The Movie Blog’s 2009 Summer Movie Forecast – What To See, Maybe See and Avoid

Release Date: June 24th

Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel

Synopsis: “Decepticon forces return to Earth on a mission to take Sam Witwicky prisoner, after the young hero learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers. Joining the mission to protect humankind is Optimus Prime, who forms an alliance with international armies for a second epic battle.”

Why you should watch for it:Because its the Trans-Fricking-Formers… that’s why. The first film was filled with flaws, no doubt and certainly no argument. However, it was also one of the most insanely entertaining summer films I’d ever seen. Michael Bay returns with what only looks bigger and better than ever Autobot vs Decepticon action. Hands down the #1 movie to look for this summer.

Release Date: May 29th

Starring: Christopher Plummer, Edward Asner, John Ratzenberger

Synopsis: “By tying thousands of balloon to his home, 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America. Right after lifting off, however, he learns he isn’t alone on his journey, since Russell, a wilderness explorer 70 years his junior, has inadvertently become a stowaway on the trip.”

Why you should watch for it: Pixar is simply the very best movie studio in the business. Each and every film they’ve put out had been a winner and they’ve produced the highest critically rated films the last 2 years in a row (Ratatouille and Wall-E). Early word on Up is that it could be their best film ever, which is hard to imagine. It’s not your typical summer blockbuster, but the name “Pixar” alone forces this film to rank high on your “to see” list this summer.

Release Date: May 8th

Starring: Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine, Leonard Nimoy

Synopsis: “A chronicle of the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members.”

Why you should watch for it: Summer was made for big Sci Fi movies like Star Trek… and hey… it’s Star Trek. I’ve had some major reservations and doubts about this re-boot of the franchise, but the various trailers have given a much more intense and broad scope to the film that I thought it would originally have. This movie has skyrocketed up the “anticipation” chart to our #3 spot.

Release Date: July 1st

Starring: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard

Synopsis: “In the action-thriller Public Enemies, acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann directs Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, and Academy Award® winner Marion Cotillard in the incredible and true story of legendary Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger (Depp), the charismatic bank robber whose lightning raids made him the number one target of J. Edgar Hoover’s fledgling FBI and its top agent, Melvin Purvis (Bale), and a folk hero to much of the downtrodden public.”

Why you should watch for it: A big gangster heist movies starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale and directed by Michael Mann. Don’t need many more reasons than that to place this movie high on the list. The trailers have looked amazing. Oh, and did we mention that it also has the 2008 Best Actress winner Marion Cotillard?

Release Date: May 21st

Starring: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington

Synopsis: “Set in post-apocalyptic 2018, John Connor is the man fated to lead the human resistance against Skynet and its army of Terminators. But the future Connor was raised to believe in is altered in part by the appearance of Marcus Wright, a stranger whose last memory is of being on death row. Connor must decide whether Marcus has been sent from the future, or rescued from the past. As Skynet prepares its final onslaught, Connor and Marcus both embark on an odyssey that takes them into the heart of Skynet’s operations, where they uncover the terrible secret behind the possible annihilation of mankind.”

Why you should watch for it: One of the all time Sci Fi classics returns, and for the first time without Arnold as the big robotic warrior. The buzz and anticipation for this film took a drastic ans sudden swing upwards when Christian Bale was announced as the new John Connor (a lot of people thought the news was fake at the time). If anyone other than McG was directing I might have listed this even higher… but the #5 spot is still pretty high.

Release Date: July 15th

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Alan Rickman

Synopsis: “As Harry Potter begins his 6th year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he discovers an old book marked mysteriously “This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince” and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort’s dark past.”

Why you should watch for it: I was never a fan of the Harry Potter franchise until film 4, and then I liked film 5 even more and 6 looks like it could be the best one yet. This franchise has done a solid job with the continuity of the story and development of the characters over the years making Harry Potter an annual movie event for a young film going generation.

Release Date: July 31st

Starring: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Eric Bana

Synopsis: “When seasoned comedian George Simmons learns of his terminal, inoperable health condition, his desire to form a genuine friendship cause him to take a relatively green performer under his wing as his opening act.”

