summer movie preview

With the releases of such high-profile sequels as "Wolverine," "Star Trek," and "Angel and Demons," the summer blockbuster film competition is officially on. Since the Signal does not print during the summer, this review should guide you until next Fall semester starts. "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" June 12
Starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta, this is a remake of a 1974 original starring Walter Matthau. It is based on the hijacking of a New York subway train where Washington plays a charismatic detective, seemingly similar to the one he played in "The Inside Man." Travolta plays an eccentric terrorist, much like his role in "Swordfish."


"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" June 24
This is the follow-up to the 2007 blockbuster "Transformers." Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf are back as the human allies to the alien-robot saviors of Earth, the Autobots. Megatron is brought back to life and has a stronger arsenal than before with bigger Decepticons. He seek revenge on the Autobots and humankind for defeating them in the first film. Director Michael Bay continues his flare for eye-appeal style as the action is just as fast and loud as the previous episode.

"Public Enemies" July 1
With all the computer- enhanced media that anchors most of the films that are made now-a-days, especially in the summer blockbuster race, it is refreshing to have a film that has a classic sense of normality. Enter: "Public Enemies." This is the glamorized tale of 30's gangster John Dillinger, played by fan-favorite Johnny Depp. Christian Bale plays opposite Depp as FBI agent Melvin Purvis, the law enforcer that is set on bringing the robber to justice. This film is fitting because it is the current style to be retro and reflect the earlier times of American history; i.e. the Pin-up fad and Prohibition fashions relevant today. This should be a fun film filled with Gatling gunfights and roadster car chases. Nice change of pace.

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" July 15
This is the sixth installment of the film series of Harry Potter, based on the top-selling novels by J.K. Rowling. The newest release puts the realm of Hogwart in direct collision with the civilization of London as Lord Voldemort's past is revisited and Harry Potter's worlds collide. One can only anticipate that the hero of Hogwart is ready to be the savior once again in the face of an evolving and haunting evil.


"G.I. Joe" August 7
This is a highly-anticipated adaptation of the 80's cartoon classic about a high-op strike force called G.I. Joe (acronym for the Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity) that battles the evil organization known as COBRA. I expect this movie to contain a lot of cheesy computer graphics and some spurts of bad-acting (based on a questionable cast anchored by Marlon Wayans and Channing Tatum). More so, it is already evident that the story basis is altered, since the newest trailer shows that G.I. Joe created an "accelerator suit" that enhances their performance abilities; as opposed to the human character basis of the 80's. However, I think that there will be just as much, if not more pleasing action than questionable action. Primarily because there is a fight scene advertised between the characters Snake Eyes (played by action mega star Ray Park, most notable for Darth Maul of "Star Wars Episode I") and Storm Shadow (Asian-action powerhouse Byung-hun Lee, who co-starred in films including Jet Li's "Hero"). That may be worth the price of admission in itself.