There is a popular argument that the best films come out in summer time. Kids are out of school, and families have money to spend. The lull between the Christmas movie explosion and the arrival of summer is sometimes droll.
Here are six films to watch before the season smashes in with “Avengers: Age of Ultron” on May 1.
1. “Kingsman: The Secret Service” — Feb 13
This rags-to-riches chav becomes James Bond story embraces the outrageousness of old Bond movies and has an absolute blast doing so. The cast ranges from Colin Firth to Samuel L. Jackson to Mark Strong, cueing action-packed shenanigans of British men in suits. What’s not to love.
Disney continues the trend of live-action fairytales with their version of the classic Cinderella story. Starring Lily James as Cinderella, Richard Madden as the prince and Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine, “Cinderella” is a majestic swirl of costume design, goodness and magic.
The second in the “Divergent” dystopian trilogy, “Insurgent” has main character Tris Prior confront her inner demons and continue to fight against the social constrictions that created her society in post-modern Chicago. Featuring Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Theo James and Kate Winslet, this film is a go-to for any starved “Hunger Games” fans.
Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence reteam for this low-budget Depression-era story about a timber company lord and the complications that arise when he marries Selena. Fans of the couple will no doubt find this venture just as satisfying as their previous films.
In the light of Paul Walker’s tragic death, the film was completed with the help of stunt doubles and CGI. Another classic revenge story, “Furious 7” follows Deckerd Shaw (Jason Statham) on his path of revenge against the Toretto family for the death of Shaw’s brother. Action-packed, familiar and a bit harsh,
6. “The Age of Adaline” — April 24
This year’s “Time Traveler’s Wife” sister film, “The Age of Adaline” describes a woman (Blake Lively) who becomes ageless after an accident. After years of loneliness, she meets a man who may change everything. Mushy with a painful center, only time will tell which side of the thin line this movie will walk.
There’s only a little over a month until the summer blockbusters come in full swing, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. Some of these films simply lost the battle for May and June release dates. Mark your calendars, and have fun!