Why you should watch for it: If for no other reason, the fact that Judd Apatow is directing this. Judd’s name is attached to a LOT of movies… but remember, this is only the third one he’s actually directed. I’m also very happy to see Sandler do a drama/comedy since I’m sort of sick of his normal schtick in pure comedies, but love him in his dramatic roles. Add on top of that the fact that I think Eric Bana can do no wrong.

Release Date: May 1st

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Ryan Reynolds

Synopsis: “Wolverine lives a mutant life, seeks revenge against Victor Creed (who will later become Sabertooth) for the death of his girlfriend, and ultimately ends up going through the mutant Weapon X program.”

Why you should watch for it: The X-Men franchise has not let me down yet (yes the 3rd one was the weakest of the bunch, but I still thought it was passable). Hugh Jackman is just a terrific performer and the trailers have looked surprisingly solid. Even buzz from the “leaked” version of the film has been much better than I anticipated. The movie may end up being bad… but it’s still the type of movie you wanna see in the summers.

Release Date: June 26th

Starring: Alec Baldwin, Cameron Diaz, Jason Patric

Synopsis: “Anna (Abigail Breslin) is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister Kate (Sofia Vassilieva) can somehow fight leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate-a life role that she has never challenged . . . until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister-and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for her sister she loves.”

Why you should watch for it: Damn, I’ve only cried in movies twice in my life… but this trailer and synopsis for the movie nearly made me loose it. Such a bold plot for a story, and the film looks just beautiful. Not a typical summer blockbuster obviously, but certainly one to see.

Release Date: August 21st

Starring: Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, Diane Kruger

Synopsis: “In Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as “The Basterds” are chosen specifically to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. The Basterds soon cross paths with a French-Jewish teenage girl who runs a movie theater in Paris which is targeted by the soldiers.”

Why you should watch for it: The newest Quentin Tarantino film that is sure to be absolutely nuts with gore and violence… which is exactly what his fans are hoping to see out of this film. Throw Brad Pitt in as the commander of this rag tag bunch and you’ve got a potentially great summer flick.

Release Date: August 28th

Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy

Synopsis: “”The Boat That Rocked” is an ensemble comedy in which the romance takes place between the young people of the ’60s and pop music. It’s about a band of rogue DJs that captivated Britain, playing the music that defined a generation and standing up to a government that, incomprehensibly, preferred jazz. The Count, a big, brash, American god of the airwaves; Quentin, the boss of Radio Rock — a pirate radio station in the middle of the North Sea that’s populated by an eclectic crew of rock and roll DJs; Gavin, the greatest DJ in Britain who has just returned from his drug tour of America to reclaim his rightful position; Dave, an ironic, intelligent and cruelly funny co-broadcaster; and a fearsome British government official out for blood against the drug takers and lawbreakers of a once-great nation.”

Why you should watch for it: Maybe the best and most interesting ensemble cast of any movie this summer. I mean come on… a movie set in the 60’s about a bunch of DJ’s illegally playing rock music from a boat in the sea? Who doesn’t want to see this?

Release Date: June 5th

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis

Synopsis: “A Las Vegas-set comedy centered around three groomsmen who lose their about-to-be-wed buddy during their drunken misadventures, then must retrace their steps in order to find him.”

Why you should watch for it: Aside from the fact that for years I’ve thought Bradley Cooper has been a tragically under appreciated performer in Hollywood, this movie just looks flat out hilarious. Just a simple and great idea for a comedy… and the part in the trailer where the guy opens the car door right into the baby nearly made me spit my diet pepsi out through my nose. Can’t wait to see this one.

Release Date: August 7th

Starring: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Jane Lynch

Synopsis: “The film follows Powell, a government employee who decides to cook her way through legendary cook Julia Child’s classic cookbook, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” in one year’s time out of her small Queens kitchen. Powell blogs her daily experiences, gaining a loyal following along the way.”

Why you should watch for it: Ok, so I admit the fact that this movie has a strong base in blogging has influenced my anticipation level for this movie, but really it didn’t need it. The simple fact that Meryl Streep and Amy Adams are together again after both being nominated for Oscars in Doubt should make any film fan sit up and notice.

