Megabudgets, great expectations fill Hollywood
From now through Labor Day, size does matter – at least at the movies. I can’t remember a summer season that marked the arrival of so many major motion pictures with megabudgets, huge stars and great expectations. During the next four months, just about every seven-day period seems to contain a movie-event weekend.
The Hulk will be rampaging, the Terminator will be battling, Charlie’s Angels will be flying, the Bad Boys will be blasting, Lara Croft will be butt kicking and – most exciting of all – the Matrix will be evolving. In addition, major players such as Jim Carrey, Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, Jackie Chan, Renee Zellweger, Harrison Ford, Reese Witherspoon, Sean Connery, Johnny Depp, Nicolas Cage, Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Farrell will be lighting up screens.
Hold on to your hats, it’s going to be a bumpy ride over the next three months as studio chiefs roll the dice in what might be the most competitive warm-weather season in Hollywood history.
Here’s a look at the major movies set for arrival (with all release dates subject to change) at a theater near you:
May 15
– “The Matrix Reloaded”: Can you feel the excitement in the air? Fans of the wildly successful “The Matrix” (1999) have been anxiously anticipating this middle installment in the trilogy by sibling filmmakers Andy and Larry Wachowski. This time, the rebels renew their karate-kicking efforts to crush the computers controlling mankind. Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne and Hugo Weaving are all back from the original and are joined by Jada Pinkett Smith (“Woo”) and Italian favorite Monica Bellucci (“Tears of the Sun”).
Prediction: The Wachowskis have promised combat scenes – including a wildly expensive freeway battle – that will redefine action cinema. Expect it to generate even more frenzy for “The Matrix Revolutions,” the final part of the trilogy opening Nov. 7.
May 16
– “Down With Love”: Following her musical triumph in “Chicago,” Renee Zellweger is tackling this promising feature that uses a retro 1960s primary-colors look in a tale that takes the Doris Day-Rock Hudson romantic comedies of four decades ago and gives them a sexually suggestive update. Ewan McGregor (“Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones”) portrays the playboy/journalist out to discredit Zellweger’s character, an unattached author (based on Helen Gurley Brown of “Sex and the Single Girl” fame) who writes that women should be as free to have carnal fun as men.
Prediction: The public loves Zellweger but taking a 1960s format and adapting it to the 2000s seems very chancy, though no one ever believed “Chicago” would be a box-office hit, let alone an Oscar winner.
May 23
– “Bruce Almighty”: A Buffalo television reporter (Jim Carrey of “The Truman Show”), whose career consists of demeaning assignments, wishes he had the ultimate power. That opportunity arrives when God (Morgan Freeman of “Dreamcatcher”) goes on vacation and names the ordinary guy as his replacement. Jennifer Aniston (TV’s “Friends”) co-stars as Bruce’s girlfriend.
Prediction: After “The Majestic,” a painfully misguided flop, Carrey was searching for a commercial property and believes he found it with this tale, which allows him to do outrageous stunts with his unearthly abilities. Carrey’s fan base deserted him when the comedy “Me, Myself & Irene” was released but may return if the rubber-faced comic actor gets back in the groove.
– “The In-Laws”: A CIA operative (Michael Douglas of “It Runs in the Family”) undertakes a dangerous assignment while preparing for the wedding of his son (Ryan Reynolds of “Van Wilder”). By accident, his offspring’s mild-mannered future father-in-law (Albert Brooks of “Broadcast News”) in the mayhem. The comedy is loosely based on the 1979 picture of the same name with Alan Arkin and Peter Falk.
Prediction: The odd-couple Douglas/Brooks teaming holds promise, and the picture could become a favorite of the 55-plus crowd.
May 30
– “Finding Nemo”: Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios enjoyed huge success with the computer-animated smashes “Toy Story,” “Toy Story 2,” “A Bug’s Life” and “Monsters, Inc.” The two companies re-team with this underwater tale about a fish that swims into dangerous waters to rescue his son, who has fallen into the hands of scuba divers. Albert Brooks (“My First Mister”), Ellen DeGeneres (TV’s “Ellen”), Willem Dafoe (“Spider-Man”) and Jeffrey Rush (“Shine”) provide the voices.
Prediction: Disney, Pixar and computer animation have always spelled success, and this $80 million production should once again delight children and entertain their parents.
– “The Italian Job”: In this remake of the 1969 favorite, which stars Michael Caine, Mark Wahlberg (“Planet of the Apes”), Charlize Theron (“Reindeer Games”), Seth Green (“Austin Powers in Goldmember”) and Jason Statham (“The Transporter”) maneuver numerous Mini Coopers to pull off a complicated heist in Los Angeles. Edward Norton (“Red Dragon”) co-stars.
Prediction: Summer is the perfect time to spend a couple of hours watching nondemanding popcorn movies, and this easygoing heist picture fits that description.
