Read on to learn if Hollywood's first swing into Summer 2014 bring too many players to the game.
Story by: Matt Cummings
When we wrote our Most Anticipated List of 2014, it included
April was an interesting month, filled with surprising hits (God's Not Dead), guaranteed winners (Captain America: The Winter Soldier) and several notable duds (Need for Speed and Sabotage). But now, it's on to May and the beginning of the summer season, a time when Hollywood begins to play its big cards hoping for long lines and plenty of popcorn sales. May 2013 saw the mammoth Iron Man 3, while 2012 featured a little film called The Avengers, so 2014 arrives filled to the gills with several interesting titles worth mentioning. Several appeared in our MOST ANTICIPATED LIST FOR 2014, and it's great to finally see them arrive.
The schedule includes a human spider, a 350 foot lizard, a witch, some mutants, and a sexually depraved police officer.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (May 2)
Plot: Peter Parker runs the gauntlet as the mysterious company Oscorp sends up a slew of supervillains against him, impacting on his life. (IMDB)
Director: Marc Webb
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan
Why We're Interested: After a disappointing reboot, Parker and company return to face new threats that look..well, threatening. Spidey has matured into his Ultimates version quite nicely, sporting an outfit that ripples and generally reflects a more realistic style. Webb has also stepped up his game as demonstrated by several of the smart action set pieces that have been released. But it's the inclusion of several first-rate bad guys to battle The Webslinger that has us very excited. Spider-man 3 was a bomb for so many reasons, partially because he was given too many standard (and frankly beatable) villains, leaving room for a terrible story about the dark Peter Parker. If Webb's goal was to up the action and the stakes, he appears to have done both. Also, news of an X-Men trailer embedded in the end credits is an interesting move, but don't get excited about something more. And by the way, another film with Emma Stone (Gwen Stacy) in boots is never a bad thing.
Watch the trailer for The Amazing Spider-man 2:
Chef (May 9)
Director: Marc Webb
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan
Why We're Interested: After a disappointing reboot, Parker and company return to face new threats that look..well, threatening. Spidey has matured into his Ultimates version quite nicely, sporting an outfit that ripples and generally reflects a more realistic style. Webb has also stepped up his game as demonstrated by several of the smart action set pieces that have been released. But it's the inclusion of several first-rate bad guys to battle The Webslinger that has us very excited. Spider-man 3 was a bomb for so many reasons, partially because he was given too many standard (and frankly beatable) villains, leaving room for a terrible story about the dark Peter Parker. If Webb's goal was to up the action and the stakes, he appears to have done both. Also, news of an X-Men trailer embedded in the end credits is an interesting move, but don't get excited about something more. And by the way, another film with Emma Stone (Gwen Stacy) in boots is never a bad thing.
Watch the trailer for The Amazing Spider-man 2:
Chef (May 9)
Plot: A chef who loses his restaurant job starts up a food truck in an effort to reclaim his creative promise, while piecing back together his estranged family. (IMDB)
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Sofia Vergara, Jon Favreau, Scarlett Johansson
Why We're Interested: The success or failure of Chef is more important than one might think. With all the explosions and high stakes superhero flicks out there (and more on the way to 2028), this is one that could help to either bury small films altogether or return them to prominence. Hollywood is ensconced in developing superhero films and spinoffs, pouring millions into their development and release. Smaller films like Chef are quickly getting swallowed up, lost in corporate meeting rooms where the numbers might not make sense and could ultimately see them stuck in developmental Hell. Support for this film could go either way, but we're hoping the strong cast that's worked together before (Iron Man 2) will turn this into a feel-good success story about tenacity, while demonstrating that small projects like these can make a Summer splash.
Watch the trailer for Chef:
Gozilla (May 16)
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Sofia Vergara, Jon Favreau, Scarlett Johansson
Why We're Interested: The success or failure of Chef is more important than one might think. With all the explosions and high stakes superhero flicks out there (and more on the way to 2028), this is one that could help to either bury small films altogether or return them to prominence. Hollywood is ensconced in developing superhero films and spinoffs, pouring millions into their development and release. Smaller films like Chef are quickly getting swallowed up, lost in corporate meeting rooms where the numbers might not make sense and could ultimately see them stuck in developmental Hell. Support for this film could go either way, but we're hoping the strong cast that's worked together before (Iron Man 2) will turn this into a feel-good success story about tenacity, while demonstrating that small projects like these can make a Summer splash.
