By Rob N. LeDonne
The summer movie forecast calls for an entertaining mix of big-budget action films, comedies, sequels and remakes, all tossed together with a dash of horror and a pinch of romance. Here are some highlights:
CLICK: The newest film from Adam Sandler centers around a simple idea – a remote for everyday life, where one can rewind, fast forward, pause and even mute. Sure to be a treat for fans of Sandler’s irreverent humor, Click, also starring Kate Beckinsale and Christopher Walken, opens June 23.
THE BREAK-UP: This Vince Vaughn/Jennifer Aniston vehicle centers around, you guessed it, a break up. Following the success of Wedding Crashers, this is sure to be a hit, especially after Aniston’s high profile breakup.
LADY IN THE WATER: Opening July 21, the latest from M. Night Shyamalan stars Paul Giamatti and newcomer Bryce Dallas Howard (daughter of director Ron Howard). It focuses on a hotel manager and a mysterious mermaid-like creature living in a swimming pool. A family film, rather than a thriller, it has the ability to be a smash or flop, and so far no signs are pointing to either.
WORLD TRADE CENTER: Oliver Stone’s newest film stars Nicolas Cage and Maria Bello in a dissection of the events of 9/11. Some are concerned that Stone’s history of conspiracy theories in his films (JFK), will effect his ability to handle such a touchy subject, and how are audiences going to react seeing Hollywood celebrities reenacting the events of that fateful day?
THE DA VINCI CODE: Based upon one of the most successful and talked about books in years, this has blockbuster written allover it. Even though it is shrouded it controversy, all signs point to megasmash and should be a nice rebound for Hanks after recent box-office disappointments. It opens on May 19.
CLERKS II: The highly anticipated sequel to the cult classic Clerks will surely be loved by fans of the original, but with such a long gap between the two, Clerks II could be on shaky ground.
TALLADEGA NIGHTS- THE BALLAD OF RICKY BOBBY: Will Ferrell’s latest offering teams him up with Anchorman director Adam McKay and Sacha Baron Cohen (“Da Ali G Show”) in a look at the world of NASCAR. Considering the past comedic successes of Ferrell and company and the plum August 4 release date, this film has all the makings of a success.