Photo: BBC Films
Though the calendar hasn’t officially welcomed summer, Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to the summer season. It kicks off the start of grilling and picnic season, and for those who enjoy it, the start of water sports. Much like summer’s unofficial ushering in, every year, the beginning of May marks the unofficial start for production companies to push the summer blockbusters at the box office. This year, superheroes are the general “rule” and will most likely dominate the earnings with not one but three Marvel films being released. Besides those, there are so many films out there that don’t get the same attention as those considered blockbusters. Much as I enjoy a high-octane sci-fi action flick, sometimes one looks for a quieter film too – something that will tug at our heartstrings.
Below is a list of the films that might not have gotten the press as those fortunate enough to already have a following. Also on the list are a few of the films expected to be a blockbuster, because I am curious about them. Let’s take a look at a few of the films coming to the big-screen this summer.
Summer Box Office Preview
(Listed by release date from May – August)
Far From the Madding Crowd
Released: May 1st (Limited); More Theaters May 22nd
Yes, this has already been released, but it’s a limited release and it’s so gorgeous looking any chance to promote it is one I’ll take. Unfortunately, it hasn’t opened anywhere close enough to justify seeing it (for me anyway). I would check your listings, to see if Far From the Madding Crowd has made it to a theater near you…
RELATED Far From the Madding Crowd Film Review: The Epic Return of the Romantic Hero
Pitch Perfect 2
Released: May 15th
Again, this is another one that’s already opened. I’ve not seen it yet, but the first movie was way more fun than a movie has a right to be. This is definitely one of those fun films to watch with some girlfriends.
Aloha
Release Date: May 29th
With a star-studded cast (Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams), this romantic-comedy is looking like a good bet. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the setting is in the gorgeous Hawaii. It’s also from well-known director, Cameron Crowe.
Barely Lethal
Release Date: May 29th (Limited)
I added this one because Hailee Steinfeld is one of the stars. As one of the rising female stars in the Hollywood business, not to mention already an Oscar nominee, I’ve been following her career with interest. Add all that to the fact that this comedy actually looks fun, this could be a good time if nothing else.
Love & Mercy
Release Date: June 5th
A period drama about the life of Brian Wilson from The Beach Boys. As Brian suffers from mental illness, he gets support from his wife. This biopic promises to be both romantic and touching. Love & Mercy stars John Cusack and Elizabeth Banks.
Set Fire to the Stars
Release Date: June 12th (Limited)
A period drama about a professor (played by Elijah Wood) who brings the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas to America.
A Little Chaos
Release Date: June 26th (U.S.)
We’ve already reviewed this, but since it’s finally slated to get a U.S. release in June, I thought it a good idea to add as a reminder. It pairs Alan Rickman and Kate Winslet (Sense and Sensibility) again! Plus, any period drama is definitely worth checking out. Oh, and it also stars the handsome Matthias Schoenaerts from Far From the Madding Crowd as an extra bonus…
RELATED A Little Chaos Review: Love in the Gardens of Versailles
Jackie & Ryan
Release Date: July 3rd (Limited)
In this quiet indie film, a traveling musician and a woman struggling to work on her own music in the midst of a custody battle, come together and change each others’ lives. This looks like a romantic film for those looking for something more character driven. It stars Ben Barnes and Katherine Heigl.
What We Did On Our Holiday
Release Date: July 10th (Limited)
Starring David Tennant and Rosamund Pike, this film follows a newly separated couple that has their kids pretend they are still together when they visit Doug’s father in the Scottish Highlands. Of course nothing goes as planned…
Ant-Man
Release Date: July 17th
I know this one will likely be considered a box office hit, but really the trailer hasn’t convinced me it has the same quality as some of its superhero peers. Still, just having the name Marvel attached might be all it needs to catapult it to stardom and a spot on the bigger stage of the Marvel Universe team. Only time will tell. Will you be going to see Ant-Man?
Mr. Holmes
Release Date: July 17th
Ever since the Robert Downy Jr. film franchise breathed new life into the traditionally Victorian set detective stories, anything and everything Sherlock Holmes is hot. Two contemporary versions are currently airing on networks (CBS and BBC) and Ian McKellen now stars in a kind of biography type adaptation about an aging Mr. Holmes and his young nephew.
Paper Towns
Release Date: July 24th
The second adaptation from a John Green novel (the first being The Fault in our Stars), this is poised to delight fans who enjoy YA literature. This one is about a mysterious girl who disappears, leaving clues in her wake for the boy next door to find.
Ricki and the Flash
Release Date: August 7, 2015
In this female oriented character film, Meryl Streep stars as a rock star heroine who made several mistakes with her family. When she returns home, she gets a chance to redeem herself as she tries to finally do what is right. The film also stars Mamie Gummer (Meryl Streep’s real life daughter), Sebastian Stan, Rick Springfield, and Kevin Kline.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Release Date: August 14th
Not sure that this remake (adapted from a 1960’s TV show) will have wide appeal. But I’m psyched to see it if for no other reason than its leading man, Henry Cavill, who’s no stranger to period drama. Plus, it does look like a fun time.
Some other suggestions coming out this summer (that you should keep an eye out for) include Tomorrowland, Jurassic World, Inside Out, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Before We Go (a “Before Sunrise” esque film starring Chris Evans that will hopefully get an August release), Terminator: Genisys, the new Fantastic Four, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend (no trailer just yet, but it has a late August release).
Are you anticipating any of these, and if so, why? Which films are you looking forward to? Share any comments you have down below.
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I think that I now want to see almost all of these. Thank you for sharing, I hadn’t heard of “What We Did On Our Holiday!”
It’s always fun to discover new films to see! Glad you found some new titles to possibly enjoy, Bailey. 🙂