5 Can’t-Miss Summer Movies

Photo: Walt Disney Pictures

While your home base may be ever changing, one likely constant is that a movie theater will be in close proximity to wherever you’ve landed for your next assignment. Escape the dog days of summer with these surefire theatrical hits.

“Brave”

Starring: Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, and Craig Ferguson

Disney/Pixar hits it out of the park once more with this animated gem. The story revolves around Merida, a fiery-haired archer who defies one of her kingdom’s age-old customs, landing her family at the center of a curse. Merida must undo the spell to save her loved ones and herself. “Brave” will make you feel like a kid again.

In Theaters: June 22

“The Amazing Spider-Man“

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, and Martin Sheen

Bye, bye Tobey Maguire. This take on the “Spider-Man” films puts Andrew Garfield of “The Social Network” in the lead superhero role. Exploring Peter Parker’s high school years, our protagonist discovers a clue that may help him learn more about his parents’ mysterious disappearance when he was a boy, putting him face-to-face with Dr. Curt Connors, his father’s former partner and Spider-Man’s nemesis.

In Theaters: July 3

“The Dark Knight Rises”

Starring: Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, and Liam Neeson

Picking up eight years after where “The Dark Knight” left off, Batman resurfaces in Gotham to battle it out with the series’ latest villain, Bane, who has plans to destroy his beloved city. Batman must also confront the mysterious and alluring Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman, who is a formidable associate of Bane’s. “The Dark Knight Rises” is intended to be the conclusion of the film series.

In Theaters: July 20

“The Campaign”

Starring: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, and Jason Sudeikis

If superhero movies aren’t your thing, head to the closest theater for “The Campaign,” a laugh-out-loud comedy about two North Carolina politicians who duke it out over their own presidential aspirations. Given that it’s a cutthroat election year, there’s no better time to lighten the political mood than with this Will Ferrell flick.

In Theaters: August 10

“The Odd Life of Timothy Green”

Starring: Jennifer Garner, Joel Edgerton, and Ron Livingston

If you’re looking for a film that will leave you with the warm fuzzies, “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” is just the ticket. The story revolves around a married couple, Cindy and Jim Green, who can’t wait to start a family. The duo put all of their wishes for a baby into a box, which they bury in their backyard. When a young boy named Timothy appears at their door on a stormy and magical night, the Green’s lives are changed forever.

In Theaters: August 15

Kelly Bryant is a freelance entertainment writer based in Los Angeles, California.

Read Full Post »