Summer movie wrap-up
Sci-fi blockbusters and sentimental smaller films made up a lot of the films this summer. Here is a wide range of what came out between May and July.
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Sci-fi blockbusters and sentimental smaller films made up a lot of the films this summer. Here is a wide range of what came out between May and July.
There has never been a shortage of bad romantic comedies in Hollywood. For every rare one that works, such as “Annie Hall” and, more recently, “(500) Days of Summer,” there are at least a dozen like “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” or as I like to call it, “How to Lose Your Lunch in 10 Minutes.”
Matt Reeves (“Cloverfield,” “Let Me In”) has directed the best blockbuster of the summer so far with “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” a sequel to the 2011 film “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” which itself was a prequel to the 1968 classic “Planet of the Apes” starring Charlton Heston and based on the novel by Pierre Boulle. “Dawn” features outstanding digital effects and a strong narrative with dramatic weight.
Half of the year is over now, and what better time to stop and reflect on some of the best films so far this year?
Clint Eastwood’s “Jersey Boys” is based on the hit Broadway musical of the same name that opened in 2005 and went on to win the Tony award for Best Musical. The film follows the life of Frankie Valli (John Lloyd Young) and his band, The Four Seasons, which was comprised of Tommy DeVito (Vincent Piazza), Nick Massi (Michael Lomenda) and Bob Gaudio (Erich Bergen).
Everyone is dying, but teenager Hazel Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) is going faster than most people her age. The film, based on the bestselling novel of the same name by writer John Green, opens with the character sardonically narrating that most books about cancer are sugar-coated, pandering fiction.
“Maleficent” tells the back-story of the villainess from Disney’s 1959 animated film “Sleeping Beauty,” to show that she had reasons for her actions and that she is a good person. The horned, pale-skinned evildoer cloaked in black begins life as a spry fairy soaring across the beautiful land. She plays with the woodland and river creatures and befriends a human boy named Stefan; they fall in love even though fairies and humans are not supposed to be together. Years later as an adult, Stefan (Sharlto Copley) betrays her trust by cutting off her wings to prove his courage to the king. He leaves her stranded and wounded in the woods, crying in the dark alone. Jolie commits to her performance and tries to sell the fantastical situations.
Funniest actor in film history, true crime serial killer lovers, pet cemeteries featured in these gems.
Overwhelmed by final papers, projects and exams? Why not take a break and suffer through these marvelous, feel-bad films, all available streaming on Netflix:
Film lineup concludes with top honors going to ‘As It Is in Heaven’
“Oculus” — 2.5/5 stars Unoriginal haunted mirror flick looks good but lacks scares, originality
Indonesian martial arts sequel is the best action film in years “The Raid 2” — 4.5/5 Stars
Movie lineup ranges from religious apocalypse to redneck comic
Jason Bateman’s comedy effort well-done, sharp
‘Black Swan’ director combines biblical epic and disaster film
Japanese film proves slow yet thoughtful
Confounding and twisty, “Enemy” makes for one of the most frightening films in years. “Enemy,” an unnerving thriller about doppelgangers, by the director and star of “Prisoners,” entraps audience in a web of tension.
Comedic caper shows off distinctive style with ample charm, intricate story, set design
Oscar nominee a beautiful ode to flight, yet morally contemplative
New sequel more purely funny than previous entry