Arthur was out of the way. While the warm weather is great, the sun can be a bit much if you spend a lot of time outside, especially at these temperatures. Weekly readers know how much I like to take a break from the rays by watching the newest awesome films in either of Ocean City’s two movie theaters, and I’d like to suggest to my readers doing just that if you’re looking for a fun escape from the sun. These next two months are full of quintessential Hollywood blockbusters, such as a couple of classic reboots, some interesting sequels, including a long awaited continuation to a lauded comic book film, and a few other pleasant surprises that are must-sees this summer. Parents, please check these movies out on your own for their content first before sending your kids to see these movies!

 

Released: July 11

Starring: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman

In the first sequel to the Planet of the Apes reboot film series, Caesar (Serkis) is the leader of the new super-intelligent colony of apes that have overtaken humanity by use of a virus. Unknown to the apes, there are humans who survived the pandemic and live in hiding. While some humans only wish for the eradication of the apes, some understand the odds and want to attempt a peace treaty. This is an interesting reboot in that it explains the origin of how Earth became the Planet of the Apes. Andy Serkis, motion capture great, is who excites me the most, but the addition of Gary Oldman is icing on the cake.

 

Released: July 25

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell

First, no, this has nothing to do with the terrible film The Legend of Hercules that came out earlier this year (and earned a 3 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 71 reviews). This movie is actually pretty exciting because it’s speculated to be Dwayne Johnson’s big movie series (like how Arnold is associated with Terminator). Also unlike Arnold’s zany first feature film Hercules in New York, Hercules is specifically based on a late-2000s comic book series of the same name released by Radical Studios. Johnson looks as jacked as ever, and the WWE star turned Hollywood actor said this is the hardest he has ever worked for a role.

 

Released: August 1

Starring: Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper

Ever since seeing the first trailer for this movie, it’s been my #1 most anticipated movie of the year by far. Take the amazing action and CGI from The Avengers and mix it with the campy humor of movies such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Yes, I’m actually comparing this to Star Wars. No, I’m not crazy. Chris Pratt (most known for his role of Andy Dwyer on TV show Parks and Recreation) plays the lead as he forms an alliance with a group of interplanetary goons while they are being chased for the theft of an important artifact. Together, they form the most unlikely group of “superheroes” this universe has ever seen. Watch the trailer, you’ll be hooked.

 

Released: August 8

Starring: Megan Fox, Johnny Knoxville, Alan Ritchson

Although the new Nickelodeon Ninja Turtles television series has been a huge success, this movie is a mature reboot of the series that the adult fanbase has waited decades to see. We will discover a new origin of how the Ninja Turtles become destined to do battle with their classic enemy, Shredder. Although some are wary of Michael Bay’s attachment to the film, it is important to note he is only a producer and the film actually has a pretty good cast of Megan Fox as April O’Neil, Will Arnet as her cameraman Vernon Fenwick, Johnny Knoxville as Leonardo and Alan Ritchson (most recognizable as Thad Castle on television show Blue Mountain State) as Raphael.

 

Released: August 15

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Antonio Banderas, Jet Li, Wesley Snipes, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Victor Ortiz, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kelsey Grammer, Kellan Lutz, Ronda Rousey.

Just look at that cast; ridiculous, right!? What more do I need to say? This is going to be one of the coolest action movies ever made; just as the first two have proven to be two of the coolest and campiest flicks with one of the best casts I’ve ever seen. For those not familiar with the last two actors listed, Kellan Lutz is known for playing Emmett Cullen in The Twilight Saga films, and Ronda Rousey is a UFC mixed martial artist and actress (she is currently the UFC’s Women’s Bantamweight Champion, and the first to earn that title; so it’s safe to say she kicks ass).

 

Released: August 22

Starring: Jessica Alba, Powers Boothe, Josh Brolin

Comic book nerds thought this movie would never come out, but now they are excited as ever for the sequel of the 2005 hit based on comic book legend Frank Miller’s series of the same name. Most of the content in this film is based on the second comic book that also bears the same name of the movie, but two of the movie’s plots are actually original stories written by Miller himself. Similar to The Expendables 3, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For features an impressive ensemble cast that I think is better to discover as you watch the movie.