It seems as though we’ve hit a summer lull, seeing the best movie in July could quite possibly be “The Last Airbender.” Now, I’m not knocking the movie or the director at all, but look at the headlining films of the past few months: “Toy Story 3” and “Iron Man 2.”
Those two huge premieres in the first two summer months have the potential to overshadow upcoming July releases. Nevertheless, July promises to bring many laughs, thrills, chills and tears.
The Last Airbender (July 1)
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
Starring Noah Ringer, Nicola Pelts and Jackson Rathbone
Based on the popular comic book-cartoon “Avatar” (consistently misconstrued with James Cameron’s “Avatar”), “The Last Airbender” follows the path of a young airbender named Aang (Ringer) as he tries to save his world from complete destruction.
With the ability to control the four main elements — water, fire, air and earth — Aang is the world’s only hope as the ever-powerful Fire Nation is waging war against anyone who opposes it.
Will Aang and his pack of element “benders” be able to douse the Fire Nation’s attempt at world domination? Or will their efforts go up in flames?
M. Night Shyamalan (“The Sixth Sense,” “Signs”) returns with a movie that is somewhat of a tangent from what we’re used to seeing from him. His previous film, “The Happening,” was a complete disaster, and he is looking to make a come back with a different genre. I think that if he can subdue his urges to make this film abstract, “The Last Airbender” could actually be a decent film.
Verdict: See it if you’re into the series or science-fiction in general.
Despicable Me (July 9)
Directed by Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud and Sergio Pablos
Starring Steve Carrell, Jason Segel and Russell Brand
Gru (Carrell) is a professional villain currently working on his plan to overcome his arch-rival, Vector (Segel), by stealing the moon. And if that line doesn’t catch you, his roaming pack of minions consisting of genetically-modified and erratic Corn Pops will. Along his road to absolute villainy, though, Gru stumbles across three orphans that look up to him and want him as their father.
Steve Carrell continues his animation career as Gru in what looks to be a very funny and touching film. While I don’t expect it to live up to the bar set by “Toy Story 3,” I do expect “Despicable Me” to do very well in the box office.
About one year ago, a very funny trailer was released that sparked a lot of attention about the movie, and the hype hasn’t stopped since. Combining Carrell and Segel’s comedic skills with the touching writing of Ken Daurio (Horton Hears A Who), “Despicable Me” should surprise some people and have a lasting effect on many of its viewers.
Verdict: If you liked “Toy Story 3,” or any kiddie-animation movie, I’m sure you’ll love this.
Inception (July 16)
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe and Ellen Page
Dom Cobb (DiCaprio) is a thief, but not the kind you’d think. He steals people ideas and secrets from their dreams. His unusual ability is very valuable to corporations and lands him in hot water when he is blackmailed by Saito (Watanabe), the antagonist, into planting ideas instead of extracting them, also known as inception. With uncanny special effects as well as great actors and a high-quality director, “Inception” looks to be the smash hit of July.
Leo’s back with high-profile director Nolan (The Dark Knight, Memento) and promises to deliver. While “Inception” isn’t being as heavily marketed as his previous movie, “Shutter Island,” I feel like it may fare better in theaters. Watch out for “Inception,” it’s going to sneak up on a few people and could be a blockbuster hit.
Verdict: Totally worth the $20 to go see it.
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pdxqzt 1 year, 11 months ago
I can't wait to see the first two films that have been reviewed. I have never been one to watch these types of films, but M. Night is one of my favorite directors and the Desp Me looks to be quite commical and one that will be great to go with the whole family.