The University Daily Kansan
Monday, July 15, 2013
Page 13
MOVIES
Upcoming blockbusters fill remaining summer weeks
This summer has already proved to be a pretty successful one for new movies. With blockbusters like "Man of Steel" and "Star Trek: Into Darkness," comedies such as "The Heat" and "This is The End" and, finally, surprise hits such as "The Bling Ring," there has always been something worth watching.
And it doesn't seem to be slowing down as the summer wraps up. Rather, production companies seem to have been saving the best for last. Here are my top picks through the end of August.
"THE CONJURING"- JULY 19
Horror films seem to be out in abundance this summer, with "The
THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY
Purge" earlier on and "You're Next" coming out soon. However, no trailer has made me more frightened than that of "The Conjuring." And if the trailer alone makes me turn away in fear, I can only imagine how scary the actual film will be. On top of that, the basis of the movie being a "real-life" family looking back on their own terrors is a new and creative way of telling a story, which is what horror film junkies are begging for.
totally worth that $9.50.
"THE TO DO LIST" - JULY 26
I am not going to lie, this movie doesn't look as funny as "This is the End," but in my mind nothing can go wrong if Aubrey Plaza is involved. Add Bill Hader, Alia Shawkat, Rachel Bilson, Andy Samberg and Clark Gregg, and I am completely sold on whatever you are selling, even if it is a movie about an overly nerdy girl trying to ditch her "loser" ways in order to score a fling the summer before her first year in college. Maybe it won't be awesome, or maybe it will be totally lame and predictable, but I am holding out hope that this is yet another surprising comedy that is
"THE WOLVERINE"-JULY 26
I do realize that I am one of few who did not particularly enjoy "Man of Steel," so my summer cravings for a superhero action film has yet to be satisfied. Therefore, I have very high hopes and expectations for "The Wolverine," Switching up directors from the "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" installment promises that this film will take a new — and hopefully better direction. Needless to say, this film will have action scene upon action scene, which hopefully will not lend itself to forgetting to tell an equally thrilling story.
"THE SPECTACULAR NOW" - AUGUST 2
Following the success of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," "The Spectacular Now" is the story of two young teens who fall in love and work through their high school days. Not surprisingly, I was a huge fan of "Perks," so I am beyond excited for another film that can take me through an emotional roller coaster with characters I can connect with. The only
reservation I have is the casting of Shailene Woodley, but hopefully this will make me warm up to her before she stars in "The Fault in Our Stars."
"THE BUTLER"-AUGUST 16
From the director of "Precious" comes the story of Cecil Gaines, an African-American butler who served eight presidents during his time as the head burder of the White House. Similar to that of "The To Do List" this film is full of big name stars such as Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker,
Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding Jr., James Marsden, Alan Rickman and Oprah Winfrey. However, unlike the comedy, "The Butler" seems to also have a good story line, supreme writing and amazing music to add into the mix. While biography films can verge on boring in my opinion, it seems as though the issue and time that the movie is set in is going to allow for an exciting and exhilarating ride through history.
Edited by Allison Kohn