2007 Summer Movie Spotlight
In anticipation of this Summer’s movie offerings, mikull.com runs down the list of 13 films worth watching this summer. There should be no questions, no doubts, no surprises- this is an amazing summer for movies. And let’s be clear here, I’m talking guy movies… and with all the members here being movie enthusiasts, I’m happy to say this is one of the most exciting summers for the old theater I’ve seen in years. Leave your brain in the car, and follow me to the sticky floors, my friends…
Yes, this summer belongs to the man, all over the movie screen. Ladies, come along if you will, but you’re getting the refreshments. Cops on the edge, and criminals with nothing to lose. Wizards and pirates, robots and super heroes… and yes, a few half naked chicks thrown in for good measure. Needlessly intricate plots riddled with geek lore? Check. Shamelessly vacant plots enveloped by exceptionally loud explosions? Check.
Extra butter and a tub of cherry Coke, please: Here’s your top lucky 13 mikull.com movie picks for the summer of 2007!
#13 Ocean’s Thirteen
Official Site: http://oceans13.warnerbros.com/ » June 8, 2007
In the new sequel to Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean’s Twelve, the cast is reunited with director Steven Soderbergh and producer Jerry Weintraub. Joining the cast for the new adventure are Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin.
Lucky thirteen, coincidentally, is Ocean’s Thirteen for me- although you might not catch me in a theater seeing it. The overall star power should win over most for this sequel to a sequel of a remake. To be quite honest, Al Pacino is what got this to the list- I am not a Julia Roberts fan, but I enjoy a good movie about criminals sneaking around, and twisty plots with surprising double crosses. With over the top Al being himself, I would imagine this to be a fun ride- and perhaps the cap to a decent trilogy.
Ocean’s Thirteen discussion on the message board »
#12 Evan Almighty
Official Site: http://www.evanalmighty.com/ » June 22, 2007
Newly elected to Congress, the polished, preening newscaster, Evan Baxter, is the next one anointed by God to accomplish a holy mission–In the footsteps of Bruce. Evan leaves Buffalo behind and shepherds his family to suburban northern Virginia. Once there, his life gets turned upside-down when God appears and mysteriously commands him to build an ark. But his befuddled family just can’t decide whether Evan is having an extraordinary mid-life crisis or is truly onto something of Biblical proportions.
Steve Carell has proven hilarious. It’s a nice twist, considering he was in Bruce Almighty as a smaller part, and now can take the reigns of an ark for Morgan Freeman (God), in what might be one of the best comedies of the summer. We can re-live a bit of that great humor from the original, with Steve’s twist on things. Plus, animals. Can you go wrong with monkey humor? No. Having said that, there’s still room for this not to do so well, but I’m optimistic.
Evan Almighty discussion on the message board »
#11 The Bourne Ultimatum
Official Site: http://www.bourne-ultimatum.net/ » August 3, 2007
Matt Damon returns as legendary assassin Jason Bourne, who uncovers mysteries of his past, while a government agent tries to track him down after a shootout in Moscow.
I will be completely honest- I haven’t seen any of the Bourne movies. Everyone I talk to who has seen them has told me they were great thrillers. The trailers I’ve seen look killer, and if I were a fan I would at least push this close to a top 10 for the summer… and so, here it is at #11.
The Bourne Ultimatum discussion on the message board »
#10 Halloween
Official Site: http://www.halloweenmovies.com/ » August 31, 2007
A new take on the legend and a new chapter in the Michael Myers "Halloween" saga from Rob Zombie.
Again and again I tell you all, I’m a Halloween franchise nut in secret. That should make it no secret why I snuck this one into the top 10. Rob Zombie had been hit or miss with me, but The Devil’s Rejects had me sold this guy could rock a film. We’ve seen so many classic horror remakes it makes it easier to roll your eyes at this one- but I can’t help but be curious. Sure, the original Halloween is somewhat sacred ground; it’s one of the best horror movies, at least in my opinion, ever made… but like I said, I’m curious. Zombie has been quoted that he wouldn’t make a sequel to the remake, which makes one wonder where the franchise will go after this. Another thing that left me scratching my head- why release this in August? Call me crazy, but this would have been one killer October flick for all intents and purposes. In any case, the trailer is spooky, the new take could be pretty cool- and if anything, it will make all the kids go and love themselves some Halloween classics.
