2011 Summer Preview: June

Critics were fairly enamored with the May offerings, so let’s see what June can offer up.

JUNE 3, 2011

X-Men: First Class

Premise: Before they were enemies, Charles Xavier (Professor X) and Eric Lesher (Magneto) were friends. Xavier had this grand idea to bring together the world’s mutants and train them to use their powers for good, but the government isn’t ready to face this dangerous menace with an educational platform.
Box Office Prospects: $150 M
Expectations: High. Even though I think the film will suffer at the box office due to its lack of major stars like the first films, these films have steadily increased in value with the last of the trilogy making north of $230 million. The big problem is that popular X-Man Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) only made $170+ million at the box office for his origin film, so that doesn’t give enough hope.
Oscar Prospects: The prior films weren’t really Oscar bait, though the tech categories might see some movement if the film is huge.

JUNE 10, 2011

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer

Premise: A spunky third grader sets out to have a magical summer, the best one of her life.
Box Office Prospects: $40 M
Expectations: Low. I don’t expect the film to appeal to many outside of the tween girl demo and unless the advertising push is strong, it may not perform very well.
Oscar Prospects: None.

Super 8

Premise: A group of kids making a movie witness a massive railway disaster that releases a hungry monster that threatens to destroy their town.
Box Office Prospects: $65 M
Expectations: Moderate. J.J. Abrams isn’t exactly a box office igniter, but I’m sure the film will do suitably well.
Oscar Prospects: Depending on how the film is received it will mostly contend in tech categories.

JUNE 17, 2011

Green Lantern

Premise: An adaptation of the popular comic book character Green Lantern.
Box Office Prospects: $200 M
Expectations: High. There aren’t a lot of prominent blockbusters available during June, so this one could do quite well.
Oscar Prospects: Visual Effects could be on course, but too much CGI might doom it.

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

Premise: Inundated by penguins, a middle aged man learns a valuable lesson from the home-invading tuxedo pets.
Box Office Prospects: $120 M
Expectations: Modest. Carrey hasn’t had the kind of box office phenomenon he’s used to in quite some time. This could be a chance to reverse the course and justify his salary, but competing against Green Lantern will be tough.
Oscar Prospects: Visual Effects are what most summer films try for, but I’m not sure this one will succeed.

JUNE 24, 2011

BAD TEACHER

Premise: A disgruntled teacher makes her student’s lives miserable as she tries to come to terms with her aggression.
Box Office Prospects: $120 M
Expectations: Modest. It looks somewhat funny, but neither Justin Timberlake nor Cameron Diaz have really had a solid test of their box office draw potential. Still, it could do quite well being one of the few comedies on the block.
Oscar Prospects: None.

CARS 2

Premise: As Lightning McQueen and Mater make their way to Europe for a prestigious international racing competition, they are mistaken for spies and become involved in a massive international caper.
Box Office Prospects: $350 M
Expectations: High. The first film managed nearly $250 million and was frequently cited as one of the least impressive of Pixar’s oeuvre. However, the marketing pushes in the last year have been strong and the merchandising has cemented a following. This will likely be the biggest hit of the summer, which will be nothing new for Pixar.
Oscar Prospects: A Best Animated Feature nomination is guaranteed. A win is unlikely. It’s biggest shot comes if Kung Fu Panda 2 disappoints and nothing else comes along.