‘22 JUMP STREET’ – June 13
Because of the remake stereotype, no one in their right minds would have predicted “21 Jump Street” would be watchable, let alone leave a seismic crater in the cultural and comedic landscape. This flick has become a classic. Channing Tatum is as hilarious as Jonah Hill, and the world waits with bated breath for the boys to go to college. Any fears of “sequel-itis” should be set aside in favor of feverish excitement because the entire creative team from the first film returned with something to prove. Comedy sequels don’t have the best track record in the past (I’m looking at you, “Ghostbusters 2”), but rules are made to be broken, and if the trailers are any indication, “22 Jump Street” looks to be a monumentally hilarious exception.
‘GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY’ – August 1
Marvel Studios is king of the summer movie, a fact proven categorically by the success of “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” It’s taking a gamble by releasing onto the world characters from the darkest corners of their comic universe. Obscurity, thankfully, doesn’t correlate with ineptitude. “Guardians of the Galaxy” is a rejuvenating breath of fresh air with the introduction of an entirely alien cast of characters into the cultural landscape. Chris Pratt plays the roguish “Star Lord.” This cross between “Iron Man” and “Star Wars” looks to be the sleeper hit of the summer.
‘TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES’ – August 8
Take a step off the nostalgia train and look at the story on its own merits. Based on the trailer, the turtles look certifiably awesome, whether they’re technically mutants or not. The idea of William Fichtner playing Shredder is casting gold. The characters evolve over time, and there will never be another movie with those creepy costumes from the ’90s. This is as good as The Ninja Turtles have ever looked, and the talent behind the camera is more than capable. Rest easy, folks — the TMNT legacy shall not be tarnished.
‘THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2’ – May 2
Spidey is back in action, and he’s bringing along some of his more sinister friends. Comic book movies are all about world-building at this point, and Sony is trying its hand at with the bounty of greatness that is the Spider-Man’s rogues gallery. In this next film, prepare to see three of web-head’s biggest and baddest foes come to life in the form of Electro, the Rhino and Green Goblin. All of these characters will be sticking around for the “Sinister Six” movie. I’m more excited than scared about the plethora of villains. The fact that Andrew Garfield is the most capable and personable Peter Parker we’ve ever had is enough assurance for me to predict this flick will be suitably amazing.
‘X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST’ – May 23