June 6
– “2 Fast 2 Furious”: Although Vin Diesel stalled out, Paul Walker is returning for this sequel, which takes place in Miami and again follows drivers in ultra-powered Japanese cars involved in illegal high-stakes races. Director John Singleton (“Boyz N the Hood”) directed this $100 million follow-up, which co-stars model-turned-actor Tyrese (“Baby Boy”) and features more than 200 flashy “rice rockets” (super-charged imports).
Prediction: Without Diesel, the sequel could face a bumpy start, but Singleton (who replaced the original’s Rob Cohen) possesses the talent to transform this into another pedal-to-the-metal smash.
June 13
– “From Justin to Kelly”: Doylestown’s Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson try to extend their “American Idol” fame in this old-fashioned, clean-cut beach picture/musical, which unfolds during spring break in Florida.
Prediction: The producers quickly created this tale to exploit the popularity of the bubbly Guarini and Clarkson, and due to its miniscule budget, the no-frills project can be profitable if only a small portion of “American Idol” viewers spend their cash at the box office.
– “Hollywood Homicide”: After the dismal failure of “K-19: The Widowmaker,” which cast him as the somber captain of a Soviet submarine, Harrison Ford decided it was time to loosen up. In this action comedy, he plays a Los Angeles detective who teams with a young partner (Josh Hartnett of “Pearl Harbor”) and investigates the murder of a rap star. While off duty, the cash-strapped officers take side jobs that often cause more stress than their full-time occupation. Lena Olin (TV’s “Alias”), Bruce Greenwood (“The Core”) and rapper-turned-actor Master P co-star, and Ron Shelton, whose credits range from the feel-good baseball tale “Bull Durham” to the downbeat police drama “Dark Blue,” co-wrote and directed.
Prediction: No doubt Ford’s fans would like to see him play the type of ready-for-action characters he portrays in hits such as “Patriot Games” and “Air Force One,” and it’s hard to imagine that anyone is overly excited about seeing the superstar in a buddy comedy. But it’s promising that Ford is willing to stretch his talents, and one can only hope that viewers will be laughing along with him.
– “Rugrats Go Wild”: Two Nickelodeon favorites – “The Rugrats” and “The Wild Thornberrys” – team in this animated adventure tale that has the characters stranded on a desert island. To add realism, the producers will distribute Odorama cards, which can be scratched and sniffed during certain scenes. The smells in the gimmick (last used by Baltimore director John Waters for 1981’s “Polyester”) include peanut butter, fish, strawberry, root beer and smelly feet.
Prediction: There aren’t many children’s films coming this summer, which seems to guarantee a large audience will exist for this pen-and-ink effort. Adults should be pleased to hear the voice of Bruce Willis, who performs the role of Spike the dog.
– “When Harry Met Lloyd: Dumb and Dumberer”: In this prequel to “Dumb and Dumber,” Eric Christian Olsen and Derek Richardson replace Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels, respectively. The story follows the two bumbling buddies through their high school years during which they accidentally uncover a scandal in the administration.
Prediction: Even if it included Carrey and Daniels, another “Dumb and Dumber” picture doesn’t seem like such a good idea, though young teenagers may turn out in droves if director Troy Miller (TV’s “Mr. Show”) can make it creatively gross within the confines of a PG-13 rating.
June 20
– “Alex & Emma”: Kate Hudson, who became a major Hollywood player thanks to the surprise $100 million hit “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” plays numerous parts in this romantic comedy about a writer (Luke Wilson of “Rushmore”) trying to put the finishing touches on a novel. Rob Reiner, who enjoyed a huge romantic-comedy success with “When Harry Met Sally…,” directed.
Prediction: Like Julia Roberts and Sandra Bullock, Hudson has gathered a following that will turn out to see her, and those fans might enjoy watching her play five different characters and get the guy of her dreams.
– “The Hulk”: Australian actor Eric Bana (“Black Hawk Down”) plays Dr. Bruce Banner, the man who transforms into the wild-eyed, green-skinned creature whenever his emotions zoom out of control. With this adaptation of the Marvel Comic (created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby in 1962), Taiwanese director Ang Lee (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”) has promised to provide something very special in a story that features the Hulk battling some deadly escaped convicts with mutant powers.
Prediction: After “The Matrix Reloaded,” this may be the summer’s most highly anticipated film, but if the computer-generated Hulk looks more silly than sensational, expect the 15-foot-tall creature to discover that it ain’t easy being green and to make a hasty exit from theaters.
June 27
– “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle”: They’re back. Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu seek the culprit responsible for releasing the names of informants in the witness protection program. McG, who began his career with music videos, returns to direct, but Bill Murray, who battled with Liu during the shooting of the original, passed on playing Bosley. Comic actor Bernie Mac (“Ocean’s Eleven”) is replacing him and should add plenty of laughs, and Demi Moore, who has been away from the screen for a few years, will return as a villain with enough muscle to clip the wings of all three Angels.
