2007 Summer Movie “Blockbusters”

Yes everyone, summer is fast approaching and so is the summer “blockbuster” season.  This year, in particular, should be one for the books, not because of the total amount of money projected to be taken in by the movie studios, but because of the amount of potential “blockbusters” that is coming out starting May 4^th and going through August 10^th.  The season normally starts right around Memorial Day, but as the last few years have dictated, the season is opening several weeks beforehand.  This year’s season will open with the anticipated Spider-Man 3.   From the recent trailers on the net and the one that aired during last week’s Heroes, this movie will set the standard for this year’s “blockbuster.”  To help everyone navigate the summer movie season, I have listed what I consider the “blockbusters” for the summer of 2007.   

Spider- Man 3 – The third and possibly last installment of the Spider-Man trilogy.  In this installment, Peter must not only battle a new villain – Sandman and Venom, but Harry Osborn as the New Goblin, while maintaining some sort of normal life at home.  While protecting
New York from the hands of the Sandman and Venom, a black substance soaks into his suit.  This mysterious substance enhances Peter’s abilities while also bringing out some his darker qualities.  Can Peter survive the onslaught of these three villains and himself?  It opens on May 4th nationwide.

Shrek the Third – This movie is also a third installment of popular Shrek series.  King Harold (Shrek’s father-in-law) falls ill, Shrek is looked at as the heir to the land of Far, Far Away.  However, he has reservations about giving up his beloved swamp.  So, Shrek tries to put into power Arthur, yes King Arthur of Camelot fame.  In the meantime, Princess Fiona fends off a coup d’etat by Prince Charming.  It opens on May 18th nationwide.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End – No I’m not a broken record, but this movie is also the third installment of the Pirates of the
Caribbean series.  Captain Barbossa, Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann must sail off the edge of the map, navigate treachery and betrayal, and make their final alliances to save Capt. Jack Sparrow.  This opens on May 25th nationwide.

 

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer – This sequel finds the fabulous foursome learning that they aren’t the only super-powered beings in the universe when they square off against powerful planet-eating Galactus and his herald the Silver Surfer. 

This movie opens on June 15th nationwide.

Live Free or Die Hard – Is the fourth time a charm for the Die Hard series?  We find John McClane taking on an Internet-based terrorist group who is systematically shutting down the United States.  Can John saveNew York and the country again? 

 It opens on June 29th nationwide.

Ratatouille (from Pixar) – Looks like another gem from Pixar and the premier film after the purchase of Pixar by Disney.  A young rat living within the walls of a famous
Paris bistro wishes to become a chef.  However, his father and brother do not approve of his career choice. 

It opens on June 29th nationwide.

 

Transformers – The Autobots (good guys) and the Decepticons (bad guys), dueling alien races, make Earth their next battle ground, while leaving the future of humankind hanging in the balance.  Is anyone having an 80s flashback? 

It opens on July 4th nationwide.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – Harry and the gang from Hogwarts are back — this time warning about Lord Voldemort’s return.  Harry’s warning falls on deaf ears, while he and Dumbledore are targeted by the wizard authorities who slowly seize power at Hogwarts. It opens on July 14 nationwide.

The Simpsons Movie – Homer and Bart on the loose on the big screen. 

It opens on July 27th nationwide.

Rush hour 3 – Here we go with another third installment of a popular series.  Is this the last chapter of Lee and Carter?  Who knows.  This chapter takes place in Paris, where Lee and Carter inadvertently get mixed up with the Chinese Triad crew.

  As you can see from the dates and the list, this season will be one big hit after another.  My money is on three films that will not only have financial success, but will be the talk of the pop culture circles – Spider Man 3, Shrek the Third, & Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.  However, I have a feeling that Transformers will surprise everyone on how well it does since it should own the long holiday weekend and is two weeks before Harry Potter.  I guess I should not forget to mention Ratatouille from Pixar.  Pixar is the King Midas of movies, everything turns to gold and if past history holds, Ratatouille will be just as golden as Cars, Nemo, and Toy Story.  Unfortunately, some movies will fail in expectations and other will reach thundering heights.  All I can say is this summer will be one heck of “blockbuster” season!  Don’t forget to take at my latest blog on the Summer movie season titled – Summer Movies Preview – part 2.  This covers some additional movies this summer that may not be on everyone’s radar.  Now roll the film!  Please someone pass the popcorn!