Rob Zombie’s Halloween discussion on the message board »
#9 Shrek the Third
Official Site: http://www.shrek.com/ » May 18, 2007
Being king isn’t for everyone–especially if you’re a prickly ogre who smells like the shallow end of a swamp. When Shrek married Fiona, the last thing he wanted was to rule Far Far Away, but when his frogger-in-law, King Harold, suddenly croaks, Shrek is quickly fitted for the crown. Now, unless the reluctant would-be king can find a suitable replacement, he’ll be royally screwed for the rest of his days. As if Shrek didn’t have enough on his plate, Princess Fiona has another little surprise on the way. With his head spinning and his belly in knots, Shrek sets off on a quest to find the only other possible heir to the throne, Fiona’s long-lost cousin Artie, an underachieving medieval high schooler. While the ogre is away, his old nemesis Prince Charming rears his handsome head and returns to the kingdom of Far Far Away with redemption on his shallow little mind. Even with Donkey and the ever-so-suave Puss-in-Boots by their side, it’s going to take an ogre-sized effort–and a whole lot of help from Fiona and her band of princesses–for Shrek and Artie to save the day and find their own "Happily Ever After."
I can hear the groan of some, who had enough Shrek. Me, I think it’s a funny ride every time, and I do enjoy going back to the first 2 DVD’s now and again. It reminds me a bit of that cute ’90’s humor at times, and be it nostalgia talking- I think that’s a good thing. Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy are still 2 excellent comedic talents for me, and I wouldn’t mind taking this ride one more time… even if it doesn’t necessarily meet the ‘guy flick’ precedent I set for the list.
Shrek the Third discussion on the message board »
#8 Stardust
Official Site: http://www.stardustmovie.com/ » August 10, 2007
In the sleepy English village of Wall, so named for the cobblestone wall that has, for hundreds of years, kept the villagers safely apart form the strange, supernatural realm that lies just on the other side. It is here that young Tristan Thorne makes a wild-eyed promise to the prettiest girl in the village, whose heart he hopes to win: that he will bring her back a fallen star. But in order to make good on his promise, Tristan will have to cross the forbidden wall, and enter a mysterious kingdom lit by unending magic and unfolding legends of which he will quickly become a part. In this fantastical realm known as Stormhold, Tristan discovers that the fallen star is not the meteorite he expected, but a beautiful, spirited young woman injured by her cosmic tumble. Now, she is in terrible danger–sought after by the King’s scheming sons for whom only her secret powers can secure the throne; and hunted by a chillingly powerful witch desperate to use the star to achieve eternal youth and beauty. As Tristan sets out to protect the star and bring her back to his beloved on the other side of the wall, his journey will bring unforeseen romance, highflying adventure, and incredible encounters with a pirate captain, a shady trader, and an enchanted unicorn among other surprises. But if he can survive on his wits and the strength of his newfound love, Tristan will also uncover the secret to his own identity and a fate beyond his wildest dreams.
It has cult hit written all over it, and I am tempted to predict that it will go no further than that- if it’s good enough. Neil Gaiman is the respected writer of the Sandman comic series, and followed for other works by many cult fans far and wide. This trailer is interesting, the cast noteworthy… but is another trip to a land of fantasy what the audiences are looking for? Probably not. Nevertheless, I still feel this could be a great theater showing, and dare to throw it into the mix. The unique writing and style brings a familiar sensibility to the table, with an artistic twist nearly cliche, yet tempting for me.
