2014 Summer Movie Guide

It’s almost summer and that means one thing here in the East Valley– get out of the heat!  A great way to do that is to head to your local movie theatre.  Summer movie season is an awesome time for some escapism.  We all know some of the films won’t have the best plots or writing, but we do know that they will provide us with a lot of entertainment for a couple of hours.  Here is a look at some of what is coming this summer, and there’s something for everyone!  For a complete list check out MovieInsider.com: For the Family: May 30^th – Maleificent {Rated PG}:  If you’re a fan of “Sleeping Beauty” you know Maleificent well.  You’ll also know that Angelina Jolie looks positively frightening as the horned villain in this live action version of her story.  I’m excited for this one!  My six-year-old daughter, Ella, however says, “No way.  It looks scary.” June 13th – How To Train Your Dragon 2 {Rated PG}:  This is the follow up to 2010’s “How to Train Your Dragon.”  This one gets a thumbs up from Ella.  She says it looks “Fun, good and interesting.”  Can’t go wrong with that. July 18^th – Planes: Fire & Rescue {Not Yet Rated}:  This Disney follow up to last summer’s “Planes” should be popular with the playground set.  Ella also gave this a thumbs up and said, “Yep, I want to see it.” August 8^th – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles {Not Yet Rated}:  Get ready for another reboot of a late 80’s/early 90’s toy franchise.  Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Donatello are all back to rock your little one’s world. For Mature Kiddos, Teens, and Adults: May 30^th – A Million Ways to Die in the West {Rated R}:  Just in case you get out minus kids, you may like a good summer comedy.  I’m not sure if this is it, but it is a Seth MacFarlane film, so it may have potential.  He created “Family Guy” and the movie “Ted.”  It also stars Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried and Neil Patrick Harris. June 1^st – Edge of Tomorrow {Rated PG-13}: This sci-fi thriller stars Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt.  It looks like the futuristic war version of “Groundhog Day.”  I will say, I’m not a huge sci-fi fan, but the trailer for this actually looks like it will be a great popcorn flick. June 1^st – The Fault in Our Stars {Rated PG-13}:  This movie is based on a YA novel which is pretty popular and supposedly really good.  I haven’t read it, and it looks a little sad.  You might need to bring a few tissues with you if you choose to see this one. June 6^th – Burt’s Buzz {Not Yet Rated}:  If you like documentaries, this looks like a good one.  It takes a look at the eccentric life of Burt’s Bees c0-founder Burt Shavitz.  The guy loves bees and he makes really good lip balm.  Find out how it all began. June 13^th – 22 Jump Street {Not Yet Rated}:  Jonah Hill is in this one.  That’s all you need to know.  Just kidding, that Channing Tatum guy is in it too.  Might be a good flick to catch during a mom’s night out! June 13^th – The Rover {Rated R}:  If you’ve been anxiously awaiting Robert Pattinson’s next film, wait no more, this is it.  Looks a little gritty and dark.  Certainly a departure from Edward Cullen.  Not a vampire in sight for this one. June 20^th – Think Like a Man Too {Rated PG-13}: This follow up to “Think Like a Man” starring Kevin Hart takes place in Vegas.  I think that means it will be good for more than a few laughs.  A good one for a date night with the hubby. June 20^th – Jersey Boys {Rated R}:  This film is based on the popular Broadway musical and is directed by Clint Eastwood. June 25^th – Yves Saint Laurent {Rated R}:  If you have a fashionista in the house, she’ll enjoy this film based on the life of fashion designer, you guessed it, Yves Saint Laurent.  The trailer looks amazing, and I know I for one am super excited to see this one! June 27^th – Transformers 4: Age of Extinction {Not Yet Rated}: If you’re familiar with this franchise, you know it’s based on a popular 80’s toy.  The first three films starred Shia LeBouf.  This one stars Mark Wahlberg.  Grab your popcorn, enough said. June 27^th – They Came Together {Rated R}:  This comedy stars Amy Poehler and Paul Rudd.  I mean, can a comedy get any better?  This one should be good for a few laughs as well.  Go with your girlfriends for a fun night out. July 2^nd – Deliver Us From Evil {Not Yet Rated}:  Just looking at the title, I’m running for the hills.  Horror’s not my thing.  But if it is yours, this film should deliver a few chills.  It stars Eric Bana and Olivia Munn. July 2^nd – Tammy {Rated R}:  If you’re a fan of Melissa McCarthy and her endless ability to play characters which are a little on the crazy side, and a lot on the hilarious side, then Tammy should not disappoint. July 4^th – Begin Again {Rated R}:  This movie looks so dang good!  It has a stellar cast – Scarlett Johansson, Keira Knightly, Mark Ruffalo, and the sexiest man alive, Adam Levine.  Ruffalo is a down on his luck record executive who discovers Knightly singing in a bar, a discovery which is possibly life changing for both of them. July 11^th – Dawn of the Planet of the Apes {Rated PG-13}: This is the prequel to 2011’s reboot of the “Planet of the Apes” series, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.”  It stars Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Jason Clarke and Judy Greer.  Sign, it does not star Mark Wahlberg or James Franco.  If you’re a fan of the series it should be a great popcorn movie. July 11^th – And So it Goes {Rated PG-13}:  This is Rob Reiner’s latest film.  You know, he directed “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “A Few Good Men.”  It stars Diane Keaton and Michael Douglas.  Enough said, go see it. July 18^th – Jupiter Ascending {Not Yet Rated}:  This is the latest film from the Wachowski’s, who were also responsible for “The Matrix” series.  It stars Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum.  Score two for Channing Tatum fans this summer! July 18^th – Wish I Was Here {Not Yet Rated}:  If you’re a fan of Zach Braff and you’ve been waiting for him to write and direct a film since 2004’s “Garden State,” one of my favorite movies by the way, then the wait is over!  This film was made with funds collected in part from a Kickstarter campaign.  If you donated, how awesome for you!  If not, you just get to sit back and enjoy.  It also stars Kate Hudson and Josh Gad, aka Olaf.  Olaf’s in it, that’s all you need to know. July 25^th – Hercules {Not Yet Rated}:  Looking for another popcorn flick with a lot of muscle, and men without their shirts on, then this one is for you.  It stars Dwayne Johnson, one of the nicest action heros out there.  And he’s not bad to look at, either. August 1^st – Guardians of the Galaxy {Not Yet Rated}:  This Marvel comic book sci-fi adventure stars Zoe Saldana and Chris Pratt. August 1^st – Get On Up {Not Yet Rated}:  If you’re a fan of James Brown then you’ll love this biopic starring Chadwick Boseman as the hardest working man in show business.  It also reunites Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer who both appeared in “The Help.”  Get on up off of the couch and go see this one. I hope this list has helped you make some good choices about what you and your family want to see this summer!  What movie are you most excited about?