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ARTS & CULTURE
KANSAN.COM
MUST-SEE MOVIES: SUMMER 2015
ROSS LUBRATOVIC | @RossThaBoss93
JUNE
PITCH PERFECT 2
Currently the highest-grossing musical comedy film of all time, "Pitch Perfect 2." meets back up with the Barden Bellas after they've been suspended from performing. Now Beca (Anna Kendrick) and the rest of the Bellas must win the Worlds a capella tournament. With the same ensemble cast as before, this film is sure to be a family favorite this summer. In theaters now.
MAD MAX:
FURY ROAD
George Miller's dystopian epic is a must-see for summer vacation. The breathtaking action sequences, amazing practical effects and gripping tale of oppression amidst a post-apocalyptic Australian wasteland come together to create an over-the-top, but hugely entertaining action flick. In theaters now.
SPY
This action-packed comedy film written and directed by Paul Feig stars Melissa McCarthy as an unassuming CIA analyst who becomes a field agent after a mission with her partner (Jude Law) goes bad. With a phenomenal supporting cast and witty dialogue, this movie looks to be an exciting thriller, but also something the whole family could enjoy. In theaters now.
DOPE
This up-and-coming film stars Shameik Moore as Malcolm, a nerdy high school senior who finds himself in possession of a stash of ecstasy and on the run from a drug dealer. Despite the serious subject matter, this movie looks to have a very upbeat, endearing attitude and has already started turning heads at the Sundance and Cannes film festivals. In theaters now.
TED 2
Seth MacFarlane reprises his role as Ted, the talking teddy bear, this summer. Alongside his best friend John (Mark Wahlberg), Ted must fight to prove he is a real person in order to have a baby with his new wife Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth). This sequel is sure to provide the same hilarious tongue-in-cheek, dialogue-driven comedy that is MacFarlane's specialty. In theaters June 26.
JULY
SELF/LESS
"Self/less" stars Ben Kingsley alongside Ryan Reynolds as a wealthy, dying man who attempts to achieve immortality by transferring his mind to another body. With what looks to be amazing performances from both, as well as supporting actors Matthew Goode and Natalie Martinez, "Self/less" has the potential to be one of the best films this summer. In theaters July 10.
MINIONS
In this prequel to the "Despicable Me" franchise, three minions travel the country looking for a villain to serve. Kevin, Stuart and Bob end up attempting to work for Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock), the world's first female villain. The third, but likely not final, addition to the "Despicable Me" story is sure to provide laughs for the whole family. In theaters July 10.
TRAINWRECK
Amy Schumer stars as a commitment-phobic magazine writer in "Trainwreck." Having lived a life of one-night stands and flings due to her father's cynicism, the character Amy is surprised when she finds herself falling for the subject (Bill Hader) of a sports story she is assigned. With two hilarious leads and an ensemble cast, this move is sure to leave audiences laughing. In theaters July 17.
SOUTHPAW
Jake Gyllenhaal portrays Billy Hope, a famous boxer, at the height of his career. Before Hope can retire, however, his world is torn apart, and he has no choice but to return to boxing. Gyllenhaal will no doubt deliver another knockout performance alongside Rachel McAdams in this upcoming film. In theaters July 24.
THE END OF THE TOUR
AUGUST
"The End of the Tour" is a dramatized adaptation of David Lipsky's account of his time spent with David Foster Wallace at the cusp of his fame. Jason Segel portrays Wallace in an uncharacteristically serious role; however, he will no doubt deliver an outstanding performance. Aspiring writers and fans of Wallace's work should not miss this movie. In theaters July 31.
FANTASTIC 4
One of the most anticipated superhero movies of the summer, "Fantastic Four" stars Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Bell as four humans who travel to another dimension and gain superhuman abilities. This film is sure to be another great installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In theaters Aug. 7.
In this dramatized biopic about the legendary rap group, a cast of relatively unknown actors portray the emergence and rise of N.W.A in the 1980s. From the director of "Law Abiding Citizen" and "The Italian Job," "Straight Outta Compton" is not only highly relevant in today's rap-obsessed culture but has the potential to be a fantastic dramatic film. In theaters Aug.14.
STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON
THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
In his first film since "Man of Steel," Henry Cavill stars alongside Armie Hammer in the film adaptation of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." Set in the 1960s, a CIA agent and KGB operative must队 up to stop a secret organization working toward the proliferation of nuclear weapons. With comedy-infused action, this film looks to have something everyone can enjoy. In theaters Aug. 14.
AMERICAN ULTRA
In what can only be described as a stoner's take on the Bourne series, Jesse Eisenberg stars alongside Kristen Stewart in the upcoming comedy "American Ultra." Small-town stoner Mike realizes there are parts of his past he doesn't remember as government agents are sent to kill him. This film is sure to be a hit amongst college students everywhere. In theaters Aug. 21.
REGRESIÓN
When detective Bruce Kenner (Ethan Hawke) gets John Gray (David Dencik) to admit to a crime he doesn't remember committing against his own daughter (Emma Watson), a psychologist (David Thewlis) is brought in to investigate. "Regression" has a small but remarkable cast and looks to have the potential to be a chilling, thought-provoking film. In theaters Aug. 28.
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