Prediction: This may be the most review-proof release of the summer. Teenage girls – the movie’s core audience – will no doubt turn out in droves to support the bikini-clad, karate-kicking, dance-loving characters.
– “28 Days Later”: British director Danny Boyle (“Trainspotting”) plans to unleash hell during this no-holds-barred, shot-on-video fright film about zombie-like creatures attacking humans after being exposed to a deadly virus.
Prediction: According to Boyle, George Romero’s zombie trilogy – “Night of the Living Dead,” “Dawn of the Dead” and “Day of the Dead” – inspired this grim fright tale, which should provide some summer chills for horror fans seeking some old-fashioned scare tactics.
July 2
– “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde”: Reese Witherspoon recreates her brilliant, fashion-obsessed lawyer, Elle Woods, in this sequel that has the character traveling to Washington, D.C., to fight for animal rights.
Prediction: The surprise hit “Legally Blonde” turned the appealing Witherspoon into a major player, and the romantic comedy “Sweet Home Alabama” established her as a star. Expect the actress’ fans to turn out in force for this bouncy tale about life, liberty and the pursuit of the perfect pink outfit.
– “Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas”: Superstar voices and colorful images will combine in this animated, swashbuckling tale that has Sinbad (voice of Brad Pitt of “Fight Club”) sailing to battle a powerful goddess to save the life of his best friend. Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Chicago”), Michelle Pfeiffer (“White Oleander”) and Joseph Fiennes (“Shakespeare in Love”) will also provide vocal support.
Prediction: DreamWorks co-owner Jeffrey Katzenberg helped transform “Shrek” into an international sensation and plans to put the same amount of creative and financial muscle behind this production, which blends traditional pen-and-ink work with computer animation. Look for “Sinbad” to collect some box-office gold while sailing across the silver screen.
– “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines”: Arnold Schwarzenegger has already pocketed $35 million for this awaited $150 million sci-fi epic. The story, which unfolds a decade after “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” follows the attempts of a female Terminator (Kristanna Loken) to kill rebel leader John Connors (Nick Stahl replacing Edward Furlong).
Prediction: There’s a slight air of desperation about this production. James Cameron, who directed the 1984 original and the 1991 sequel, bowed out and was replaced by Jonathan Mostow, best known for the modest thriller “Breakdown” and the World War II submarine melodrama “U-571.” After enduring box-office disappointments such as “End of Days,” “The 6th Day” and “Collateral Damage,” Schwarzenegger, 55, pushed to bring “T3” to the screen in hopes of reviving his career. It’s a gamble, though it’s a sure bet that “Terminator” fans will turn out in force at least on the July 4 weekend.
July 9
– “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”: Johnny Depp (“Sleepy Hollow”) becomes a swashbuckling hero in this $125 million production, based on the Disney World attraction. He plays a captain who loses his ship to an old enemy (Geoffrey Rush of “Quills”) and must team with a young sailor (Orlando Bloom of “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”) to get back his vessel. While sailing the seven seas, the two must also save a young maiden (Keira Knightley of “Bend It Like Beckham”).
Prediction: Director Gore Verbinski is extremely hot after “The Ring,” but the real creative force here is producer Jerry Bruckheimer, famous for flashy movie hits such as “Top Gun” and “Pearl Harbor” and TV shows such as “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” Bruckheimer has poured a fortune into “Caribbean” to give it state-of-the-art special effects and feels his investment is very safe.
July 11
– “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”: In their 1999 graphic novel of the same name, British artists/writers Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill teamed some classic Victorian England figures – including Allan Quatermain, Captain Nemo, Dr. Jekyll, the Invisible Man and Mina Harker (of “Dracula”) – to battle bigger-than-life enemies. In the film, directed by Stephen Norrington (“Blade”) and starring Sean Connery as Quatermain, the heroes challenge a brilliant man who believes he’s smart enough to dominate the world.
Prediction: Connery believes so much in the project that he wants to turn it into a franchise, a la James Bond. That’s good enough for me.
July 18
– “Bad Boys 2”: A vicious narcotics kingpin plans to take over the Miami drug trade, an idea that makes him public enemy No. 1 in the eyes of detective buddies Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence).
Prediction: Director Michael Bay, who helmed the slick 1995 original, received a fortune to create incredible explosions, gun battles and car chases, and Smith and Lawrence, whose careers have skyrocketed since the first installment, got involved because they wanted to work together again. They have promised their fans plenty of fast-paced fun, and if they deliver, audiences will glad these two are back in town.
July 25
– “Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life”: The hard-bodied video-game character (again played by Angelina Jolie), introduced on screen in 2001, returns for another adventure, this one involving an underwater temple containing a priceless object of power.