Release Date: June 19th

Starring: Jack Black, Michael Cera, Hank Azaria

Synopsis: “When a couple of lazy hunter-gatherers (Black and Cera) are banished from their primitive village, they set off on an epic journey through the ancient world running into Old Testament Biblical characters along the way.”

Why you should watch for it: I honestly couldn’t care less that Jack Black is in this (never disliked him, but never liked him either) and quite frankly I’ve lost interest in Michael “one character” Cera after seeing the dreadful Nick and Norah… but ladies and gentlemen… if Harold Ramis is directing a comedy, you’ve got to keep your eyes out for it. The genius who directed classics like Caddyshack, Groundhog day, Analyze This and Bedazzled (a tragically underrated comedy in my opinion) is capable of busting out a new classic any minute.

Release Date: August 14th

Starring: Jeremy Piven, Ving Rhames, James Brolin

Synopsis: “Used-car liquidator Don Ready is hired by a flailing auto dealership to turn their Fourth of July sale into a majorly profitable event.”

Why you might want to see it: Honestly this one looks a bit lame to me, but with Will Ferrell and Adam McKay producing, you have to think it might be at least taking a shot at. Jeremy Piven is great too… so who knows..

Release Date: August 7th

Starring: Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Will Arnett

Synopsis: “Beth Harper (Bell) is a young, successful real estate agent … but she’s completely unlucky in love. However, when the New Yorker travels to Rome to see her newlywed sister, she impulsively steals some coins from a reputed fountain of love, and is then aggressively pursued by a band of wannabe lovers.”

Why you might want to see it: Ho hum… a standard looking romantic comedy clogging up the summer schedule. Still, Kristen Bell is one of the sexiest actresses in the business right now and I loved her in Forgetting Sarah Marshall… and the whole coins from the wishing well angle seems cute. Maybe..

Release Date: May 22nd

Starring: Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Robin Williams

Synopsis: “When the lights go off the battle is on. Security guard Larry Daley infiltrates the Smithsonian Institute in order to rescue Jedediah and Octavius, who have been shipped to the museum by mistake.”

Why you might want to see it: A sequel to a film that wasn’t all that good in the first place. Not a lot of hope. Still, like the first it has an impressive cast line up and the original made more than a fortune at the boxoffice, so maybe they’ll put a little extra into this one.

Release Date: May 29th

Starring: Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel Weisz

Synopsis: “The Brothers Bloom are the best con men in the world, swindling millionaires with complex scenarios of lust and intrigue. Now they’ve decided to take on one last job – showing a beautiful and eccentric heiress the time of her life with a romantic adventure that takes them around the world.”

Why you might want to see it: Definitely a solid cast and Rain Johnson directs his follow up to the critically approved “Brick”. Not really sure when I only have this one on my “maybe” list since it seems to have a lot going for it… guess I just get a bad vibe from it. Certainly worth taking a chance on if you feel so inclined.

Release Date: May 29th

Starring: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver

Synopsis: “A loan officer ordered to evict an old woman from her home finds herself the recipient of a supernatural curse, which turns her life into a living hell. Desperate, she turns to a seer to try and save her soul, while evil forces work to push her to a breaking point.”

Why you might want to see it: While it’s true that this flick seems to have “cheese” written all over it, and a disappointing PG-13 rating, the fact of the matter is Sam Raimi knows how to do horror. The premise is pretty creepy and I’ve always liked Alison Lohman..

Release Date: May 15th

Starring: Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer

Synopsis: “The Pope died and the conclave has been called for. 4 candidates were chosen. However, before the voting, the 4 candidates are killed one by one. The killer leaves clues that seems to say that he/she is from the Illuminati. Strangely though, the Illuminati was long thought to be extinct. Who is the mastermind? Who revived the Illuminati? What do they want?”

Why you might want to see it: I did not enjoy the first film (The Da Vinci Code) which I thought was slow and lacked the dramatic tension the book seemed to have. Still, it’s Tom Hanks and Ron Howard. That alone may make it worth the price of the ticket.

