FilmSnobReviews

We’re back with another Summer hot list the blockbusters have arrived, get your popcorn ready! To celebrate the beginning of the summer movie season we’re going to countdown our top ten most anticipated for this summer 2016. Any movie coming out from May 5th to August 19th (excluding Captain America: Civil War since it’s already out in some markets, and I’ve seen it) is eligible. I’m going to tell you a bit about the films, as well as why I am hyped to see it. So without saying too much else let’s get to the good stuff…

10. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle: Out of the Shadows (June 3rd)

A sequel to the 2014 reboot of the classic comic book series this movie sees the introduction of classic characters BeeBop, Rocksteady and most importantly Casey Jones! Everyone’s favorite turtles are back to make our summer bodacious! In this second movie, Michael Bay is once again back on…as producer. Yeah, had myself worried for a moment as well. This film is directed by Earth to Echo helmer David Green and stars humans Megan Fox, Will Arnett and Stephen Amell.

Why I’m Hyped: As mentioned above this one does not have Bay disciple Jonathan Liebesman behind it. Perhaps unlike Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles this one will focus more on the turtles. That thought alone has me very excited. Throw in that Casey Jones is without a doubt my favorite character in that comic books lore. Stephen Amell from TV’s Arrow taking his turn with the character just adds more to this. June is a crowded date, the last one enjoyed a good run in mid-August I hope that doesn’t affect this too much.

9. Cafe Society (August 12th)

Writer, director, Hollywood legend does all of these things in his newest film, in keeping with his one per year model. Man, this guy is consistent! In this Jesse Eisenberg takes his first walk on the Woody side, he’s joined as a first-timer by Blake Lively and Kristen Stewart. This cast is…weird, but I think it can totally work and craft an excellent period piece much in the way of Allen’s best film this decade so far Midnight in Paris or something I enjoyed Magic in the Moonlight which both reign you into a different time period.

Why I’m Hyped: I love Woody Allen and I think this cast is fantastic. Yes, even Kristen Stewart! Don’t believe me? Check out her indie work in stuff like Clouds of Sils Maria or Camp X-Ray she’s been doing better work to get out of her Twilight persona. For me, Allen’s been making either good movies at his worst or great movies at the best. I’m excited for this and look forward to seeing what you all think of this particular project.

8. Finding Dory (June 17th)

Everyone’s favorite forgetful Blue Tang Fish is back! Ellen DeGeneres returns and this time, she’s trying to find her family. If you recall, however, Dory has a terrible short-term memory. It seems though that memory of her family may have shifted to the long-term. Another aquatic adventure is about to go down with everyone’s favorite clown fish Merlin and his son Nemo. Along the way, we might meet some new friends (as indicated in the trailer) and see the return of some favorites. All while Pixar hopes to rebound from the slightly disappointing The Good Dinosaur. 

Why I’m Hyped: I mean besides the fact that Finding Nemo is a freaking masterpiece? Do I need a reason? Pixar with a chip on their shoulder has the potential to bring out their best. This is a team that rarely misses and it will be interesting to see how exactly Dory finds her way back home. Adding people like Ty Burrell, and Diane Keaton is another wonderful candle on this animated birthday cake of aquatic fun!

7. The Conjuring 2 (June 10th)

Another adventure in the work of demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren. This time, however, we’re headed to North London where the Warrens will investigate a home plagued with spirits that are haunting a single mother and her four children. As we see above this spirits are a little bolder than the ones we saw in the previous installment of James Wan’s modern horror masterpiece. As the Warren’s prepare to exorcise these demons they aren’t quite sure what they’re in for.

Why I’m Hyped: Sure it’s another sequel, but HAVE YOU SEEN THE FIRST ONE! Not only is that one of the most atmospherically frightening pieces of horror cinema I’ve seen in the past decade. James Wan looks like he’s once again brilliantly, meticulously and intelligently crafted a film good enough to follow the first movie. Wan is building a horror legacy here. If this is good you can bet the green light will be lit for a third film.

Shane Black director of Iron Man 3 and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is back at exactly what he does best. Bumbling, idiot cops trying to solve a mystery. This time around instead of Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr. we have Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe. Think about that duo! There’s something to be said about the entire tone that this trailer above sets. A quirky 70’s filled smorgasbord of crime solving goodness. In the ooey, gooey middle of all this is a film that has enough throwback to certainly fit nicely within the canon of Shane Black’s filmography.

