Well, folks, the rumors are true: spring has sprung, and the stage is being set to usher in a new weather era (a weathera). With this rebirth, my sources tell me that the summer movie season is imminently approaching. But a brief recap before we begin our cinematic preview.
The array of films from April paved the road to success: reviewers gravitated towards acclaimed flicks like Air, and audiences unsurprisingly flocked to The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Illumination’s colorful adaptation of the classic video game raked in massive amounts of cash and broke numerous records. I would like to humbly take full credit for the film’s box office achievement – lest we forget that it was my Must-See Movie (trademark pending) last month!
This month, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is tasked with launching the 2023 blockbuster season. Arriving six years after Vol. 2, the third installment promises an epic cosmic adventure…one that could mean the end of the Guardians chronicle. After some behind-the-scenes drama, writer-director James Gunn returns from the first two films to close out his contribution to the MCU in typical action-packed fashion. The original cast returns as the Guardians with the addition of Marvel newbies Will Poulter as Adam Warlock and Chukwudi Iwuji playing the mysterious villain. Gunn, who is now – plot twist – an executive at DC, has teased that the space caper is more emotional and unexpected than its predecessors. (Please don’t kill Rocket!) So, this is my most anticipated movie of May, and 2023 as a whole. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 blasts off on May 5.
Director Louis Leterrier’s Fast X is looking to drive forward anticipation in blockbuster lovers. The tenth chapter of Universal’s Fast & Furious series is also the penultimate one, acting as the first part of a two-film finale. The movie reunites the main cast and brings in big stars such as Jason Momoa, Brie Larson and Rita Moreno. There’s no doubt that the so-ridiculous-they’re-fun stunts will make a return, as well. Monetarily speaking, the film’s financial projections are anything but precarious as movie theaters brace for its excitement-accelerating arrival. (Those puns were never going to not happen.) Fasten your seat belts when Fast X shifts into turbo on May 19.
Disney’s newest release, The Little Mermaid, is a live-action remake of their 1989 animated musical, a classic film that is both comforting and familiar to many. Helmed by Rob Marshall, the picture features a splendid cast and breathtaking visuals. This new version will remain faithful to the original while still injecting a gratifying amount of novelty, thanks in part to a handful of new songs from lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda and returning composer Alan Menken. The Little Mermaid becomes “part of your world” on May 26.
The inauguration of this year’s hottest movie season (literally and figuratively) is upon us, so take the opportunity to support your local theaters. Movies are back!