Release Date: August 14th

Starring: Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams, Ron Livingston

Synopsis: “This is the remarkable story of Henry DeTamble, a dashing, adventuresome librarian who travels involuntarily through time, and Clare Abshire, an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course. Henry and Clare’s passionate love affair endures across a sea of time and captures the two lovers in an impossibly romantic trap.”

Why you might want to see it: Not a lot of buzz or confidence being shown in the film by the studio doesn’t negate the fact that this story sounds interesting, and as I previously mentioned, in my eyes Eric Bana can do no wrong..

Release Date: August 14th

Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Milla Jovovich, Steve Zahn

Synopsis: “Two pairs of lovers (Zahn & Jovovich, Olyphant & Sanchez) on a Hawaiian vacation discover that psychopaths are stalking and murdering tourists on the islands.”

Why you might want to see it: Could be exciting if done right. The whole “being hunted by killers for no reason other than you’re there” thing has been done a lot, but sometimes works.

Release Date: July 24th

Starring: Gerard Butler, Katherine Heigl, Kevin Connolly

Synopsis: “A romantically challenged morning show producer (Heigl) is reluctantly embroiled in a series of outrageous tests by her chauvinistic correspondent (Butler) to prove his theories on relationships and help her find love. His clever ploys, however, lead to an unexpected result.”

Why you might want to see it: The concept of a movie that perhaps shows that the opinions of male pigs and actually sometimes be… gasp… TRUE, is intriguing. Katherine Heigle and Gerard Butler make for an interesting on screen couple as well.

Release Date: July 10th

Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen

Synopsis: “Borat trickster Sacha Baron Cohen returns to the big screen to offer yet another stinging dose of sociopolitical satire in this comedy that finds him assuming the persona of gay fashionmonger Bruno, the self-proclaimed “voice of Austrian youth TV.” Originally conceived as part of Cohen’s cult television series Da Ali G Show, the character of Bruno offered a cleverly costumed Cohen the opportunity to highlight the absurdities of the fashion industry by interviewing unsuspecting fashion icons and other haute couture hangers-on.”

Why you might want to see it: Some will be surprised that I only have this on the “maybe” list, but as much as I loved Borat, I think the novelty has worn off and Bruno looks like nothing but Borat 2 just with a different accent. Still, Sacha Baron Cohen has delivered the goods before and therefore is probably worth a gamble.

Release Date: June 12th

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Bobb’e J. Thompson, Thomas Haden Church

Synopsis: “A financial executive (Murphy) who can’t stop his career downspiral is invited into his daughter’s imaginary world, where solutions to his problems await.”

Why you should probably avoid it: It’s an Eddie Murphy family comedy. Do I really need to say anything more? Besides, the previews look just dreadful.

Release Date: June 19th

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen

Synopsis: “A pushy boss forces her young assistant to marry her in order to keep her Visa status in the U.S. and avoid deportation to Canada.”

Why you should probably avoid it: It just flat out looks terrible. I like Ryan Reynolds very much, I like Bullock, but I just can’t see how this one doesn’t end up as a Razzie nominee.

Release Date: May 1st

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Michael Douglas

Synopsis: “A bachelor is haunted by the ghosts of his past girlfriends at his younger brother’s wedding.”

Why you should probably avoid it: Everyone knows that I think Matthew McConaughey is a very underrated actor… when he’s not doing crap like this that is. Did you read the synopsis? Have you seen the trailer? Is there anyone on the planet that has any hope at all that this will end up being more than a 2/10?

Release Date: August 7th

Starring: Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans

Synopsis: “An elite military unit comprised of special operatives known as G.I. Joe, operating out of The Pit, takes on an evil organization led by a notorious arms dealer.”

Why you should probably avoid it: Aside from Transformers 2, there is no other movie that I SHOULD be more excited about, but just about everything we’ve seen from G.I. Joe has been one apparent bad decision after another. From the character selection, to the choice of director to the cast (aside from Dennis Quaid who just rules), nothing has been done right with this movie. Is there a chance it could pull it off? Sure, there’s a chance… but I wouldn’t bet my ticket money on it.

