Let’s assume you’re a film fanatic. You’ve just finished another tiresome year of clawing your way through endless hours of revision and numerous reams of coursework. Unlike stereotypical students your age, the first thing that comes to your mind isn’t the number of units you can consume before you get given that reality check. Nor is it how much money you can blow in five nights at the latest Greek party island. No. As a film fanatic, the first things that explode into your head are the limitless possibilities that await you this summer at the cinema. Who knows, maybe you’ll even write that screenplay you keep banging on about.
Forming somewhat of a trend, this year’s blockbuster theme appears to be the idea of a ‘return’. However, unlike the forgettable Superman Returns, this summer should prove to endure in memory for quite some time.
For the science fiction buffs of you out there, you’ll be pleased to hear that, after 30 years away from the genre, Ridley Scott looks set to make a triumphant return with Prometheus; a film that attempts to uncover the origins of humanity. Set in the same universe as the Alien franchise, though not a prequel or sequel of any of the Alien films, the film stars Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender and Guy Pearce, in what appears to be the sci-fi horror the market has been crying out for.
If, however, you prefer to spend your time picturing yourself in a cape and spandex, then the return of our favourite superhero loner, in the eagerly anticipated The Dark Knight Rises, should get you more than a little excited. There really is little to say about this one, save that in the third and final instalment of Nolan’s trilogy, Batman (Christian Bale) will this time go toe-to-toe with augmented beefcake, Bane (Tom Hardy). The addition of Anne Hathaway as Catwoman, coupled with the return of a host of acting heavyweights, truly ensures that this is a must see.
Summer just wouldn’t be summer without something Burton related. Well, that’s not entirely true; Tim Burton hasn’t released a film in the summer period since 2005’s surreal take on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. His latest release, Dark Shadows, should give goths a reason to step out into the sunlight this year; the story of 200 year old vampire Barnabus Collins is closer to Burton’s comfort zone than any of his more recent works. With the added inclusion of usual suspects Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, this film is bound to inject summer with the quirky rib-tickler we’ve been yearning for; we’ve missed you Tim.
Or maybe you’re of a gentler breed? Fret not, because this summer also hails the return of an original Pixar film, Brave. Set in medieval Scotland, Merida, a young female Celtic warrior, must overcome the patriarchal traditions of her kingdom to prove that she’s more than just a pretty face. With their last attempt, Cars 2, Pixar failed both critically and financially. This time round they will be keen to prove that they’ve still got what it takes to churn out beautifully crafted computer animation films that tug at the heartstrings of both infant and bruiser alike.
Of course, this is but a fraction of what awaits you this summer.
Other releases to whet your appetite with are: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Expendables 2, Safe, Rock of Ages, The Bourne Legacy and Men in Black 3. So pinch those pennies and read up on your film literature; this will be a summer you won’t want to miss out on.