I wanted to share some thoughts on the summer of 2008. Not box office thoughts, because Terry has a thread for that. I wanted to talk about how exciting I think this summer is from several different perspectives. I grew up on summer films, though I've transitioned more towards fall films. I still love good summer movies, and some years we get a few and some we only get one or two.
2008 looks particular promising. As an old comic fan, we're getting a few comic movies, but that's nothing new, right?
Well, except that they star Christian Bale, Robert Downey Jr, and Ed Norton. And the supporting cast in each is exceptional. While I readily admit TDK is the big dog, with some extraordinary promise, Iron Man looks to be a spectacular time at the theaters. Even the little seen The Incredible Hulk has real promise, with Tim Roth and Norton squaring of. None of the three look like a cash-in, and that's something. Going a bit more indy, even Hellboy is getting a sequel. While the 2004 edition didn't rock my world, that was pre-Pan's Labyrinth. Without having to sell the unsellable concept to the mainstream, del Toro can focus on what makes Hellboy special, so I have high hopes for the sequel. If nothing else, del Toro is a visualist of the first order, so Hellboy 2: The Golden Army will be something to see.
Also in May with Iron Man is Spielberg making an adventure film, something he hasn't done in some time. Not only that, but a sequel to one of the most beloved characters in Hollywood history. If that wasn't enough, Indy IV nabbed Cate Blanchett as a baddie, and loaded up on outstanding character actors as well. This is the best cast of any Indy film to date.
How about something new? Pixar isn't batting 1.000 for everybody, but I think almost every moviegoer with a pulse and some modicum of critical faculty recognizes the magic that studio possesses. They are continuing to push boundaries with Wall-E this summer. There is not much more to say about. If you've seen any of the preview material, you know we're probably in for a treat.
Another film (that might not be great) that looks promising is Hancock. It's not a superhero spoof per se, but it has the biggest star in the world (now) acting like an asshat, and it's directed by up-and-comer Peter Berg. Berg has a lot of potential (he's been mentored by Michael Mann), and he's getting a star at the peak of his prowess in a silly concept.
The Apatow train has The Pineapple Express coming out, and oddly enough, this one is being directed by David Gordon Green (speaking of mentors, one of Green's influences and supporters is the Terence Malick...so this is an interesting pairing of concept and director at the very least). Can't speak to the content, but the concept is intriguing, and Apatow has provided the past few summers with some good laughs.
In a wild card spot in Speed Racer. I could not care any less for the concept, but it's being directed by the Wachowski siblings (spare me the jokes), who have no shortage of skill and visual acumen. The trailer was totally bonkers, but what the hey. It ALSO has a killer cast.
There are plenty of other offerings that could be great, just as some of the above movies could tank. But this summer looks especially strong on the talent side. Good directors has good casts for these mainstream blockbusters (thanks to Spidey and LOTR for selling the studio on talent plus concept), and this summer looks particularly special. I haven't been this excited for a summer since 2005, and this looks noticeably stronger than that one.
Just wanted to share those thoughts. It's kind of interesting seeing genre films start to garner real casts and scripts. I know I missed some films others are excited about, but these are mine. And it's about twice as many films as I usually have each summer to get excited about.
And then some:
Then we have a one week period in Thanksgiving with a new Bond and Harry Potter 6...kind of a quality sequel to a quality summer all by itself
But we can discuss those later.
