Must See Movie Picks For Summer 2006

Must See Movie Picks for Summer 2006

The summer blockbuster season is upon us. Movie studios will be releasing some of the year’s most anticipated movies over the next few months. Here are some of the movies, listed by release date, that I’d be willing to “fork over” the money to see. (Popcorn, of course, is optional!)

The Da Vinci Code

Based on the novel by Dan Brown, “The Da Vinci Code” weaves a tale of intrigue around a closely guarded secret regarding the true identity of the Holy Grail. The movie is directed by Ron Howard and stars Tom Hanks, Ian McKellan and Audrey Tautou. It opens on May 19^th.

My thoughts: The previews seem dramatic and interesting; a major plus for the director and cast.

Over The Hedge

Another movie opening on May 19^th is “Over the Hedge”. This animated feature tells the story of animals and their antics in a nearby neighborhood. Bruce Willis voices the character of R.J. Other celebrity voices include Steve Carell, Garry Shandling and William Shatner.

My thoughts: I was sold on this one when I saw Ozzie (Shatner) in the previews; seems like a fun movie the whole family will enjoy.

X-Men : The Last Stand

The third installment of the X-men franchise comes to theaters on May 26^th. What will happen when mutants have the choice to keep their powers or lose them to become an average/normal human? Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart return as Wolverine and Professor Xavier.

My thoughts: I think this one will be packed with some surprises and plenty of action.

Nacho Libre

Jack Black stars in this comedy about a priest who moonlights as a masked wrestler in order to save an orphanage in danger of closing. “Nacho Libre” hits theaters on June 16^th.

My thoughts: This could be the dark comedy of the year.

A Prairie Home Companion

Robert Altman directs “A Prairie Home Companion”. The movie, set for release on June 9^th stars Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Kline, Lindsay Lohan, Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin and tells the story of the backstage happenings during the last broadcast of a radio show.

My thoughts: Interesting plot and a strong, solid cast.

Superman Returns

The man of steel returns to theaters on June 30^th. This time around Brandon Routh stars as Clark Kent a.k.a. Superman while Kate Bosworth and Kevin Spacey appear as Lois Lane and Lex Luthor, respectively.

My thoughts: I’m a little nervous about this one but have high hopes! If given the right amount of leeway, Routh and Spacey could be great in this one!

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

Johnny Depp is back as Captain Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”, set for release on July 7^th. He must rely on the help of his friends, Will Tanner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), when he has to outwit Davey Jones (Bill Nighy).

My thoughts: I think this will be the blockbuster of the year. Greatly anticipated!

A Scanner Darkly

This live action turned computer animated movie stars Keanu Reeves as a government recruit who is advised to keep tabs on his friends. “A Scanner Darkly” also stars Woody Harrelson and Winona Ryder and comes to theaters on July 7^th.

My thoughts: Turning live action into computer animation should prove very interesting.

Strangers With Candy

The big screen version of the TV show is set for release on July 7^th. Amy Sedaris stars as Jerri, a forty-something woman who returns to high school after years of hard living. Look for Stephen Colbert and Paul Dinello to reprise their roles of Mr. Noblet and Mr. Jellineck.

My thoughts: This could be funny if it stays true to the original show.

Lady In The Water

M. Night Shyamalan’s latest movie hits theaters on July 21^st. Paul Giamatti stars as a handyman who rescues an unusual woman (played by Bryce Dallas Howard) from his apartment complex’s swimming pool.

My thoughts: The previews haven’t given away too much. This could be hit or miss depending on whether or not there are any of Shyamalan’s infamous surprises.

Monster House

Another animated feature is “Monster House” which features the voices of Steve Buscemi, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jason Lee. What happens when a group of kids believe that a house in their neighborhood is haunted? You’ll have to wait until July 21^st to see.

My thoughts: Based on the previews I think this could be fun and just a little creepy.

Little Miss Sunshine

Steve Carrell, Toni Collette and Greg Kinnear star in the upcoming “Little Miss Sunshine”. The movie, which tells the story of parents who opt to travel in a R.V. to get their daughter to a beauty pageant, hits theaters on July 22^nd.

My thoughts: Steve Carrell is on a role so I look for those one to be filled with plenty of laughs.

Snakes On A Plane

Samuel L. Jackson stars in this highly anticipated movie. A crate of poisonous snakes is opened on an airplane that holds a government witness who is in protective custody. “Snakes On A Plane” slithers into theaters on August 18^th.

My thoughts: Another highly anticipated one. I think the title says it all.

Clerks II

Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith) are back in “Clerks II”. It’s ten years later for this duo who now have to deal with life in their thirties. The movie, which also co-stars Rosario Dawson, opens on August 18^th.

My thoughts: Depending on your comedic preference, you’ll either love this one or hate it!

Black Dahlia

This real life mystery is still one of the most gruesome murders in Tinseltown. “The Black Dahlia” stars Josh Hartnett, Scarlett Johansson, Mia Kirshner and Hilary Swank. The movie hits theaters on September 15^th.

My thoughts: This is another movie with a strong cast. Look for a good dramatic mystery!