Summer. Even when it's hot and sunny outside (well... for England), and when we've not fled to a different country to actually see what a bit of summer looks like, we go to the cinema. This is when all the major blockbusters of the year, all the films that have been anticipated for a long time, are released. So I've put together a little collection of all the films that I am personally excited for but also ones that I think will be popular with others. For example, I'm not a big fan of superhero Marvel type films but I've still put them in here for those who do. Now, ever since Harry Potter ended (sob), going to the cinema in the summer/Christmas holidays have never really been the same for me - and this year has some films that I'm extremely excited for, but none that REALLY stand out compared to other years. 2014 saw huge films such as "22 Jump Street", "Maleficent", "The Inbetweeners 2", "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" etc, 2013 saw the sequels of "Monsters Inc" and "Despicable Me" and the final Hangover movie and so on and so on. But this year's selection doesn't quite capture my enthusiasm. But, anyway. So whether you're going for a laugh, going to be shit scared, going because you're a bit of a comic book geek or going with kids, the cinema will be a wise choice this summer...
"Avengers: Age of Ultron" (out April 23rd)
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elisabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Samuel L. Jackson
Verdict: With the success of the first film and how it became the third highest-grossing film of all time worldwide, I've got a feeling this is going to pull out all the stops. As I mentioned before, I'm not a huge fan of superhero movies but I really enjoyed the first Avengers movie for some reason. All the original Avengers return (including my fave Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man), along with new guys Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch (Taylor-Johnson, Olsen). Only trouble is... No Loki, meaning no Tom Hiddleston. BOO. Also, due to popular demand, the film's release date has been brought forward for UK residents.
"Unfriended" (out May 1st)
Starring: Shelley Hennig, Moses Storm, Renee Olstead, Will Peltz
Verdict: No. 1 of the variety of horror films released this summer - and one of the most original ideas ever seen. For me, horror films get a bit same old after a while, but this looks like something else. After a video is posted online of an ordinary high school student Laura Barns, she commits suicide - but who posted it? During a Skype conversation between her taunters, Laura comes back. It literally looks horrifying - and I can't wait.
Verdict: With the success of the first film and how it became the third highest-grossing film of all time worldwide, I've got a feeling this is going to pull out all the stops. As I mentioned before, I'm not a huge fan of superhero movies but I really enjoyed the first Avengers movie for some reason. All the original Avengers return (including my fave Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man), along with new guys Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch (Taylor-Johnson, Olsen). Only trouble is... No Loki, meaning no Tom Hiddleston. BOO. Also, due to popular demand, the film's release date has been brought forward for UK residents.
"Unfriended" (out May 1st)
Starring: Shelley Hennig, Moses Storm, Renee Olstead, Will Peltz
Verdict: No. 1 of the variety of horror films released this summer - and one of the most original ideas ever seen. For me, horror films get a bit same old after a while, but this looks like something else. After a video is posted online of an ordinary high school student Laura Barns, she commits suicide - but who posted it? During a Skype conversation between her taunters, Laura comes back. It literally looks horrifying - and I can't wait.
"Pitch Perfect 2" (out May 15th)
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Hailee Steinfield, Anna Camp, John Michael Higgins, Elizabeth Banks
Verdict: This is probably the film I'm most excited not just for the summer, but for the year. From the looks of the trailer, after a performance of "Wrecking Ball" involving Fat Amy goes wrong, the Barden Bellas must regain their reputation. I think we can expect another great soundtrack too.
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Hailee Steinfield, Anna Camp, John Michael Higgins, Elizabeth Banks
Verdict: This is probably the film I'm most excited not just for the summer, but for the year. From the looks of the trailer, after a performance of "Wrecking Ball" involving Fat Amy goes wrong, the Barden Bellas must regain their reputation. I think we can expect another great soundtrack too.
"Poltergeist" (out May 22nd)
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Jared Harris, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Catlett, Saxon Sharbino
Verdict: Another scary film - yay! It's a reboot/remake of the horror classic from 1982, guaranteed to have more special effects and probably more scary things e.g. CLOWNS.
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Jared Harris, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Catlett, Saxon Sharbino
Verdict: Another scary film - yay! It's a reboot/remake of the horror classic from 1982, guaranteed to have more special effects and probably more scary things e.g. CLOWNS.
"Tomorrowland" (out May 22nd)
Starring: George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Hugh Laurie, Tim McGraw, Judy Greer
Verdict: There was original speculation that this was going to be based on the futuristic themed land in Walt Disney parks - but unfortunately, I don't think that's true. Instead, it revolves around a place in time and space where actions affect the whole world. Summer would not be complete without a Disney film.
Starring: George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Hugh Laurie, Tim McGraw, Judy Greer
Verdict: There was original speculation that this was going to be based on the futuristic themed land in Walt Disney parks - but unfortunately, I don't think that's true. Instead, it revolves around a place in time and space where actions affect the whole world. Summer would not be complete without a Disney film.
"Spy" (out May 22nd)
"Insidious: Chapter 3" (out June 5th)
Starring: Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Scott, Lin Shaye
Verdict: Another horror film! But this is from one of my favourite horror sagas. Looks like we've got a completely new story/family, too. Advertised to be the scariest installment in the saga, we'll have to wait and see.
Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Jude Law, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart, Bobby Cannavale, Allison Janney, 50 Cent
Verdict: Now there's a bunch of people you wouldn't put in a film together! It could be a disaster, or it could be perfection. My bet is on the first one, but that still doesn't mean I'm not excited - MIRANDA HART'S FILM DEBUT!!!
