Summer Blockbuster Season Is Here

By Matt Wiley

As school lets out and summer vacation begins, so, too, does the annual summer blockbuster movie season, and this year is looking like an action movie juggernaut with some highly anticipated comedies mixed in, as well.

Whether it’s super heroes, fairy tales, raunch comedies or graphic novel-based “noirs,” there is something for everyone on the silver screen this summer. Here are a few films that we’re looking forward to seeing most at the Muvico Starlight 20 (located off Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. in New Tampa) and the Cobb Theatres Grove 16 (located in The Grove shopping plaza in Wesley Chapel).

May

“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (PG-13, in theaters): Already slinging webs at local theaters, this marks the second outing for Andrew Garfield in the Spidey suit. Directed by Marc Webb (fitting, eh?), the latest film in the franchise pits Peter Parker against Electro (Jamie Foxx) and Rhino (Pail Giamatti).

“Neighbors” (R, in theaters): Comedic heavyweight Seth Rogen stars alongside Rose Byrne as new parents getting used to life in suburbia never expecting Zac Efron’s fraternity to move in next door. A noise complaint is all it takes for an all-out war to ensue between the houses. (Photo below: Universal)

“Godzilla” (PG-13, in theaters): It’s been nearly 20 years since Matthew Broderick stared down the infamous lizard beast and 60 years since the original monster terrorized Japan. However, “Godzilla” is back and up to his same old destructive tricks, only this time the lizard is joined by more giant creatures. “Godzilla,” directed by Gareth Edwards (“Monsters”) and starring Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (“Kick-Ass”), looks like the epitome of summer blockbuster fun. (Photo above right: Warner Bros.)

“X-Men: Days of Future Past” (PG-13, in theaters): Whether you’re a fan of the original X-Men trilogy or 2011’s “X-Men: First Class,” “Days of Future Past” brings together fan favorites from both franchises for a time-bending twist of mutant warfare. (Photo below: 20th Century Fox)

“A Million Ways To Die In The West” (R, May 30): If you like TV’s “Family Guy” or 2012’s “Ted,” then you probably already know that “A Million Ways” stars and is directed by Seth McFarlane, who plays a farmer living in the brutal west who must take down a dangerous desperado (Liam Neeson). (Photo below: Universal Studios)

“Maleficent” (PG, May 30): Directed by Robert Stromberg in his directorial debut, Angelina Jolie stars in a live-action re-imagining of the classic Disney animated fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty,” as a vengeful fairy who casts a curse on the young Princess Aurora, who may be the only one who can restore peace to the world. (Photo above left: Disney)

June

“How To Train Your Dragon 2” (PG, June 13): If Maleficent seems a bit dark for your kids, consider the animated sequel to 2009’s “How To Train Your Dragon.” The original’s characters return to explore the world of dragons and, after discovering a new breed, must fight a battle to ensure peace. (Photo below: Dreamworks)

“Transformers: Age Of Extinction” (PG-13, June 27): Say goodbye to Shia LaBoeuf and hello to Mark Wahlberg as the star of yet another “Transformers” film from Michael Bay. Alien robots battle among humans on earth. The new chapter is the first installment in a new “Transformers” trilogy.

July

“Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes” (PG-13, July 11): The follow-up to 2011’s “Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes,” “Dawn” shows a modern human society broken down and a community of apes thriving; that is until it comes into contact with a group of human survivors. Directed by Matt Reeves (“Cloverfield”) and starring Andy Serkis (Golum from “The Lord Of The Rings” and “Hobbit” films) as Caesar the ape alongside Gary Oldman (“The Dark Knight Rises”) and Keri Russell (“The Americans”), the dawn of the planet of the apes is upon us. (Photo: 20th Century Fox)

“Sex Tape” (R, July 25): What happens when the “cloud” turns against you? A sultry Kama Sutra video of Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel gets leaked online for the world to see. This film focuses on their quest to destroy every copy.

August

“Guardians Of The Galaxy” (PG-13, August 1): This Marvel comic adaptation’s synopsis doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, so let’s just say it’s a collaboration of super heroes (including a tree and a raccoon) traveling through space, fighting to save the universe.

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (PG-13, August 8): Forget about 2007’s computer animated “TMNT,” which didn’t quite do the early 1990s franchise justice. This summer’s reboot of the crime-fighting band of turtles takes it back to live action and to a grand, blockbuster scale. Watching the initial teaser trailer is pretty nostalgic and highly recommended.

“Sin City: A Dame To Kill For” (R, August 22): Fans will surely rejoice, as the long awaited sequel to 2005’s “Sin City” finally is ready to grace the screen once again. Based upon the graphic novels by Frank Miller, “A Dame To Kill For” takes fans back to the crime-riddled streets of Sin City. Expect lots of stylistic cinematographic flair, as well as an excellent ensemble cast that features many characters from the original, including Bruce Willis, Rosario Dawson, Jessica Alba and Mickey Rourke.

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So there they are, a handful of hopefully awesome summer movies. For local movie times, please visit Muvico.com or CobbTheatres.com.