Endless Summer Blockbusters
Get ready for the onslaught of endless summer movies with this quick guide to what's coming out and when. Look for the box of popcorn icon next to movies that are kid friendly.
By Jennie Wood
Thor
(May 6, 2011) A mythic Norse hammer-wielding god, Thor was the subject of various poems and paintings dating back to the 1700s, before becoming a fictional superhero in publications published by Marvel Comics. Like in the comics, the character in this movie is based on the Thor of Norse mythology. Chris Hemsworth plays the cocky god who's banished to Earth for his arrogance. Hemsworth, an aussie actor, made an impression in the moving prologue of the 2009 Star Trek reboot as the father of James T. Kirk. Thor has some Oscar metal behind it, with recent winner Natalie Portman co-starring as the astrophysicist who helps Thor warm up to the human race. Also, Kenneth Branagh, who was nominated as a director and actor for 1989's film adaptation of Shakespeare's Henry V directs. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
(May 20, 2011) Oscar winner Penélope Cruz joins the crew for this fourth Pirates voyage. Rb Marshall, who won an Oscar for Chicago takes over the directing duties from Gore Verbinski. Verbinski directed the first three films, but opted to leave the franchise. Johnny Depp is back as Captain Jack and Keith Richards reprises his role as Jack's father. Kung Fu Panda 2
(May 26, 2011) In this sequel to this animated 2008 blockbuster, a peacock named Lord Shen invents a weapon that wipes out the existence of kung fu. The movie will also explore whow Kung Fu Panda came to have a goose for a father. Jack Black is bac as the voice of Po and Gary Oldman is the voice of Lord Shen. The Hangover Part II
(May 26, 2011) This Hangover takes place in Bangkok where schoolteacher Phil, played by Bradley Cooper, dentist Stu, played by Ed Helms, and eccentric Alan, played by Zach Galifianakis, reunite for Stu's wedding. The morning after escapades revolve around the search for the missing brother of Stu's financée. X-Men First Class
(June 3, 2011) This X-men movie travels back in time to when the original comic series was created, the 1960s. The plot focuses on the friendship of a younger Professor Xavier, played by James McAvoy, and Magento, played by Michael Fassbender, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The audience will get to see how these two went from allies to leaders in warring factions. Recent Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence stars as shape-shifter Mystique. Super 8
(June 10, 2011) This is the latest from J.J. Abrams, the mastermind behind Lost and the recent successful Star Trek reboot. An ode to the films he made as a kid using a Super-8 camera, the plot follows a group of geeky teenagers who witness a derailed train while making a zombie flick. The train is carrying cargo from Nevada's Area 51 and a creature that's possibly extraterrestrial breaks free. Green Lantern
(June 17, 2011) Green Lantern is the name of several superheros appearing sinec 1940 in various comic books published by DC Comics. In this film, Ryan Reynolds stars as Hal Jordan, a test pilot, who's chosen to work for an intergalactic police force and wear the all powerful ring. Reynolds seems like a good choice for the confused Jordan who, like moviegoers, isn't quite sure of his mission. Cars 2
(June 24, 2011) Transformers: Dark of the Moon
(July 1, 2011) Larry Crowne
(July 1, 2011) Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2
(July 15, 2011)This final installment of the Harry Potter phenomonon is the most anticipated film event of a season full of huge events. Filmed simultaneously with part one over 261 days, this swan song aims to do right by the final chapters of this best selling young adult series of all time. Winne the Pooh
(July 15, 2011) Captain American: The First Avenger
(July 22, 2011) Captain America has been appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics since 1941. He's even older than Marvel Comics, first published by Marvel's predecssor, Timely Comics. Fantastic Four's Chris Evans will play everyman Steve Rogers who goes from a bullied 98-pound runt to the world's strongest soldier after he gets a super injection. This film version is set in World War II and Captain American must fight Hitler's weapons specialit Red Skull, played by The Matrix's Hugo Weaving. Cowboys & Aliens
(July 29, 2011) The Smurfs
(July 29, 2011) The Smurfs last appeared on the big screen in 1983's animated The Smurfs and the Magic Flute. This time they appear in a mix of CG and live action, sharing the screen with Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays and Hank Azaria. The story starts in the Middle Ages, but six Smurfs are chased into a magical portal that leads them to present day New York City. The six Smurfs that get to time travel: Papa, Smurfette, Brainy, Gutsy, Clumsy and Grouchy. Rise of the Planet of the Apes
(August 5, 2011) Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World
(August 19, 2011) = kid friendly
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