A Summer of Film
John Morris previews a hot summer of blockbusters.
2012 is looking like a bumper year for films. We have already had the first Hunger Games and the biggest movie team-up since Ocean's 11 but there are still many more big-hitters coming over the next few months.
A major movie for horror fans is Ridley Scott's return to the Alien franchise in Prometheus. While the 12a rating may leave many worried, the trailers show that the dark, gritty nature of the franchise remains. A cast that includes Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender only adds to the already huge hype this film is attracting.
The Dictator and Dark Shadows should appease the comedy audience. Sasha Baren Cohen dons a dictator persona to unleash some ridiculous pranks. Anyone who saw him at the Oscars, tipping Kim Jong-Il's ashes over Ryan Seacreast, have an idea of what to expect. Tim Burton casts Johnney Depp as a vampire who is thrust into 1974. What ensues is his character trying to adapt to their life, while rebuilding their family business. Expect Burton's usual dark humour.
Men in Black 3 is trying to return the franchise to the success of the first instalment after the acceptable offering of the second. Agent J must travel back and forward in time to stop the destruction of the universe. Can Josh Brolin as a young Agent K and a fun batch of aliens save this stuttering franchise? Jeremy Renner replaces Matt Damon in the Bourne Legacy. Will 'Hawkeye' be able to carry the film and ultimately will the film itself be as intense and fast-paced as its predecessors?
Christian Bale returns as Batman for the final time. He must deal with Bane (Tom Hardy), and with Catwoman (Anne Hathaway) causing trouble as well. Will this latest offering 'The Dark Knight Rises' top the critical and commercial success of 'Dark Knight'? Or will this be the disappointment of the year?
Spiderman fans are hoping a new lead, Andrew Garfield, and an original storyline that focuses on Peter's parents, and Lizard as the enemy, can keep to the success of Sam Raimi's Spider-Men.
This is just a taste of the blockbuster films that are filling cinemas over the summer; American Pie Reunion, Pixar's Brave, Expendables 2, Total Recall, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Snow White and the Huntsmen all look like possible blockbusters. One thing is certain, 2012 is going to be a great year to be a film fanatic.
John Morris