Prediction: The Croft character enjoyed strong but not spectacular success in the original. Unless the sequel knocks out viewers, this could be Lara’s last big-screen fling.
– “Seabiscuit”: Tobey Maguire and Oscar-winner Chris Cooper, fresh from the successes of “Spider-Man” and “Adaptation,” respectively, team in this tale about a horse with the heart of a champion. Based on the book “Seabiscuit: An American Legend,” the picture, directed by Gary Ross (“Pleasantville,” also with Maguire), follows the successful racing record of an underdog thoroughbred that became a Depression-era racing sensation. Universal Pictures is so high on the picture that its executives are already planning an Academy Award campaign.
Prediction: Ross has designed “Seabiscuit” as an uplifting feel-good picture, an approach that could make the film a box-office winner and a critical favorite.
– “Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over”: Maverick writer-director Robert Rodriguez shot the third installment of the “Spy Kids” series in high-definition video and added 3-D visuals. Those images will cause Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Daryl Sabara and Alexa Vega to pop right off the screen in a story about an evil genius who designs a potentially lethal video game. In a bit of stunt casting, Sylvester Stallone, whose last two films went directly to video, agreed to play the villain.
Prediction: These kids always attract family audiences, and children who have never experienced 3-D should walk away starry-eyed.
Aug. 1
– “American Wedding: American Pie 3”: In this third installment of the R-rated comedy series, the characters played by Jason Biggs and Alyson Hannigan prepare to walk down the aisle. Before the big day, however, the hard-drinking, slow-thinking Stifler (Seann William Scott) insists on throwing an unforgettable bachelor party.
Prediction: Thanks to gags involving bare breasts, drinking antics and body fluids, the first two “Pie” pictures grossed a whopping $250 million just in the United States and Canada. Expect another big payday for all of those involved.
– “Gigli”: Co-stars Ben Affleck (“The Sum of All Fears”) and Jennifer Lopez (“Maid in Manhattan”) became an off-screen romantic team while filming this decidedly different comedy about a male and female gangster involved in a mob-ordered kidnapping of a federal prosecutor’s mentally challenged son. Martin Brest, whose credits include “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Midnight Run,” wrote and directed.
Prediction: Affleck and Lopez had better generate some sparks on screen or this offbeat tale could be quickly forgotten.
Aug. 8
– “Le Divorce”: Two sisters (Naomi Watts of “The Ring” and Kate Hudson of “Almost Famous”) run into romantic problems while living in Paris, where one gets pregnant and then watches her husband leave and the other falls for a much older European man.
Prediction: Watts and Hudson now have enough star power to fuel this tale of modern romance, which is one of the few adult-oriented films arriving in summer.
– “Matchstick Men”: An obsessive-compulsive con artist (Nicolas Cage of “Adaptation”) finds his neurotic world knocked off course with the unexpected arrival of his 14-year-old daughter (Alison Lohman of “White Oleander”), whom he has never seen. Sam Rockwell (“Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”) co-stars.
Prediction: Cage shines when playing strange characters, and movie fans should be interested in seeing how British director Ridley Scott, whose diverse credits range from “Thelma & Louise” to “Gladiator,” handles the material.
– “S.W.A.T.”: The rough and readiest Los Angeles police officers on the Special Weapons and Tactics force face a violent challenge when a drug lord offers $100 million to anyone who can free him from custody. Samuel L. Jackson (“Basic”) plays Hondo, the SWAT leader originated by Steve Forrest on the ABC series (1975-76), and Colin Farrell (“The Recruit”) portrays the young officer anxious to join the elite team. Michelle Rodriguez (“The Fast and the Furious”) and LL Cool J (“Deep Blue Sea”) co-star.
Prediction: With their fire-and-ice personalities, Farrell and Jackson sound like a promising action-picture dream team, one that could propel this police action melodrama to box-office success.
Aug. 15
– “Freddy vs. Jason”: Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) of the “A Nightmare on Elm Street” series and Jason Voorhees (Ken Kirzinger) of the “Friday the 13th” series – who have been around so long they probably qualify for Social Security – go mano a mano in this long-planned fright film.
Prediction: Hong Kong director Ronny Yu (“The Bride with White Hair”) may infuse these killing machines with some lethal power. Just don’t expect the two cinematic madmen to fade away.
– “The Medallion”: A Hong Kong cop (Jackie Chan) dies and then is transformed into a warrior with superhuman abilities after exposure to a mysterious medallion. Claire Forlani (“Meet Joe Black”) co-stars as a British agent trying to understand the origin of the officer’s awesome powers.
Prediction: Chan usually does best when teamed with an American actor such as Chris Tucker and Owen Wilson in “Rush Hour” and “Shanghai Knights,” respectively. Chan promises the film will feature eye-popping special effects to complement his martial-arts moves, and if he keeps his word, this “Medallion” may glow.