Summer ’16 has been a disappointing season for moviegoers. While previous summers have had a few must-see blockbusters, this summer seems especially lackluster. With such critical and box office disappointments as Warcraft, The BFG, Independence Day: Resurgence, Alice Through The Looking Glass, Neighbors 2, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Out of the Shadows, and Gods of Egypt, it’s understandable to feel like there’s no must see film of the summer. That said, here are 8 upcoming films that we’re actually excited about because they should easily rise above the mediocre competition:
1. Suicide Squad
On the surface, Suicide Squad might seem like a ploy by Warner Brothers to attract angsty teens to vacant Hot Topics in malls around America, but if early buzz is any indication then we have an enjoyable blockbuster on our hands. With a cast consisting of Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Ben Affleck, Jared Leto and countless other prolific actors, this ensemble movie could be the hit DC needs to redeem itself after Batman Vs. Superman.
2. Jason Bourne
It’s been 9 years since we last saw Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne in action in The Bourne Ultimatum. Since then, the studio attempted that spinoff featuring Jeremy Renner that no one remembers. While the ‘shaky cam’ direction style that the original trilogy is known for has become commonplace and obnoxious, I believe that director Paul Greengrass will be able to continue the Bourne tradition of badass fights in exotic locales.
3. Sausage Party
Appealing to both stoners, and middle schoolers alike, Seth Rogen’s Sausage Party definitely stands out when compared to the repetitive formulaic junk that Rogen has been coasting off of for the past few years. As the world’s first R rated CG animated film, many people are curious about the combination will be utilized. Are we going to get a hotdog and a bun simulate sex? Probably. Will there be a scene involving hotdogs getting high? Definitely. But who isn’t curious to see that?
4. War Dogs
It seems like Todd Phillips (director of The Hangover Trilogy as well as Old School) is pulling an Adam Mckay (the director of Anchorman who recently released the Oscar nominated Big Short). While the trailer clearly emphasizes some of the more humorous elements, this film seems to be Philips attempt to be taken a little more seriously as a director. If Philips’ previous comedies and his decision to prove himself are any indication, then we are in for a treat. Especially with a cast consisting of Jonah Hill and Miles Teller.
5. The Infiltrator
Bad-ass Bryan Cranston + Drugs = Success. That’s a scientifically proven equation. Throw in Pablo Escobar and a plot based on a true-story, and you’ve got a movie that’s certain to keep the audience on the edge of their seat. The Infiltrator should hopefully prove itself as the surprise thriller of the summer.
6. Lights Out
I know what you’re thinking, “Oh a horror movie about a killer that hides in the dark, how original.” Based on a short film, this movie is being produced by David Wan who has proven that he is a modern day master of the horror genre with releases such as Saw franchise, The Conjuring franchise, and Insidious. Even though it’s only rated PG-13, stock up on some adult diapers and be prepared to be scared.
7. Dr. Strange
While DC is trying its hardest to catch-up, it’s clear that Marvel is the undisputed king of comic book movies. Marvel could make a movie centered around Stan Lee preparing a nice grilled cheese and tomato soup for two hours, and it would still make a billion dollars. Marvel’s latest attempt to shake up the formulaic comic book movie is Dr. Strange, which promises to be a trippy, psychedelic experience staring Benedict Cucumberbatch
8. The Founder
The Founder is a Bio-Pic starring Michael Keaton as Ray Kroc, who is commonly credited as the man responsible for making McDonald’s the corporation it is today. While this film should be a pretty interesting take on the rise of McDonald’s, am I the only one incredibly uncomfortable with seeing Nick Offerman without his Ron Swanson mustache?