For those who are at all interested, here I'll count down my top 10 most anticipated films of the summer. Not the most original list, but then that's kind of appropriate considering we're talking about blockbusters. These are not necessarily the films I think will make the most money, just those that have me licking my lips with anticipation to varying degrees.
Without further ado, in reverse order (the YouTube videos are the films' trailers)...
10. Hancock - 2 July
Will Smith's latest star vehicle after the megahit I Am Legend sees him starring as a drunken superhero. If the title sounds a bit dull and non-descript, try the original title out for size: Tonight, He Comes. Wonder why they didn't stick with that one.
9. The Incredible Hulk - 13 June
I'm looking forward to this film with some trepidation but I'm also cautiously optimistic. I was a fan of Ang Lee's much derided Hulk, so this sequel's change in direction towards a more action-centric style doesn't entirely fill me with joy. However, the capable Ed Norton is taking Eric Bana's place as Bruce Banner, and he also has taken considerable creative control. The latest word, however, is that the director (Louis Leterrier) and Marvel have been at loggerheads over the final cut, and Marvel - who preferred a leaner, more action-packed version, of course - have apparently won out. At least a longer cut may be on DVD.
8. Iron Man - 2 May
Marvel's other tentpole this year is the one that kicks off the summer, and their latest hope for a new Spider-Man-like super-franchise. Everything seems to bode well - the casting especially, with Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow and others all handpicked by the director, John Favreau. I have to say, though, that the trailers have left me a little cold. I will be happy if my scepticism is proven unfounded.
7. Gone Baby Gone - 6 June
An unusual choice, you may think, considering that this - Ben Affleck's directorial debut - was released months ago in the States. Here it was delayed due to the plot's similarities with the Madeleine McCann case. It garnered excellent reviews from critics, who praised Affleck's direction and the acting of his brother Casey in the lead role (and Amy Ryan was Oscar nominated for best Supporting Actress). Not typical summer fare, then, but it's nice to have a break from all the explosions.
6. Doomsday - 9 May
Another film that our Stateside brethren have already had the opportunity to see, Doomsday is Neil "The Descent" Marshall's latest and most ambitious effort. The film seems to be a bonkers cross between Escape From New York (classic John Carpenter) and Mad Max. Despite some so-so reviews, I think it looks like great fun and the concept, although unoriginal, certainly appeals to me. And I wasn't too impressed with The Descent.
5. Hellboy II: The Golden Army - 22 August
Guillermo del Toro's Hellboy has plenty of fans, but its unspectacular box office takings wouldn't seem to demand a sequel. Del Toro's commitment has paid off, however, and here he looks like his imagination is really let loose. The original was an offbeat delight (which I only saw the charms of second time round, I admit), and I'm hoping this can build on its successes.
4. The Happening - 13 June
I'm an M. Night Shyamalan apologist, despite not loving Lady in the Water (but it's not as bad as some made out) or The Village (because of the ending). I am, however, a big fan of Signs and especially Unbreakable. The Happening sounds like it could be a true return to form, with an epic apocalyptic plotline. Shyamalan may sometimes love himself too much but young directors like him who write their own original scripts are increasingly rare.
3. Wall-E - 18 July
Speaking of originality, Pixar are bringing us what looks like the most original film in years this summer, in the form of Wall-E, the tale of a loveable scrap-collecting robot who works alone on an abandoned Earth. The imagery looks absolutely stunning, and the film is apparently almost entirely devoid of dialogue, relying on Ben Burtt's sound design instead. Pixar still haven't failed, and I will be truly shocked if Wall-E does not continue their streak. It could even be one of their very best films yet.
2. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - 22 May
Cumbersome title aside, the signs are good for the return of Indy, 19 years after his last adventure. The trailer shows that Spielberg and co are not departing much from the Indy we know and love, and they're making the right noises concerning the desire to use as little CGI as possible. I personally thought that The Last Crusade was a perfect way to end Indy's cinematic life, but if Skull succeeds, I think we'll all be happy to welcome him back.
1. The Dark Knight - 25 July
In truth, summer 2008 is for me all about one film - Christopher Nolan's follow-up to his brilliant franchise rebirth Batman Begins. Heath Ledger's death is tragic and will unavoidably change our experience of watching the film. Nevertheless, if Knight lives up to its enormous potential it will be a tremendous tribute to the talented actor (who will still star in one more film, Terry Gilliam's The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus). Rumours are spreading that the film is set to have a running time of as much as 3 hours, which for me is fantastic news - and credit to Warner Bros if they have the cajones to allow it. I don't want to jinx the film, but I really cannot see how it could fail. The Dark Knight has "classic" written all over it.
So there's your lot folks. No doubt not all of these films will turn out great - if they do it will be one hell of a summer - but I'm hopeful that amongst this bunch there will be some films well worth remembering.