Stardust discussion on the message board »
#7 The Simpsons
Official Site: http://www.simpsonsmovie.com/ » July 27, 2007
Too little too late? I get the sense that movie-goers will have this in their minds. But bloody hell, it’s the Simpsons. How could we not look forward to bunch of Homer’s antics on the screen? I don’t think anyone who’s enjoyed the series over the years should be passing quick judgment on this one- even if it turns out to be a glorified episode of the show in a different setting- it’s still a big deal from my point of view, which pushed it close to the top 5 must see’s of my summer.
The Simpsons discussion on the message board »
#6 Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
Official Site: http://www.fantasticfourmovie.com/ » June 15, 2007
The continuing adventures of the superhero group Fantastic Four.
Even as I write this, I ask myself, does the new Fantastic Four even deserve to be higher on the list than the Simpsons? Will Marvel ever get their act straight when it comes to bringing our most beloved comics to the screen? Comic geeks all want to see the surfer in action, but the rumored ‘cloud’ that is Galactus sure lowers my hopes. The original was not the best Marvel movie, and this could fall apart and go unnoticed with Spider-Man swinging across the screen. You have to be optimistic about this one, if only to help forget the original, and other Marvel bombs like the Hulk and Ghost Rider. Let’s hope we’re all wrong and the studio got it all right- because it will take more than Jessica Alba half naked in another movie to save this ship.
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer discussion on the message board »
#5 Live Free or Die Hard
Official Site: http://www.livefreeordiehard.com/ » June 27, 2007
An attack on the U.S.’s computer infrastructure begins to cripple the nation. But the man behind the attack never expected an old-fashioned cop to mess up his plans.
Our top 5 must-see kicks off with Bruce Willis being Bruce Willis. Who doesn’t love this man in this role? I know many were apprehensive at first, but if the trailer is any indication, this could be one of the best action flicks of the summer. Sure, it’s all been done… but that’s doesn’t mean I don’t want to see it again.
Live Free or Die Hard discussion on the message board »
#4 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Official Site: http://www2.warnerbros.com/orderofthephoenix/ » July 13, 2007
Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts and discovers that much of the wizarding community has been denied the truth about the teenager’s recent encounter with the evil Lord Voldemort. Fearing that Hogwarts’ venerable Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, is lying about Voldemort’s return in order to undermine his power and take his job, the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, appoints a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher to keep watch over Dumbledore and the Hogwarts students. But Professor Dolores Umbridge’s Ministry-approved course of defensive magic leaves the young wizards woefully unprepared to defend themselves against the dark forces threatening them and the entire wizarding community, so at the prompting of his friends Hermione and Ron, Harry takes matters into his own hands. Meeting secretly with a small group of students who name themselves "Dumbledore’s Army," Harry teaches them how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts, preparing the courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that lies ahead.
At this point, you’re either a Harry Potter fan or you’re not. To varying degrees, the world got caught up in the Potter series. Personally, I was slow to catch on, but I’ve now read the books and love the movies. If you’re new to Harry Potter, this one probably isn’t for you. For everyone else this is a no brainier- and if we didn’t have such heavy hitters on the list, it would be closer to the #1 spot.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix discussion on the message board »
#3 Spider-Man 3
Official Site: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/spiderman3/ » May 4, 2007
Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. When his suit suddenly changes, turning jet-black and enhancing his powers, it transforms Peter as well, bringing out the dark, vengeful side of his personality that he is struggling to control. Under the influence of the suit, Peter becomes overconfident and starts to neglect the people who care about him most. Forced to choose between the seductive power of the new suit and the compassionate hero he used to be, Peter must overcome his personal demons as two of the most-feared villains yet, Sandman and Venom, gather unparalleled power and a thirst for retribution to threaten Peter and everyone he loves.
Spider Man clocks in at #3 on my list, only because we’ve gone a long way with this series, and I can see the end is here for some good reasons. One of the best Marvel comics (trilogy) on the screen in years, I’m still calling it in high on the list mind you. Finally we get Venom like we always wanted, and more Spidey villian goodness to boot. The series may be exhausted after this, but we’re all set for another summer of Spider Man. It just feels and looks cool- I’m fairly sure it will at least be better than Spider Man 2. Keeping it real is the important thing here- I don’t know if I would pick up #4 for some time, if ever depending on cast, but I’m game for Spidey to draw me into the theater very soon- this trilogy is as important to comic movies as was Superman and Batman.