Watch the trailer for Chef:
Gozilla (May 16)
Plot: The world's most famous monster is pitted against malevolent creatures who, bolstered by humanity's scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence. (IMDB)
Director: Gareth Edwards
Starring: Aaron Johnson, Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche
Why We're Interested: Ok, when we first heard - yes, heard - the first trailer for Godzilla, we were happy to recognize one of the first uses of the stunning soundtrack from 1968's 2001: A Space Odyssey. Then, we saw the beast and learn about the story in subsequent trailers, and were absolutely sold. Bigger, uglier, and looking meaner than ever, Godzilla looks (and sounds) epic, with the promise of the 350-foot behemoth going up against some of his greatest enemies. Thanks to a recent international trailer, we've also seen some of Godzilla's foes including a pterodactyl-like dude that makes us happier than the awful other...thing they released as part of the movie's toy line. And while we know the 2001 soundtrack won't be included, our only other concern is this: will the exceptional human cast get in the way of what could be the best kaiju film ever? Pacific Rim was a top 2013 choice for us, we were also gifted very wonderful Transformers sentient robots surrounded by idiot humans (Josh Duhammel not included). If Edwards can improve the human element by successfully integrating them with the monster, then we'll have a truly memorable movie. Let's hope they don't get under Godzilla's feet though - he won't even know they're there. Because he's big. Really, really big.
Watch the trailer for Godzilla:
X-Men: Days of Future Past (May 23)
Starring: Aaron Johnson, Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche
Why We're Interested: Ok, when we first heard - yes, heard - the first trailer for Godzilla, we were happy to recognize one of the first uses of the stunning soundtrack from 1968's 2001: A Space Odyssey. Then, we saw the beast and learn about the story in subsequent trailers, and were absolutely sold. Bigger, uglier, and looking meaner than ever, Godzilla looks (and sounds) epic, with the promise of the 350-foot behemoth going up against some of his greatest enemies. Thanks to a recent international trailer, we've also seen some of Godzilla's foes including a pterodactyl-like dude that makes us happier than the awful other...thing they released as part of the movie's toy line. And while we know the 2001 soundtrack won't be included, our only other concern is this: will the exceptional human cast get in the way of what could be the best kaiju film ever? Pacific Rim was a top 2013 choice for us, we were also gifted very wonderful Transformers sentient robots surrounded by idiot humans (Josh Duhammel not included). If Edwards can improve the human element by successfully integrating them with the monster, then we'll have a truly memorable movie. Let's hope they don't get under Godzilla's feet though - he won't even know they're there. Because he's big. Really, really big.
Watch the trailer for Godzilla:
X-Men: Days of Future Past (May 23)
Plot: The X-Men send Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both humans and mutants. (IMDB)
Director: Bryan Singer
Starring: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Nicholas Hoult
Why We're Interested: If you've listened to our podcast, you'll know how often we've gone back and forth on this one. Early hopes have succumb to doubt and worry - a promise to right the wrongs created by the first three X-Men and two terrible Wolverine seems all but gone, somehow replaced with a story that sees Wolverine (Jackman) getting his Adamantium claws back and the wheelchair-bound Professor Xavier (Stewart) walking again. The ads have created more questions than they've answered, and some of the released scenes have failed to impress. However, we were relieved to learn that a cut Rogue (Anna Paquin) would now appear as a cameo, and it's always great to see Jackman, Stewart, and McKellen reprising their roles. The question remains whether Singer can right this ship and make the X-Men a viable franchise again, or will he continue to alienate fans desperate to see the comics done right.
Watch the trailer for X-Men: Days of Future Past:
A Million Ways to Die in the West (May 30)
Starring: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Nicholas Hoult
Why We're Interested: If you've listened to our podcast, you'll know how often we've gone back and forth on this one. Early hopes have succumb to doubt and worry - a promise to right the wrongs created by the first three X-Men and two terrible Wolverine seems all but gone, somehow replaced with a story that sees Wolverine (Jackman) getting his Adamantium claws back and the wheelchair-bound Professor Xavier (Stewart) walking again. The ads have created more questions than they've answered, and some of the released scenes have failed to impress. However, we were relieved to learn that a cut Rogue (Anna Paquin) would now appear as a cameo, and it's always great to see Jackman, Stewart, and McKellen reprising their roles. The question remains whether Singer can right this ship and make the X-Men a viable franchise again, or will he continue to alienate fans desperate to see the comics done right.
Watch the trailer for X-Men: Days of Future Past:
A Million Ways to Die in the West (May 30)
Plot: As a cowardly farmer begins to fall for the mysterious new woman in town, he must put his new-found courage to the test when her husband, a notorious gun-slinger, announces his arrival. (IMDB)
Director: Seth McFarlane
Starring: Liam Neeson, Charlize Theron, Giovanni Ribisi, Wes Studi
Why We're Interested: We absolutely loved Ted, and McFarlane's Oscar hosting brought a welcomed new layer of comedy that was appreciated, even if few others felt the same. Family Guy has demonstrated that McFarlane clearly has comedic talent, and the trailer for West looks hilarious. We hope this deep cast will help elevate things, unlike the ensemble Movie 43, one of the worst films of 2013 and perhaps of all time. Still, most moviegoers aren't motivated by actors, seeking appealing stories instead; and while we're psyched for West due entirely to McFarlane, we know that audiences will only show up if they see a strong comedic element. Judge for yourself and let us know whether you'll be attending.
