Prodigious Filmdom 5: Riskiest 2016 Summer Blockbusters

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It’s May and the summer blockbusters are about to run wild at the movies. Captain America: Civil War smashingly outset the season with over $180 million on opening weekend, and we are just getting started. But before we get too excited, there’s a storm full of disappointment and despair rolling in. A movie’s hopes and dreams swirling into a studio’s loss of cash and becoming the dreaded flop.

With their future a bit foggy, these movies I have chosen hope to conquer the challenges that await them, leaving a lasting impression with us all.

 Will the risk be worth the reward? Here’s to not becoming a summer bummer!

 

WARCRAFT

(June 10)

Orcs and humans having to team up in order to save each of their civilizations from destruction sounds exciting (perhaps a little bizarre as well), though it’s a world millions of people are very acquainted with. Based on one of the most popular games ever, it was only a matter of time before someone would try to get this monstrous clash on to the big screen. That someone is Duncan Jones, a director with a proven inventiveness of bringing new worlds splendidly in to existence. Go watch Moon and Source Code now.

Can Jones handle a Hollywood blockbuster, though? Only time will tell. Regardless, the biggest worry is its audience. This one undoubtedly has its diehard fan base, but they can’t solely rely on them to make it a success. It’s going to have to appeal to a broader audience, which is easier said than done. A specifically limited scope on the individuals it will interest won’t make Warcraft the mammoth it aspires to be.

THE BFG

(July 1)

Hey – I wouldn’t dare bet against THE Steven Spielberg. I mean the man invented the summer blockbuster with Jaws. Still, you have to be of a certain age to recall this beloved children’s tale by Roald Dahl. Also, it’s about giants and they haven’t quite been well received at the box office in the past. Remember Jack the Giant Slayer? I rest my case.

Still, it is Spielberg we are talking about here – one of the most celebrated filmmakers in movie history. So, it goes without saying that this enchanting story is in the most extraordinarily creative hands imaginable. Forgetting about Finding Dory, being released two weeks before, and The Secret Life of Pets, coming out one week after, would be a hefty mistake. The BFG and its director will have to duke it out for the kids’ attention.

THE LEGEND OF TARZAN

(July 1)

Oh man. This jungle fable never runs out of lives. This is an easy one to pick in terms of being a liability. The reason? It’s simple – it’s been done before…more than once actually. Having David Yates behind the camera can’t hurt, especially since he directed the last four Harry Potter films. I think we can all rest easy when it comes to him and successful big budget movies. Alexander Skarsgård is Tarzan of the Apes and Margot Robbie plays Jane, two rising stars looking to headline a massive hit. Familiarity could be its demise, yet the first trailer does look promising. Nervousness still remains because we may have already seen the best this movie has to offer.

GHOSTBUSTERS (2016)

 (July 15)

Rebooting Ghostbusters with an all-female cast has to be one of the biggest gambles of at least the past decade. Then again, it’s probably better to change the sex of the characters than replacing any of the original “paranormal investigators” and hoping a riot doesn’t erupt. This is a gutsy move that Sony is hoping pays off tremendously, leading to a whole new franchise. Getting Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy to team once again with their Bridesmaids director Paul Feig is a dandy decision. Their humor and sass will be welcomed, but will audiences allow themselves to forgive and find acceptance? Personally, this new vision of the team could work if the narrative finds its harmony where the history is valued while not being intimidated to be audaciously reborn. If not, then I have no damn clue who you’re gonna call.

BEN-HUR (2016)

(August 19)

Unfortunately this is real and truly a head-scratcher. This uncalled-for remake of the Charlton Heston classic slipped up on me. Visually, the 3D chariot race will be stunning, and the noise will be loud and thunderous. I don’t doubt this in the least. What I have major doubts about is that there are no recognizable actors in this besides Morgan Freeman (and he’s basically in everything), the director is responsible for Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, and the pleading from folks for an updated Ben-Hur is non-existent. These cinematic shoes are too astronomical to fill.

Brandon Vick is the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and star of Brandon’s Box Office In Your Mouth. Follow him on Twitter@SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.

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