Exclusive! Attack of the Show's Guys' Guide to 2012 Summer Movies
There's something for everyone at this year's summer box office. But if you're a guy, it's understandable if you thought you'd died and gone to popcorn movie heaven. Here, guest editors Kevin Pereira and Candace Bailey from our sister cable network G4's Attack of the Show, (tune in this week, starting Monday, 04/23, at 7/6c, to Attack of the Summer Movies) run down the ultimate list of dude movies headed your way! Pop open a cold one, and enjoy!
THE AVENGERS
Joss Whedon may have created the best superhero movie of all time with this action-packed assemblage of Earth's mightiest heroes. Captain America, Iron Man and Thor have never been portrayed better on the big screen, but it's Mark Ruffallo's role as The Hulk that will have everyone in awe. And like most Marvel films, the final moments of The Avengers are sure to leave us on the edge of our seats as they tempt us with what's to come in future sequels.
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
This film has a lot to live up to after The Dark Knight became the 11th highest-grossing film of all time - but if anyone can do it, it's Chris Nolan and Christian Bale. The Dark Knight Rises draws inspiration from acclaimed Batman comics like The Dark Knight Returns, Knightfall, and No Man's Land, which means not only are we in store for an even grittier caped crusader, but also an epic confontration between Batman and Tom Hardy's drug-pumping strongman Bane. As if Anne Hatheway in a leather cat suit wasn't enough to get us into our seats.
PROMETHEUS
After a long hiatus from the genre, director Ridley Scott is making a welcome return to the dark sci-fi he helped define with this semi-prequel set in the Alien universe. Prometheus comes loaded with a talented, all-star cast (Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, and Guy Pearce to name a few) and mythology-heavy script from "Lost" co-creator Damon Lindelof. And if the trailers and viral campaign have been any indication, this movie is shaping up to be this summer's sleeper hit. According to remarks made by Scott at this year's Wondercon, it might even lead to some sequels.
SAVAGES
This underground tale of start-up pot growers facing off against a Mexican cartel is a perfect fit for director and king of grit Oliver Stone, who looks to be returning to his Natural Born Killers days of drugs, sex, and violence. Adapted from the best-selling novel by Don Winslow, Savages features a cavalcade of familiar faces: Taylor Kitsch ("Friday Night Lights"), Emile Hirsch, Uma Thurman, Salma Hayek, and a barely-recognizable Aaron Johnson (last seen in a green and yellow one-piece in 2010’s Kick Ass). Oh yeah, did we mention John Travolta plays a crooked federal agent? Yes, please.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN VAMPIRE HUNTER
Steven Spielberg may be working on a straight-shooting biopic of the 16th President of the United States, but this alternate reality mash-up – from the mind of best-selling author of "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" Seth Grahame-Smith – most likely won’t find its way into any U.S. history lessons. Directed by visionary Russian import Timur Bekmambetov (Night Watch, Day Watch, and 2008’s Wanted) Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter pits an axe-wielding Honest Abe against hordes of blood-thirsty undead. Need we say more?
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
Franchise reboots can be hit or miss, but with Andrew Garfield taking over the title role in The Amazing Spider-Man and director Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer) shooting with state-of-the-art Red Epic Cameras, we can't wait for our favorite friendly neighborhood Spider-Man to swing back into theaters. While few 3D movies not directed by James Cameron have impressed us, Webb has reportedly created a new experience where we’ll allegedly feel what it’s like to be Spider-Man while he’s jumping over buildings and swinging across New York City thanks to his trusty webshooters. Our spidey sense is already tingling!
THE BOURNE LEGACY
Don’t you dare call The Bourne Legacy a remake, reboot or prequel – what we have here is a whole new Bourne story with Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker, The Avengers) taking on the mantle of the title character. The film takes place after the conclusion of The Bourne Ultimatum, where Renner faces off against a villainous Edward Norton while dealing with the ramifications of Jason Bourne’s previous actions. And anyone who has seen Primal Fear or American History X knows that Norton is at his best when he’s playing the bad guy.
TED
Following in the footsteps of Mike Judge and the cult classic thaOffice Space, all eyes are on this live-action directorial debut of "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane. Ted stars Mark Wahlberg as a boy whose childhood wish brings his teddy bear to life. That's all well and good for a kid, but the bear follows Wahlberg well into his adult years, becoming a foul-mouthed, irresponsible teddy roommate. MarcFarlane pulls double-duty as the voice of the bear, and will surely please fans of his rapid-fire comedy style. Every summer needs a raunchy, vulgar comedy, and this year, that will without a doubt be Ted.
MOONRISE KINGDOM
Fans of director Wes Anderson’s manicured, dead-pan style will flock to the theaters for Moonrise Kingdom: a nostalgic summer camp story set in the 1960’s with a venerable ensemble cast. While it doesn’t feature Luke or Owen Wilson, it does include some of Anderson’s go-to’s – like Frances McDormand, Jason Schwartzman, and the increasingly elusive Bill Murray – plus names like Bruce Willis and Edward Norton. It’s headlining the Cannes International Film Festival in May, but anyone looking for some off-beat laughs and a different summer fare will find comfort here.
THE CAMPAIGN
Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis team-up for The Campaign, a timely political comedy from Austin Powers and Meet the Parents director Jay Roach. Written by Shawn Harwell and Chris Henchy (of HBO’s "Eastbound & Down"), the modern tale of dirty politics focuses on incumbent representative Cam Brady (Ferrell) and warm-hearted new-comer Marty Huggins (Galifianakis) as they battle over votes in a tiny North Carolina district. Nevermind its political relevance - this long-awaited comedic pairing looks like it will bring the laughs for Anchorman and "Daily Show" fans alike.
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