Why We're Interested: We absolutely loved Ted, and McFarlane's Oscar hosting brought a welcomed new layer of comedy that was appreciated, even if few others felt the same. Family Guy has demonstrated that McFarlane clearly has comedic talent, and the trailer for West looks hilarious. We hope this deep cast will help elevate things, unlike the ensemble Movie 43, one of the worst films of 2013 and perhaps of all time. Still, most moviegoers aren't motivated by actors, seeking appealing stories instead; and while we're psyched for West due entirely to McFarlane, we know that audiences will only show up if they see a strong comedic element. Judge for yourself and let us know whether you'll be attending.
Watch the trailer for A Million Ways to Die in the West:
Filth (May 30)
Filth (May 30)
Plot: A bipolar, bigoted junkie cop manipulates and hallucinates his way through the festive season in a bid to secure promotion and win back his wife and daughter. (IMDB)
Director: John S. Baird
Starring: Eddie Marsan, Jamie Bell, Jim Broadbent, and James McAvoy
Why We're Interested: Clearly one of the weirdest films of 2014, the film looks like an advertisement for deviancy in nearly every form. McAvoy was outstanding in 2013's Trance, which demonstrated his full potential from the moment the lights dimmed. If it's possible, Filth looks even better although we wouldn't doubt that audiences might need more than half-naked women and drug use to part with their hard-earned cash. Magnolia Studios is taking a gamble with a Summer release, as it's almost guaranteed to offer zero competition against ASM 2 and X-Men. That doesn't mean you shouldn't check out the trailer below, but we'll admit that we're excited about seeing half-naked women.
Watch the trailer for Filth:
Maleficent (May 30)
Plot: The untold story of the villain from "Sleeping Beauty" reveals the events that hardened Maleficent's heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora, only to later realize that the child may hold the key to peace in the land. (IMDB)
Director: John S. Baird
Starring: Eddie Marsan, Jamie Bell, Jim Broadbent, and James McAvoy
Why We're Interested: Clearly one of the weirdest films of 2014, the film looks like an advertisement for deviancy in nearly every form. McAvoy was outstanding in 2013's Trance, which demonstrated his full potential from the moment the lights dimmed. If it's possible, Filth looks even better although we wouldn't doubt that audiences might need more than half-naked women and drug use to part with their hard-earned cash. Magnolia Studios is taking a gamble with a Summer release, as it's almost guaranteed to offer zero competition against ASM 2 and X-Men. That doesn't mean you shouldn't check out the trailer below, but we'll admit that we're excited about seeing half-naked women.
Watch the trailer for Filth:
Maleficent (May 30)
Director: Robert Stromberg
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Imelda Staunton
Why We're Interested: Let's be clear: our 'interest' in Maleficent is based more on WHY than HOW. We wonder WHY this film is only PG, and how a film of this type can be as dark as hope for WITHOUT a PG-13 rating. We're impressed with the high-flying FX and interesting environments, and Angelina looks good, but will it draw audiences? With so many appealing titles this month already, Maleficent needs to bring its A game and hope moviegoers will abandon earlier May releases for something that looks dark but is only PG. Let me say that again: P....G. Does the trailer below achieve that? Let us know.
Watch the trailer for Maleficent:
Watch the trailer for Maleficent:
Who Will Lead A Crowded May?
With so many big-budget comic and fantasy flicks in play, is there enough money in moviegoer's pockets to see them all? And what about smaller flicks like Chef, Filth, and Tony Ja's The Protector 2 (pictured above)? If the last few summers are any indication, the big boys will have a distinct advantage, while at least one smaller flick will get enough attention for us to notice (see 2013's We're the Millers and The Heat). Still, we're a little worried about a May release for two superhero flicks, when it would have made more sense to move one into June or July (Guardians of the Galaxy is set for August 1st). In addition, it's entirely possible that either ASM 2 or X-Men will either stumble or outright disappoint, once the fan buzz (or the rage) begins to roll out. Regardless of the outcome, there appears to be something available for everyone in May, which is the whole point of programming a Chef near ASM 2. While not out of the realm of possibility, no one looks immediately ready to usurp the juggernaut Captain America: The Winter Soldier or The LEGO Movie in terms of sheer profit, but at this point anything is possible.
For now, be sure to add these to your Movies To-Do List:
Discuss this story with fellow SJF fans on Facebook. On Twitter, follow us at @SandwichJohnFilms, and follow author Matt Cummings at @mfc90125.
Please leave a comment.
For now, be sure to add these to your Movies To-Do List:
- May 2: The Amazing Spider-Man 2, The Protector 2
- May 9: Chef
- May 16: Godzilla
- May 23: X-Men: Days of Future Past
- May 30: A Million Ways to Die in the West, Filth, Maleficent
Discuss this story with fellow SJF fans on Facebook. On Twitter, follow us at @SandwichJohnFilms, and follow author Matt Cummings at @mfc90125.
Please leave a comment.
Comments