Summer Film Preview 2008

April showers bring May flowers and May brings us the beginning of the summer films. Alongside explosions and superheroes we have a healthy dose of compelling films that may tread slightly off the beaten path. Let's keep our eyes open for both, shall we? The season officially kicked off with the release of Iron Man last Friday, which makes it due time for the Summer Preview.

The Stone Angel - May 9/08
Kari Skogland adapts of the bestselling Margaret Laurence novel bringing a compelling story to life. One of the highlights of TIFF 07.

Son of Rambow - May 9/08
Continual festival buzz on this film has me curious to this film set around kids obsessed with Rambo whom decide to make the film themselves.

Redbelt - May 9/08
I was so confused earlier this year when I thought Never Back Down was Redbelt. Both are about fighting, but only one has Chiwetel Ejiofor as an honourable fellow and fighter.

Planet B-Boy - May 16/08
Documentary on B-Boy dancing across the globe, and of course, a competition. I missed seeing this at Hot Docs 08 due to the TTC Strike, and am eagerly awaiting and opportunity to see it now.

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - May 16/08
Loved the first film, and recently read this one to prep for the theatrical release. Although I'm not sure how well the story will read to todays audience, but I’m really looking forward to finding out.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - May 22/08
Across the board seems to be the pick for the film of the summer, possibly the year considering Star Trek XI has been bumped to 2009.

Postal – May 23/08
Although I’m sure this will be ridiculously not PC, I just can’t help but be curious about the latest from director Uwe Boll.

Mongol – June 6/08
Re-scheduled from winter, this Oscar nominated film is now due to hit the theatres in the summer. An epic tale with beautiful cinematography, I look forward to revisiting it on the big screen.

Young People Fucking - June 13/08
After all the controversy, I can't help but be curious and see this film.

The Happening - June 13/08
Newest film from M. Night Shyamalan starring Mark Walhberg, and keeps the creepy tension as only Shyamalan can. I am going to continue to try and avoid hearing anything about it before it’s released.

The Incredible Hulk - June 13/08
Edward Norton stars in the latest version of the Hulk directed by Louis Leterrier (Transporter 2, Unleashed). I’m going to wait for the buzz on this before deciding on seeing it.

My Winnipeg – June 20/08
The most bizarre documentary you will ever see, and a quintessential Guy Maddin film.

Global Metal - June 20/08 (Toronto/Vancouver), June 27/08 (Montreal) *newly added
An international look at the culture of heavy metal by the creators of Metal: A Headbanger's Journey

WALL-E - June 27/08
Pixar’s summer flick with robot protagonist. I'm curious if anyone involved in the film is old enough to have seen Short Circuit as the resemblance of the 2 robots is so similar.

HellBoy II: The Golden Army - July 11/08
The first Hellboy from 2004 was a suprize delight; funny, touching and great action as well. I hope the second will be just as fun.

X-Files 2 - July 18/08
I believe.

The Dark Knight - July 18/08
There is still tons of buzz on this film but I'm filled with hesitation to see it considering the untimely death of Heath Ledger.

Pineapple Express – August 8/08
David Gordon Green (All the Real Girls) directs a ‘Judd Aptow film' starring some familiar faces from Freaks and Geeks (Seth Rogan, James Franco), as well as Rosie Perez in this crime comedy.

Babylon A.D. - August 29/08
Originally slated to come out in Feb 08, this is the latest from directed Mathieu Kassovitz (The Crimson Rivers) starring Vin Diesel.

Canadian release dates listed, and all release dates are subject to change.