Why I’m Hyped: I love Kiss Kiss Bang Bang this is a known fact, and if you didn’t know, well now you know! Many people dislike Iron Man 3, well that’s like…your opinion man! I think it is hilarious in it’s lack of care for the MCU. Back to this movie. The Nice Guys for me just completely seems like a strange mix of like Inherent Vice and L.A. Confidential, which definitely has Russell Crowe in it. This looks funny and weird in all the right way.

5. Kubo & the Two Strings

LAIKA Animation Studio, the brilliant studio behind Coraline, The Boxtrolls and Paranorman are at it once again. Using their now patented brand of stop-motion animation are bringing to life an ancient Japanese tale. This tale is about Kubo a young who is known for telling stories in his small town. After accidently summoning a spirit from his past it seeks vengeance for an ages old feud. Featuring a star-studded cast including Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, and Ralph Fiennes. This will certainly break the monotony of computer animated features.

Why I’m Hyped: This looks like classic LAIKA. Fun and interesting story-telling told through their unbelievably beautiful stop-motion lens. I love stop-motion and that is not to be denied. Kubo looks like he is rocking those strings and it’ll be really interesting to see. Hearing McConaughey’s voice attached to a character is going to be interesting. Will it just be too familiar to my ears or will I not really notice. I don’t really care this thing looks like a great way to end my summer. Everyone…I implore you to go see this movie! Boxtrolls didn’t make the money it deserved and most animated films around this time just don’t make it happ’n. Go see this!

4. Warcraft (June 10th)

Based on the popular MMORPG (Massive Multi-player Online Role-Playing Game) this film is about the battle between man and the Orcs. When something sparks a war between the two constantly bickering races the humans will battle their superior enemy, even if it means their destruction. Moon and Source Code director Duncan Jones guides the narrative with what seems like the right kind of gusto and it’s awesome to see Ragnar Lothbrok (aka Travis Kimmel of Vikings) get a shot at a motion picture spot.

Why I’m Hyped: Warcraft looks like it gets enough right from what I’m seeing. I think that in the trailer above the CGI isn’t quite finished. I think it’ll be awesome to take our popcorn and bring it into this world that Jones is trying to create. I don’t know about you but I’m ready to go. Lets go!

3. X-Men: Apocalypse (May 27th)

Following the events of X-Men: Days of Future Past we were, momentarily, introduced to Apocalypse. Here he is the big baddie in charge of ending everyone and everything. He along with his four horseman Magneto, Storm, Psylocke and Angel are out to eliminate both mutant and humankind alike. In defense of this Professor Xavier (James McAvoy) has found himself a bevy of mutants that may or may not understand or know how to fully use their powers. It’s a battle for the soul of the world. Who will prevail?

Why I’m Hyped: This thing looks absolutely awesome! From my understanding, the reviews are mixed on this. I feel like at this point most of these X-Men films are fairly critic-proof. I am looking forward to seeing what type of magic Brian Singer crafts this time with the X-Men. He’s always proven he can handle the material.

2. Jason Bourne (July 29th)

He’s back! After Jeremy Renner gave the franchise a shot (and failed) Matt Damon returns as America’s answer to James Bond. As we can see in the trailer it looks as though the town in which I currently reside (Las Vegas) is going to have its center absolutely demolished. I can’t wait to see that! Julia Stiles returns and newcomers Alicia Vikander and Tommy Lee Jones look like welcomed additions.

Why I’m Hyped: Bro, he one punched a dudes face. If that does not put an exclamation point on why I wanna see this nothing will! Matt Damon being back had me hyped and getting the opportunity to have Paul Greengrass back behind the lens is awesome. He’s always brought such a pathos to the whole affair even after taking over for Doug Liman. I’m thrilled to the brim to see this!

1. Suicide Squad (August 12)

When A.R.G.U.S. leader Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) wants to craft missions that are impossible to come out alive on the other end of she’s created a group of crazy individuals with a criminal past. This suicide squad goes on missions deemed too deadly for normal soldiers. Now guys like Deadshot and maniacs like Harley Quinn seemed to be set on dealing with the always deadly Joker.

Why I’m Hyped: DC has had a rough year so far. With Batman vs Superman getting less than stellar reviews, and a bevy of other concerns regarding their extended universe. This looks like the film that has a chance to break whatever curse has been placed on the DCEU. Jared Leto looks ready to bring it as the Joker and based on trailers like the one above I’m super-hyped for this thing!

What about you? What are your most anticipated films of Summer 2016? Let me know in that comment box below. Don’t forget to follow for more awesome stuff and hit me up on Instagram and Twitter @FilmSnobReviews