TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley,
Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson,
Kevin Dunn, Julie White, Frances McDormand, John
Malkovich,
Ken Jeong, Patrick Dempsey, Alan Tudyk, John
Turturro & Leonard Nimoy
Directed by Michael Bay for distribution by
DreamWorks (Paramount)
The Plot: When a
long-held secret comes to light it threatens to unleash a new danger on the
world that even Megatron and the Autobots can’t help the Earth avoid.
The Final Word: One of the most
popular conspiracy theories around is centered on whether man actually landed
on the moon. “Dark of the Moon” takes that conspiracy and ups to a new degree
that executives hope will wash away memories of “Revenge of the Fallen.” The
last time the Transformers invaded theaters it was 2009 and while the movie
made money it also was widely panned by both the crew and viewing public.
Although so far this new one (of course shot in 3D) has been winning over
audiences and fanboys can’t wait to see more of Victoria’s Secret angel Rosie
Huntington-Whiteley, who takes over Megan Fox as the female lead.
(June 29)
LARRY CROWNE
Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Bryan Cranston,
Cedric the Entertainer,
Taraji P. Henson, Gugu Mbatha Raw, Wilmer
Valderrama, Pam Grier,
Rami Malek, George Takei, Grace Gummer, Rita Wilson
& Jon Seda
Directed by Tom Hanks for distribution by Universal
The Plot: Fired from his
job at a big-box warehouse store, Larry Crowne (Hanks) decides to go back to
school to get his college degree and in the process falls for his professor
(Roberts)
The Final Word: Tom Hanks is the
most likeable actors in Hollywood and comes with a built-in audience. So
imagine Universal’s shock when his initial teaming with America’s Sweetheart
Julia Roberts didn’t break the box office bank. Although while “Charlie
Wilson’s War” didn’t dominate the Cineplex, it served its point; it became a
player in the Oscar race, even netting a nod for the incomparable Phillip
Seymour Hoffman. Now Universal is again attempting the re-teaming with a
straight comedy hoping that taking the drama element out will make a
difference. Granted the top of job loss isn’t exactly a laughing matter, but
Hanks who co-wrote the film with “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” scribe Nia
Vardalos, knows what it takes to sell a comedy. After all his resume comes
complete with rom-com legends “Sleepless In Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail.”
This could surprise people come opening weekend.
MONTE CARLO
Starring: Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester, Katie
Cassidy,
Andie MacDowell & Cory Monteith
Directed by Tom Bezucha for distribution by 20th
Century Fox
The Plot: While on
vacation in Paris, one of three friends is mistaken a member of royalty which
leads to an all-out dream vacation for the trip in Monte Carlo.
The Final Word: Yes, Selena
Gomez is popular, but she’s also a thorn in the side of every delusional tween
who thinks they have a shot with Justin Bieber. That situation poses an
interesting question; can a movie aimed young girls succeed with a lead that
many young girls don’t like? Gomez is smart and talented, as are her on-screen
sisters who are also among the brightest female rising stars, but it’s very
possible this romantic comedy could get lost in the 4th of July
shuffle.
Previewed next week: Horrible Bosses & Zookeeper
