Whilst the weather is always questionable during a Welsh summer, one thing is for certain; summer equals big Hollywood blockbusters. For the next three months, cinemagoers can expect a barrage of explosions, special effects and superheroes. Here’s just a few films that we’re looking forward to…
Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice | March 25th
Kicking things off in a very big way, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice brings together two of the most iconic comic book characters of all time, for the first time on the big screen. A sequel to 2013’s Man of Steel, this is set to be our introduction to the wider DC cinematic universe with Wonder Woman (flies around in an invisible jet), The Flash (runs really, really fast) and Aquaman (talks to fish) all set to appear at some point.
The fact that the film features so many different characters is just one element of the controversy that has surrounded the picture since it was first announced. With Ben Affleck’s casting as Batman proving just as divisive as the footage that’s been released so far, Dawn of Justice could either be really, super-good or really, super-bad. With a number of sequels already in production, however, let’s hope it’s the former.
The Jungle Book | April 15th
The latest Disney classic to get a live action remake is The Jungle Book. The first of two Jungle Book films set to be released over the next year, Jungle Book: Origins is due out next year. Yes, really. This is directed by Iron Man’s Jon Favreau, who brings with him an all-star cast of Idris Elba, Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong’o and Sir Ben Kingsley.
Whilst it’s pretty much impossible to ever top the original 1967 classic, this looks set to have fantastic visuals to along with its inspired casting – Bill Murray as Baloo is an inspired choice. I wouldn’t hold out hope on it being anything other than passable, but this will be one for the whole family to enjoy.
Captain America: Civil War | April 29th
Come on, guys. Can’t we all just get along?
I’m not sure what it is about superheroes at the moment, but only a month after we get to see Batman and Superman come to blows, we get to see the Avengers turn on each other in Captain America: Civil War. The latest instalment in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) and third in the Captain America films sees Cap and Iron Man become divided over a government initiative to register superheroes.
Having spent years meticulously developing their universe, many cinemagoers have more faith in Marvel than they do DC, and rightly so. With many new characters set to appear, including our first glimpse of a new Spider-Man, the hotly anticipated Civil War could just be the best superhero film of the year; especially if it’s half as good as Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Warcraft | June 3rd
As somebody who could be described as an amateur gamer at best, it’s safe to say I’ve never played the popularWarcraft games. Yet my interest has been piqued due to the fact that Duncan Jones, the director of films such as Moon and Source Code, is in charge of this big screen adaptation.
Whilst video game adaptations rarely work, this could be the one to turn the tide, and could just be this summer’s dark horse. At the very least, it looks like it will be visually arresting and unlike anything else we’ll see in this year’s blockbusters.
Independence Day: Resurgence | June 23rd
It has been a long time coming, but this summer will finally see the release of an Independence Day sequel. Subtitled Resurgence, I’m guessing you can probably work out for yourself what is going to happen this time around. But, just in case, I can tell you that it’ll basically see the aliens returning, bigger and stronger, to have another crack at our planet.
With the film’s original director and master of silly Roland Emmerich at the helm once again, be sure to expect the same level of cinematic chaos that the first was famous for. Also returning are original cast members Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman and Julius Levinson, although Will Smith’s character has already been confirmed as dead. Sorry, Will.
Ghostbusters | July 15th
Whilst I can totally understand why someone might not be interested in a Ghostbusters film that doesn’t have Bill Murray, this remake/sequel has at least got an interesting slant in that it features an all-female gang of Ghostbusters. It might not have the original cast – although I’d be surprised if a few familiar faces didn’t show up – but with comedic heavyweights Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig involved, it should hopefully open up the Ghostbusters franchise to a whole new audience.
Some have criticised the recent trailer for lacking the sharp comedy of the original, but it’s still early days yet. The eye-catching and vivid visuals alone suggests that this might just prove a lot of people wrong come July.
The BFG | 22nd July
One of the greatest film-makers of our time, Steven Spielberg, takes on a Roald Dahl classic this summer as The BFG is brought to the silver screen. Not much footage has been glimpsed so far, but the recent teaser trailer gives me goosebumps every time I see it.
With a fantastic cast )recent Oscar-winner Mark Rylance is to voice the titular giant), a John Williams score, and Spielberg behind the camera, The BFG is not only set to be one of the best films of the summer, but one of the best films of 2016.
Jason Bourne | 28th July
My most anticipated of the summer blockbusters, Jason Bourne – I admit it’s a bad title – sees the Bourne franchise back in the hands of Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass. After the abysmal The Bourne Legacy, the actor and director have a lot of making up to do to fans after the flawless original trilogy of films were somewhat tainted by the Jeremy Renner-starring spin-off.
Trailers suggest that this will be a return to form for the series, with Greengrass and Damon bringing their distinctive brand of visceral realism and brutal intensity back with them. I really want this to be good, so fingers crossed they get it right.
Finding Dory | 29th July
Last but by no means least, is Pixar’s latest effort, Finding Dory. A sequel to one of the studio’s most beloved films, this brings back Marlin and Nemo as they go in search of their forgetful friend, Dory. Having just won another Oscar for the animated masterpiece that is Inside Out, there’s perhaps more pressure than usual for the studio, who have been pretty consistent in the high levels of animation we’ve come to expect from them.
I can see no better way than to close the summer blockbuster season than with a Pixar film, especially one such as Finding Dory, which I’m sure both grown-ups and children will be extremely excited for.
So there you have it. Those are the films we’re most looking forward to this summer, but what have we missed out? What are you really looking forward to? Please let us know in the comment section below.
words JOE RICHARDS