The summer movie season is upon us once again - that odd seasonal conundrum in which we give thanks for all the bright, warm, days by rushing into dark, cool, theaters to watch Hollywood's big tentpole films (and a few counter-programming hopefuls) crash together in competition for audience dollars.
The presence of Avengers: Age of Ultron at the start of the lineup pretty much signals that there will be a clear king of summer this year (Marvel) - but nonetheless, some big budget reboots (Jurassic World, Mad Max: Fury Road), new installments of popular franchises (Minions, Mission: Impossible 5) and a few new entries (Tomorrowland, Ant-Man) could all pull in serious dollars, and probably deserve your attention.
Unlike in previous years, we will NOT be focusing on the overall release schedule between May and August; since it's 2015, we've picked 15 films off of the summer slate that we think are the ones you should see - for reasons we will explain and discuss, below. NOTE: films are listed in the order of their release date.
Avengers: Age of Ultron
May 1st
Why to Watch: Is that even a question">Avengers 2 right now. But if you're one of the few who has no intention of ever seeing this in theaters, nothing WE say is going to change your mind. Good for you, I guess?
Mad Max: Fury Road
May 15th
Why to Watch: Summer blockbusters often try to appeal to a larger public, but Mad Max: Fury Road is the rare case of a movie that has blockbuster production values, but the niche appeal of a great cult film. It gets extra points for bringing back original Mad Max director George Miller, and for tapping Tom Hardy to take over the titular role from Mel Gibson. Fury Road looks like a wonderfully designed and blessedly straightforward non-stop action/chase film - albeit one that could have a few insights (gender politics) and some unique visuals, now that Miller is using modern film tech to realize his vision. Action fans, start your engines and get to the theater.
Poltergeist
May 22nd
Why to Watch: Much like Insidious 3, the Poltergeist remake clawed its way onto our list through the quality of its trailer, From what we've seen, the film could be that gem of a remake which manages to preserve the spirit of the original (no pun), while still justifying its own existence with a creative new (and seemingly polished) vision. Some real spooky scenes could give summer a much needed chill of good horror.
Tomorrowland
May 22nd
Why to Watch: Director Brad Bird made some incredible animated movies (The Incredibles), but he really gained acclaim when he successfully took on a big-budget franchise tentpole like Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol. Now Bird has a bit more creative freedom to bring impressive NYCC '14 footage we can say: if you have fond memories of adventure films like Goonies - or you loved how a Disney ride became an epically fun adventure in the first Pirates of the Caribbean - then this film is a must-see.
Insidious: Chapter 3
June 5th
Why to Watch: Truth be told, horror movie sequels had a hard time breaking onto our list (see: honorable mention of Sinister 2); however, Insidious: Chapter 3 made the cut because trailer was so creepy that it really sold us on the film's potential. That shouldn't be all that much of a surprise, though: Insidious 3 is directed by Leigh Whannell, who has been a longtime writer/collaborator of Insidious 1&2 director James Wan. Whannell has also starred as one of the ghost hunters in the series, so his knowledge of the franchise really does extended to all sides of the camera. Few sequels are lucky enough to remain in such capable hands, this far in.
Jurassic World
June 12th
Why to Watch: Look, everyone is wondering, hoping, or doubting that Jurassic World can recapture of the magic of Steven Spielberg's original Jurassic Park... But we all have to show up to the theater and see for ourselves to know for sure. If you're in the family demographic, it's probably even less of a choice: kids do love dinosaurs (and so do big adult kids). Brand recognition will go a long way to making this film a success, regardless of its quality.
Inside Out
June 19th
Why to Watch: Sure, this just happens to be the big Pixar summer movie offering - and it's an original work, not a sequel (always a good sign). However, what makes Inside Out worthy of attention is the fact that it may be Pixar's most mature subject matter yet. Up drew tears with its "life story montage" opening, but Inside Out's "Herman's Head" examination of our complicated emotions is the type of thing adults can relate to almost better than children. Could be powerful life insights mixed in with all that fun and humor brought forth by the excellent voice cast (Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader, Phyllis Smith and Lewis Black).
Minions
July 10th
Why to Watch: We can sum this up in one easy question: Do you have kids? Yes? Then if they saw the Despicable Me movies, you're automatically signed-up to see this spinoff. If you don't have kids, the "must-see" factor drops exponentially.
Ant-Man
July 17th
Why to Watch: Look, when Guardians of the Galaxy came out last year, many fans were wondering if Marvel had enough brand power to make talking Raccoons and monosyllabic tree aliens into a box office successes. And Marvel proved that it did. However, due to a divisive director switch (so long Edgar Wright, we'll always wonder...) and some lackluster early marketing, it seems the question of how far Marvel can go now hangs over Ant-Man. Skepticism and morbid curiosity are arguably bigger lures than excitement to see this film.
Mr. Holmes
July 17th
Why to Watch: Look, by mid-July your brain is going to need a rest from superheroes, sci-fi, ghosts, and the cacophony of theater sound systems running at deafening volumes. Your good 'ol noggin may crave the recharge of actual cinema, punctuated by great set design and top-caliber performances. Seeing Hobbit, LOTR, and X-Men movie star Ian McKellan playing an older Sherlock Holmes will allow you keep your geek cred, and still feed you some cinematic chicken soup for the soul before you head back out into the summer movie jungle. Keep Mr. Holmes on your radar.