Release Date: June 5th

Starring: Will Ferrell, Danny McBride, Anna Friel

Synopsis: “On his latest expedition, Dr. Rick Marshall (Ferrell) is sucked into a space-time vortex alongside his research assistant (Friel) and a redneck survivalist (McBride). In this alternate universe, the trio make friends with a primate named Chaka (Taccone), their only ally in a world full of dinosaurs and other fantastic creatures. Can they all make it back to our world alive, and if so: Will Dr. Marshall can go from zero to hero with his discoveries?”

Why you should probably avoid it: I was thrilled to see how great Step Brothers was, because quite frankly I had grown tired of Will Ferrell. Sadly… Land of the Lost looks like a giant step backwards. Not once did I grin during the trailers, nor what does anything about the film look even remotely promising. Definitely one to avoid this summer.

Release Date: May 22nd

Starring: Who freaking cares?

Synopsis: “Street dancer Thomas Uncles is from the wrong side of the tracks, but his bond with the beautiful Megan White might help the duo realize their dreams as the enter in the mother of all dance battles.”

Why you should probably avoid it: As a member of the human race I’m offended these stupid modern spoof movies exist. They all suck and the fact that some people go to see them probably make alien races observing our planet think we’re a species deserving of being wiped out.

Release Date: May 8th

Starring: Donald Faison, Mike Epps, Wood Harris

Synopsis: “Two inept criminals are mistakenly delivered a package of cocaine and think they’ve hit the jackpot, triggering a series of events that changes ten people’s lives forever.”

Why you should probably avoid it: I’m a big Donald Faison fan and have been waiting for him to get a significant break on the big screen, but not in a project like this one. I see nothing remotely redeemable about this project and plan to avoid it like a country music fan from an education.

Release Date: July 31st

Starring: Ashley Tisdale, Robert Hoffman, Andy Richter

Synopsis: “When Tom, Jake, and friends discover that the Aliens mind control guns do not work on kids, it is up to them to save their parents and the rest of the world from the invasion all before bed time.”

Why you should probably avoid it: Many of these kid centric movies hold a lot of potential to be cute and surprisingly good. I just don’t think this is one of them… at all.

Release Date: August 14th

Starring: Gaelan Connell, Alyson Michalka, Vanessa Hudgens

Synopsis: “A new kid in town assembles a fledgling rock band — together, they achieve their dreams and compete against the best in the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands.”

Why you should probably avoid it: I’m imagining a horse thats been poked with sticks all day… then I imagine standing behind that horse and having its huge powerful leg buck back and kicking me in the crotch… and I still prefer that vision than the idea of watching this movie.

Release Date: August 21st

Starring: Chevy Chase, Kari Matchett, James Purefoy

Synopsis: “A grieving young boy (Morrow) looks to protect his new best friend, a talking goose, from his school principal (Chase), who’s fattening up the bird for a Christmas cook-off.”

Why you should probably avoid it: Aside from the fact that it looks stupid as hell… this movie was finshed over 3 years ago. That’s right… it’s been sitting on a shelf for three years. Wow… the studio must have a lot of confidence in this one.

Release Date: August 28th

Starring: Malcolm McDowell, Scout Taylor-Compton, Tyler Mane

Synopsis: “Following the aftermath of Michael Myers’ murderous rampage through the eyes of the sister he hunted.”

Why you should probably avoid it: The first Rob Zombie Halloween film (which he made only 3 years after saying it was pathetic for directors to make remakes) was just not very good and there is no reason to expect that this one will be any different.

Release Date: August 28th

Starring: Krista Allen, Nick Zano, Mykelti Williamson

Synopsis: “Nick and some friends head to the racetrack for the weekend to watch a car race. , when the terrifying accident flys into the audience at 180 mph. People will splatter and be ripped apart, one girl gets her head knocked off by a flying tire, massive explosions, and eventually the entire stadium collapses onto the rest of the audience. Then main character “Nick” discovers it was just a vision that’s about to happen, and he gets himself and about 12 other people ejected from the stadium. But Death returns to finish off the survivors, with the freak accidents being more brutal than ever.”

Why you should probably avoid it: This is the exact same movie we’ve seen multiple times already from this poor horror franchise. No evidence to suggest the trend will change.