If you’re looking for promising summer movies, you’ve come to the right place. Some big directors are back with some big movies. That includes Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” and Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day.” And some old cinematic friends are back in “Toy Story 5.” Here’s my list of what’s ahead this summer.
“Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” (May 22) – This “Star Wars” universe entry follows Grogu in a tussle with a variety of denizens. I must admit I’m a big “Star Wars” fan boy, as long as Jar Jar Binks doesn’t show up somewhere. I’ll take Ewoks any day or night over Jar Jar.
“Masters of the Universe” (June 5) – Instead of Dolph Lundgren in the 1987 version, upcoming actor Nicholas Galitizine takes the reins as He-Man in this sword and sorcery superhero fantasy adventure. In my lifetime, He-Man was a big action toy of the 1980s.
“Supergirl” (June 26) – Speaking of superheroes, Milly Alcock (“Superman”) slips into a red cape as Supergirl, or Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin. Craig Gillespie, who called the shots on “Lars and the Real Girl” in 2007, is in the director’s chair for this action-epic. I’m looking forward to this one. It’s second on my list of must-sees.
“The Odyssey” (July 17) – One name: Christopher Nolan. Enough said. The great director of “Oppenheimer,” “The Prestige” and “Tenet” takes on the huge challenge of Homer’s epic adventure of one man’s struggle to return home after the Trojan War. Matt Damon takes the lead as Odysseus. Costars include Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson and Charlize Theron.
“Toy Story 5” (June 19) – Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) are back in the toybox for (at least) one more computer-animated adventure. I don’t mind sequels if the quality stays high like this one. I trust the Mouse House because like Christopher Nolan, they haven’t disappointed me yet.
“Disclosure Day” (June 12) – This sci-fi thriller is the movie I’m most looking forward to this summer. Acclaimed director Steven Spielberg returns to “Close Encounters” territory with a tale that possibly proves, cinematically speaking, that someone was out there and now they may be coming to visit. Emily Blunt heads a cast that includes Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth and Colman Domingo.
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” (July 31) – This is another summer movie I’m looking forward to. Tom Holland takes on the role of Peter Parker in this often revisited tale. In this one, the superhero is keeping a low profile until unforeseen circumstances force him into action. Zendaya, who is rumored to maybe, maybe not, not sure, be married to Holland in real life, returns as MJ.
“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War” (May 20) – John Krasinski returns as Jack Ryan in this action-thriller spies adventure. Former TV director Andrew Bernstein makes his feature-film directing debut with a cast that includes Sienna Miller as Emma Marlow.