"Insidious: Chapter 3" (out June 5th)
Starring: Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Scott, Lin Shaye
Verdict: Another horror film! But this is from one of my favourite horror sagas. Looks like we've got a completely new story/family, too. Advertised to be the scariest installment in the saga, we'll have to wait and see.
"Jurassic World" (out June 11th)
Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D'Onofrio, Omar Sy
Verdict: Set to be the highest grossing film this summer, it doesn't look it's going to disappoint. It's unknown how similar it is to the originals but with Steven Spielberg on board, I've got good feelings. Let's just hope we get some T-Rex's.
Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D'Onofrio, Omar Sy
Verdict: Set to be the highest grossing film this summer, it doesn't look it's going to disappoint. It's unknown how similar it is to the originals but with Steven Spielberg on board, I've got good feelings. Let's just hope we get some T-Rex's.
"Minions" (out June 26th)
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Allison Janney, Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan
Verdict: Producers of the Despicable Me spin-off are keeping very hush about the plot - but things are becoming clearer with the second trailer - and Sandra Bullock's Scarlet Overkill looks like a fabulous version of Gru. Definitely going to go head-to-head with.......
"Magic Mike XXL" (out July 3rd)
Starring: Channing Tatum, Amber Heard, Joe Manganiello, Elizabeth Banks, Jada Pinkett Smith, Andie MacDowall
Verdict: Need I say more? However, Alex Pettyfer and Matthew McConaughey's absence will be noticed.
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Allison Janney, Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan
Verdict: Producers of the Despicable Me spin-off are keeping very hush about the plot - but things are becoming clearer with the second trailer - and Sandra Bullock's Scarlet Overkill looks like a fabulous version of Gru. Definitely going to go head-to-head with.......
"Magic Mike XXL" (out July 3rd)
Starring: Channing Tatum, Amber Heard, Joe Manganiello, Elizabeth Banks, Jada Pinkett Smith, Andie MacDowall
Verdict: Need I say more? However, Alex Pettyfer and Matthew McConaughey's absence will be noticed.
"Ted 2" (out July 10th)
Starring: Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Patrick Warburton, Jessica Barth
Verdict: Pretty sure it's going to be one of those sequels that is awful compared to the novelty and originality of the first movie - but it's my kind of humour, so I will most definitely be watching it.
Starring: Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Patrick Warburton, Jessica Barth
Verdict: Pretty sure it's going to be one of those sequels that is awful compared to the novelty and originality of the first movie - but it's my kind of humour, so I will most definitely be watching it.
"Ant-Man" (out July 17th)
Starring: Paul Rudd, Hayley Atwell, Evangeline Lilly, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer, Michael Douglas
Verdict: The second marvel summer of the film sees Paul Rudd as an ant-sized superhero. Not really a massive fan of superhero films, but this does look like it could be quite funny! And I love Paul Rudd.
Starring: Paul Rudd, Hayley Atwell, Evangeline Lilly, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer, Michael Douglas
Verdict: The second marvel summer of the film sees Paul Rudd as an ant-sized superhero. Not really a massive fan of superhero films, but this does look like it could be quite funny! And I love Paul Rudd.
"Pan" (out July 17th)
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund, Levi Miller, Rooney Mara, Cara Delevnigne
Verdict: Now, this looks GREAT. Before Hook became Peter Pan's sworn enemy, he was actually his ally. Hugh Jackman looks like he's going to make a great pirate too, and newcomer Levi Miller doesn't look like he's going to go anywhere any time soon.
"Inside Out" (out July 24th)
Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan
Verdict: One thing Disney Pixar is known for: originality. And that is what I cannot wait for. For me, this is one of the most original plots of all time for an animated production. If you don't know what it's about, the primary characters are all emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust all in the mind of a young girl. Pixar NEVER disappoint - so I've got high hopes.
"Fantastic Four" (out August 3rd)
Starring: Jamie Bell, Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan
Verdict: ANOTHER Marvel movie. It's always a bit risky re-making a film where the original was only released ten years ago, but with a stellar foursome, this is not going to disappoint audiences.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund, Levi Miller, Rooney Mara, Cara Delevnigne
Verdict: Now, this looks GREAT. Before Hook became Peter Pan's sworn enemy, he was actually his ally. Hugh Jackman looks like he's going to make a great pirate too, and newcomer Levi Miller doesn't look like he's going to go anywhere any time soon.
"Inside Out" (out July 24th)
Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan
Verdict: One thing Disney Pixar is known for: originality. And that is what I cannot wait for. For me, this is one of the most original plots of all time for an animated production. If you don't know what it's about, the primary characters are all emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust all in the mind of a young girl. Pixar NEVER disappoint - so I've got high hopes.
"Fantastic Four" (out August 3rd)
Starring: Jamie Bell, Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan
Verdict: ANOTHER Marvel movie. It's always a bit risky re-making a film where the original was only released ten years ago, but with a stellar foursome, this is not going to disappoint audiences.
"Pixels" (out August 12th)
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad, Michelle Monaghan
Verdict: This had the opportunity to be quite a high budget, original blockbuster movie where video games come to life and try and take over the world... And then they recruited Adam Sandler. Good one!
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad, Michelle Monaghan
Verdict: This had the opportunity to be quite a high budget, original blockbuster movie where video games come to life and try and take over the world... And then they recruited Adam Sandler. Good one!
"Paper Towns" (out August 21st)
Starring: Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne
Verdict: As a big fan of The Fault In Our Stars, I imagine this is going to be a nice little romantic drama/comedy/mystery movie.
"Sinister 2" (out August 21st)
Starring: Shannyn Sossamon, James Ransone, Nicholas King, Tate Ellington
Verdict: Based on how disturbing the first film was, I'm preparing myself for this one.
