June 25, 2013: Upcoming movie releases to look forward to! Or not!

DESPICABLE ME 2

Release Date: July 3, 2013

What it’s about: The lovable (?) former supervillain, Gru, is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to stop a new super criminal.

What it’s got working for it: Looks promising.  Didn’t see the original, but many clearly did as it did well enough to warrant a secret!

What’s it’s got going against it: So did The Hangover.

THE LONE RANGER

Release Date: July 3, 2013

What it’s about: Tonto and the Lone Ranger ride again on the big screen!

What it’s got working for it: Johnny Depp, Director Gore Verbinski, and A LOT of money.

What’s it’s got going against it: Looks like your typical Hollywood cookie-cutter period actioner.  Swap out Sherlock and Watson for the Lone Ranger and Tonto and serve to an undiscerning audience.  Also, Johnny Depp as Tonto?  Hmmmm.

PACIFIC RIM

Release Date: July 12, 2013

What it’s about: Super robots versus giant monsters.

What it’s got working for it: Fans of mecha rejoice!  Finally, a movie with the budget (estimated at $180 million) to do it right!

What’s it’s got going against it: Big visual effects extravaganzas aren’t exactly known for their engaging characters.  Let’s hope some of that $180 million went toward a good script.

THE CONJURING

Release Date: July 19, 2013

What it’s about: Based on the most harrowing case file of real life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.

What it’s got working for it: Horror fans will be pleased to hear the MPAA has given this movie and R rating for “sequences of disturbing violence and terror”.  Terror?

What’s it’s got going against it: The trailer makes it look like pretty much every horror movie cliche from the last ten years packed into one movie.

R.I.P.D.

Release Date: July 19, 2013

What it’s about: Two cops working for the RIPD (Rest in Peace Department) protect and serve the living by protecting them from restless souls.

What it’s got working for it: A pretty gonzo premise.

What’s it’s got going against it: Jeff Bridges’ gonzo cowboy cop.  Yeesh.

RED 2

Release Date: July 19, 2013

What it’s about: The gang of ex-operatives reunite to track down a portable nuke.

What it’s got working for it: The original, RED, was surprisingly entertaining.

What’s it’s got going against it: The trailer makes it looks like they raided Wanted’s bag of tricks.  Five years later, they don’t quite so fresh.

THE WOLVERINE

Release Date: July 26, 2013

What it’s about: Wolverine takes on the Japanese underworld.

What it’s got working for it: An intriguing premise and some great looking visual effects.  Oh, and Hugh Jackman.

What’s it’s got going against it: The dialogue in the trailer doesn’t exactly crackle.

Tagged: Despicable Me 2, Pacific Rim, R.I.P.D., Red 2, The Conjuring, The Lone Ranger, The Wolverine