Gauging the hype for summer movies
Forget about that snow in the forecast because May (and the release of “The Fall Guy”) marks the start of Summer Movie Season.
The 2024 slate includes the usual mix of sequels and blockbusters, though don’t expect too many superheroes (except for the potty-mouthed cast of “Deadpool & Wolverine”).
New to The Press in this preview: The Summer Movie Hype-O-Meter, an extremely scientific device that measures the anticipation level of this year’s summer crop. A “10” means “pre-order your tickets ASAP.” A “1” means “Maybe watch it on streaming sometime next year.” Scientific!
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (May 10)
The trilogy of “Apes” movies led by Andy Serkis, which capped with 2017’s “War for the Planet of the Apes,” mixed incredible special effects with thoughtful storytelling. Without Serkis and director Matt Reeves, it’s unclear what to expect in this latest adventure, set hundreds of years after the last movie. HYPE: 6
IF (May 17)
John Krasinski directs this family-friendly fantasy about a young girl who begins to see all the world’s former imaginary friends. With Ryan Reynolds and Steve Carell. HYPE: 5
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (May 24)
A prequel to the beloved, visually dazzling “Mad Max: Fury Road” from 2015, Anya Taylor-Joy stars as a younger version of the titular character (originated by Charlize Theron). Chris Hemsworth co-stars. Can director George Miller recapture the magic? Or will “Furiosa” play like an unnecessary rehash? HYPE: 8
The Garfield Movie (May 24)
Chris Pratt doesn’t need to voice every single animated character, OK? HYPE: 4
I Saw the TV Glow (Expanding in May)
The trippy, retro-infused horror-thriller freaked out audiences at Sundance and South by Southwest earlier this year. HYPE: 9
Ballerina (June 5)
A “John Wick” spinoff starring Ana de Armas that’s hopefully better than the TV spinoff “The Continental.” HYPE: 5
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (June 7)
The fourth “Bad Boys” movie and the first true box office test for post-slap Will Smith. HYPE: 5
Inside Out 2 (June 14)
After a string of original movies that didn’t quite capture the hearts of audiences, Pixar goes back to safe-sequel territory with a follow-up to one of the studio’s best. HYPE: 7
The Bikeriders (June 21)
An Oscar player last fall until its rescheduling, this drama boasts a terrific cast, including Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer and Austin Butler. HYPE: 6
A Quiet Place: Day One (June 28)
A spinoff/prequel to the Emily Blunt-led thrillers, this one has an intense trailer and an equally magnetic lead in Lupita Nyong’o. HYPE: 7
Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1
Kevin Costner’s two-part, self-financed Western. The second installment arrives Aug. 16. HYPE: 5
Kinds of Kindness (expanding in June)
The latest collaboration between Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone (who won an Oscar for their last colab, “Poor Things”). Looks as weird as should be expected from Yorgos. HYPE: 7
Despicable Me 4 (July 3)
The movie most likely to make a billion dollars this summer. Counterpoint: Who cares? HYPE: 3
MaXXXine (July 5)
The third collaboration between Mia Goth and director Ti West after the terrific “X” and “Pearl” from 2022. This '80s-set slasher includes a sprinkling of Kevin Bacon. HYPE: 9
Fly Me to the Moon (July 12)
Scarlett Johannson and Channing Tatum stage a moon landing in this romantic comedy. HYPE: 5
Twisters (July 19)
A stand-alone sequel to 1996’s “Twister,” this one with a dynamite cast including Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos. HYPE: We’ve got 10 cows!
Deadpool & Wolverine (July 26)
With everyone still burnt out on superheroes, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman look to be taking an Adamantium-infused claw to the MCU. Expect bountiful F-words and fourth wall breaks. HYPE: 8
Harold and the Purple Crayon (Aug. 2)
A kids movie based on the popular book that, somehow, doesn’t feature the voice of Chris Pratt. HYPE: 4
Borderlands (Aug. 9)
A live-action adventure based on the popular video game starring… Cate Blanchett?! The trailer for this movie is truly baffling. HYPE: 2
Trap (Aug. 9)
M. Night Shyamalan’s latest stars Josh Hartnett as a father/serial killer trying to elude police at a pop star’s concert. If you’re not onboard with Shyamalan’s recent output, well, sorry for you. HYPE: 7
Alien: Romulus (Aug. 16)
After a string of Ridley Scott-directed attempts, horror director Fede Alvarez tries to re-spark the franchise. HYPE: 6
The Crow (Aug. 23)
Bill Skarsgard stars in a very unnecessary remake. HYPE: 2
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Tyler Wilson can be reached at twilson@cdapress.com.