A Guide To Summer Blockbusters – May 2013

Nick Hamden

We here at the Iowa State Daily realize that summer can be overwhelmingly boring for some of you out there. My normal suggestion to cure that boredom is to fill it with movies, maybe even 3 or 4 a day! But we also realize that not everyone finds enjoyment in just any old movie. That is why we put together this guide for summer blockbusters to keep you informed and to maximize your fun potential.

May movies are listed below to kick off the summer blockbusters. Stay tuned to the Daily for the coming months’ potential hits.

Iron Man 3 05/03/13 (Trailer)

Yes, “Iron Man 3” came out a few weeks ago, but I couldn’t make a list of summer blockbusters and leave it off without feeling some sort of moral dilemma. “Iron Man 3” looks at Tony Stark’s life after the events of “The Avengers,” in which he almost died, alone, in another dimension. Pretty serious stuff to work through and with the money this movie is making, you will have a chance to see him have the most expensive mid-life crisis known to man. I am willing to bet that wherever you are, within an hour drive, you will still be able to see this movie early July. 

Star Trek Into Darkness 05/17/13 (Trailer)

Many good friends of mine have been waiting on hands and knees for three years for “Star Trek Into Darkness.” I seriously mean it, they had countdowns and everything.  J.J. Abrams has revitalized this series from geek fandom to pop culture superstars and it looks like he will do that with “Star Wars” as well. This sequel continues to explore the alternative timeline created from the first film, re-introducing well known characters in ways you haven’t seen them before, while still staying true to their own inspirations. 

Fast & Furious 6 05/24/13 (Trailer)

Some people may say the “Fast & Furious” franchise has jumped the shark. Well, literally, it hasn’t jumped over sharks just yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they add animals to the mix eventually. What separates this movie from the rest of the series? Well, I saw a tank in the preview, and tanks are both pretty cool and pretty American. I personally have only found the odd numbered F&F films enjoyable, but the good news is that number 7 is coming out in 2014, so as long as I can make it through “Fast & Furious 6” alive it should be fantastic!

The Hangover Part III 05/24/13 (Trailer)

The Hangover” is giving us a conclusion to a trilogy no one actually asked for. The original was a surprise hit and people wanted more, however they apparently didn’t want the exact same thing set in Thailand. The good news about part 3 (which they seem to be indicating is the last one they will do) is that it returns them to where it all began in Vegas. However, it does not involve them hungover trying to piece back the previous night’s events, so it should be a fresh look at the friends we loved just a few years prior.  

Epic 05/24/13 (Trailer)

Epic” will be the first blockbuster to not be based upon an already existing franchise, but instead a children’s book called “The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs.” If you are one of the few who have heard of that book, the movie looks to be only using characters from the story and not the same plot. “Epic” actually looks like it is living up to its name, with stylish CGI and 3D animation. Sure, it could be similar to “Ferngully” or “Avatar,” but I have hopes that it brings a fresh new spin to things. I could listen to Aziz Ansari call himself a slug from the trailer for at least an hour straight. 

After Earth 05/31/13 (Trailer)

If Will Smith has a summer release, you can almost guarantee it is action packed and will be a success. But, “After Earth” has some faults going against it. The director is M. Night Shyamalan, who has gained wide spread distrust, and it looks like Will’s son is going to be doing most of the running around in it. Despite the concerns, most people will probably want to see “After Earth,” a story of a father and son who get stranded on Earth hundreds of years after humans have left it, fighting against the creatures who have grown to become the new top of the food chain. Plot heavy? Doubtful. Entertaining? Most definitely.

If these teasers aren’t enough for you, be sure to read our full reviews as the movies are released. After all, sometimes that last $10 might be better spent on ice cream.