Summer is here, and one thing we love nothing more is heading off to watch an amazing summer movie to get out of the heat and relax for a few hours. With so much to choose from though it maybe difficult to decide what to go and watch in your local multiplex or independent cinema. To help you decide, here are ten must see films this summer, from blockbusters to small films and ones for the kids – there should be some real treats, including the dinosaur based mayhem of Jurassic World and Tom Cruise’s action caper Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation.
1. Jurassic World
This new installment the Jurassic Park franchise is one of the most hotly anticipated movies of the summer. Most of that may be brand recognition rather than an indicator of quality, and so revolutionary was the first film that short of actually bringing back dinosaurs and staging a live show, this will likely fall short of huge expectations. However provided Colin Trevorrow sticks to Steven Spielberg’s pulp novel ethos and the special effects are good (especially the 3D) then this should be a fun way to spend a wet summer afternoon (Released June 12).
Video source: Universal Pictures
2. Inside Out
Pixar’s big summer offering is always a treat for kids and their parents alike, but this year there’s something extra special because it’s an original feature. These have been in rare supply since the company was taken over by Disney as the company has focused on existing franchises like Toy Story and Cars. Following a collection of personified emotions who control a little girl’s mind, and featuring a host of top American comedians including Amy Poehler, this could be another hit (Released June 19).
Video source: Disney/Pixar
3. Minions
Probably everyone’s favorite thing about the Despicable Me movies were Gru’s adorable sidekicks, the minions. Now predictably they get their own movie. This does actually look like an interesting premise for a movie, following the minions first through time as they serve historical villains and then on a quest to find a new master. With John Hamm and Sandra Bullock doing voice work too, it could be a great summer kids movie. (Released July 10)
Video source: Illumination
4. Ant-Man
Marvel’s big movie this summer after spring’s success with Avengers: Age of Ultron promises to be a quirky treat – especially with the likes of Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish receiving writing credits despite leaving the project. Paul Rudd stars as the central character, and like many of Marvel’s movies this should be a fun summer treat with superheroes for the kids, and quick one liners for the adults. Small roles for elder statesmen Michael Douglas and John Slattery should also provide some interest (Released July 17).
Video Source: Marvel
5. Terminator: Genisys
Since the second film the Terminator franchise has frankly been an unhappy mess as various directors tried to wring money from a franchise which had run out of steam. However with the director of the original film, James Cameron hailing this as a return to form, perhaps they’ve got it right this time. The plot looks promising, with it being more in line with the second movie as it sees Kyle Reese sent back in time to protect Sarah Connor along with Arnold Schwarzenegger as the T-800 (Released July 2).
Video source: Paramount Pictures
6. Pixels
This is on the list purely because it looks so awful we have to see it. Firstly there’s Adam Sandler, a man who seems intent on destroying the entire concept of comedy. Secondly there’s Kevin James, who would do that but seems too lazy. Then there’s a plot which looks to be stolen from an episode of Futurama, featuring alien video game characters attacking the Earth. Three summers ago, Battleship took game based absurdity in film to a new level, now Adam Sandler takes it galactic. (Released July 24)
Video source: Columbia Pictures
7. Escobar: Paradise Lost
Pablo Escobar is one of the most fascinating characters in recent history – a drug lord who accumulated almost unlimited power in his native Colombia, so much so that when arrested after pressure from the USA, he was allowed to build his own prison. This isn’t a straight biopic of Escobar – the film will follow Nick Brady (Josh Hutcherson), a young American who falls in with the drugs organisation. However Benicio Del Torro as Escobar is a must see piece of casting after his role as Che Guevara (Released August 17).
Video Source: RADIUS/TWC
8. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
Tom Cruise is back to what he does best this summer, as Mission: Impossible returns for a fifth installment. While everyone may be a little tired of sequels, 2011’s Mission Impossible film, Ghost Protocol and there’s a sense that the MI franchise is now back on track. Also amid a movie landscape dominated by superhero movies it’s nice to see Tom Cruise going at it in a good old fashioned action film. With Avengers and Bourne Supremacy star Jeremy Renner also appearing, this is one not to miss! (Released July 31)
Video source: Paramount Pictures
9. Amy
This documentary by the acclaimed director of Senna has already caused a stir – upsetting the family of its subject, the late Amy Winehouse. That however could be a good thing – the ‘Back To Black’ singer’s struggles should be a controversial subject, as the way that Winehouse’s troubles played out in public should perhaps us make us all a little uneasy about the dark side of celebrity culture. With unreleased Winehouse tracks and her incredible back catalogue, this is a must see for any music fan (Released 3 July).
Video Source: Attitude Film
10. Straight Outta Compton
Another one for those who love their music, Straight Outta Compton traces Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr Dre, DJ Yella and MC Ren in their career as they left Compton to find fame as the gangsta rap group N.W.A. The group would revolutionise rap music and court controversy with profane and controversial lyrics which divided America. This biopic promises to be a treat, not least because Ice Cube is being played by O’Shea Jackson Jr – the man himself’s son (Released August 15).
Video source: Universal Pictures