Spider-Man 3 discussion on the message board »
#2 Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End
Official Site: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/pirates/atworldsend/ » May 25, 2007
Our heroes Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, ally with Captain Barbossa in a desperate quest to free Captain Jack Sparrow from his mind-bending trap in Davy Jones’ locker–while the terrifying ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman and Davy Jones, under the control of the East India Trading Company, wreaks havoc across the Seven Seas. Navigating through treachery, betrayal and wild waters, they must forge their way to exotic Singapore and confront the cunning Chinese Pirate Sao Feng. Now headed beyond the very ends of the earth, each must ultimately choose a side in a final, titanic battle–as not only their lives and fortunes but the entire future of the freedom-loving pirate way hangs in the balance.
Yar, you bet yer ass I’m putting Pirates in at #2. Pirates! For pete’s sake, we’ve got a cliffhanger to settle! This is pure movie fun at the core, and it should not be missed for enthusiasts of the series. Top rate storytelling, acting and all that good stuff. I’m ready to see this trilogy capped off- and have been looking forward to this since the surprise of the original and the light hearted fun of the second. Jack Sparrow has out-dueled Spider-Man for my ticket money, even though I will probably go for both- I still want me some pirate action before summer’s ship sets sail! This is old-school movie fun today. Bonus points to you, Disney.
Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End discussion on the message board »
#1 Transformers
Official Site: http://www.transformersmovie.com/ » July 4, 2007
Our world will be transformed when two races of robots–the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons (which are able to change into a variety of objects, including cars, trucks, planes and other technological creations)–make Earth their final battleground. As the forces of evil seek the key to ultimate power, our last chance for survival rests in the hands of young Sam Witwicky.
Now you know it’s a mikull.com list when Transformers holds strong at #1. Giant robots that transform from cars and planes and tanks. You can’t go wrong for my guy buck. Fans have been waiting for this for over twenty years. There’s a huge pile of nostalgia in my heart, and a yearning to see it how I always dreamed it. If I only saw one movie on this list, this would be it… you need only check out the thread on the boards that’s been going for 4 years now.
Seriously guys, just say it out loud. Transformers. Rock!!
Transformers discussion on the message board »
What didn’t make the list but peaked my interest? Here are the runner-ups:
- 28 Weeks Later… (May 11) — In this sequel to “28 Days Later,” it’s now 28 weeks later and the virus is declared wiped out (but is it really gone?). It is now time for the denizens of earth to recover, repopulate, and restart.
- Day Watch (June 1) — Mystical undead cops vs. mystical undead villains fighting a hidden war after the fall of the Iron Curtain.
- I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry — (July 20) Two straight Brooklyn firefirghters Chuck (Adam Sandler) and Larry (Kevin James) secretly pretend to be gay so that they can collect domestic partner benefits. But when their secret is out, they have to face discrimination from the people in their lives, as well as possible criminal charges if the real truth to their relationship is revealed.
- Underdog (August 3) — “There’s no need for fear! Underdog is here!” Jason Lee stars as the voice of Underdog in this live-action movie from Disney. A regular ol’ dog named Shoeshine becomes a superhero, and will do anything to save the citizens of Capitol City and Sweet Polly Purebred (the voice of Amy Adams) from Simon Bar Sinister (Peter Dinklage) and his henchman Cad (Patrick Warburton). Hey- I like dogs in movies, leave it be.
- Rush Hour 3 (August 10) — L.A. detective Carter (Chris Tucker) partners up again with Hong Kong Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) to go up against Chinese gangsters in Paris.
- Resident Evil: Extinction (September 21) — Alice (Milla Jovovich) along with friends old (Mike Epps, Oded Fehr) and new (Spencer Locke, Ashanti, Ali Larter) attempt to finally defeat the evil Umbrella corporation in and around the ruins of Las Vegas as the T-virus continues to kill millions.
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