Story by Ned Leebrick-Stryker
Relays is over and the end of the term approaches. What am I going to do this summer? No, this is not regarding a job that my mother keeps nagging me to find, this is about movies.
After much internal debate, I have reached a conclusion.
Although there are a variety of movies coming out over the period from May to August, whether it be big-budget or small and independent, I have decided to focus on major Hollywood blockbusters.
The way I see it, if you have limited moolah, go see something made for IMAX and wait for the smaller stuff to get on DVD.
Here are the Top-5 movies I want to see this summer:
5. “The Expendables 3”
First of all, as much as I pretend to be a film buff who likes his movies slow and thoughtful, I’m still a teenage boy. I like seeing things blow up. When said things are blown up by the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Harrison Ford, I get a little giddy. It’s “The Avengers” of old, washed-up action stars and I couldn’t be happier.
4. “X–Men: Days of Future Past”
If you are a reader of my column, you would know that I love me a good superhero movie. This one has all the ingredients to be a smash. First of all, most of the cast from “X-Men: First Class” is returning, including Michael Fassbender, who kills it in everything that he’s in. Also returning is the cast of the original X-Men, and that means Mr. Huge jacked-man himself, Hugh Jackman.
3. “Godzilla”
What makes this look so interesting to me? Bryan Cranston, to begin with. I know he’s an actor with standards, and this looks like much more than just another disaster flick. That might be due to director Gareth Edwards leading the project.
2. “Dawn of The Planet of The Apes”
In 2011, I was surprised by the “Rise of The Planet of the Apes.” It was a pseudo reboot and prequel, accessible to old fans and newcomers alike. Featuring the best performance I’d ever seen from a motion-captured actor, it won the hearts of many, including my own. Now we get a sequel. Although it yet again has an obnoxiously long title, I’m truly looking forward to seeing where this one goes. Trailers have been scarce, which means a lot of surprises are in store.
1. “Guardians of The Galaxy”
Go ahead. Call me a fanboy. “Guardians of The Galaxy” is yet another film adaption of a Marvel comic. This one looks a little different. Written and directed by James Gunn, known for his quirky and hilarious movies, this one looks like it’s going to be off the wall. Let’s see, there’s Chris Pratt (“Parks and Recreation”) all decked out with muscles, a giant tree alien (Vin Diesel) and a talking raccoon (Bradley Cooper).
Props to anyone involved with this one. To make something this big and this strange takes guts. It’s different and new, not a sequel or a reboot or a spin-off and that’s why I can’t wait to see it.
Leebrick-Stryker is a first-year broadcast news major and can be reached at ned.leebrick-stryker@drake.edu