Film fanatic who can't stop writing about/talking about/ and even make films. Follow me on Twitter: @JustinQuizon and on Tumblr: http://justinquiz.tumblr.com/

With Godzilla smashing it’s way through the Box Office, it’s time for the Summer Movies to bring in another Superhero/comic book movie. But, we’ll get back to that in a bit. There are other new films coming out this week, for the folks who just don’t care about comic book movies at all.

It’s funny how sometimes studios will release a few films that by coincidence, seem a bit similar to each other. There are not one…not two…but THREE romantic movies starting big named actors who bicker but fall in love with each other.

But first up……

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What’s it about? Accompanied only by her faithful dog and four camels, an Australian (Mia Wasikowska) satisfies her craving for solitude by embarking on a solo trip across the desert from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean.

My thoughts? Mia Wasikowska is an actress that has been grabbing my attention when I saw her in the awesome little zombie short film, I Love Sarah Jane. This has to be one of the most challenging films of her career, as she is  front and center of a movie that is depending on the strength of her performance. I also am intrigued by Adam Driver in this movie, as he continues to be one of the most unique leading men in movies right now. The film itself has some gorgeous shots, but it truly has to work if Wasikowska can deliver, and I honestly think she can.

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What’s it about? After learning that a brain aneurysm will kill him in about 90 minutes, a perpetually unhappy man (Robin Williams) struggles to come to terms with his fate and make amends with everyone he has ever hurt.

My thoughts? Director Phil Alden Robinson has made two films that I pretty much adore. One is the still kick ass Sneakers, other is the classic Field of Dreams. He hasn’t really made a film as great as those in a while, but this one looks very promising. I think it’s a bang up premise for a dark/feel good comedy, and a fun and well cast roll for Robin Williams. It’s also our one of two films that has Peter Dinklage that’s coming out this week, and this seems to be a great use of him too. I actually kinda love the whole cast. I like that Mila Kunis is getting to use her comedy chops in this and is playing a character instead of eye candy. Melissa Leo as Robins’ wife is gold. And did I mention Dinklage? Never heard of this movie till this week, but I actually wanna see this one.

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What’s it about? Recently divorced mom Lauren (Drew Barrymore) and widowed dad Jim (Adam Sandler) let their friends push them into a blind date, which goes disastrously wrong. Unsurprisingly, neither wants to see the other ever again. However, fate intervenes when both Jim and Lauren, unbeknown to each other, purchase one-half of the same vacation package at a South African resort; they and their children are forced to share the same suite and participate in a slew of family activities together.

My thoughts? Whenever my friend Victor see’s this poster, he looks at me and proclaims with a sadistic smile, “Oh look, it’s the Hepburn and Tracy of our time.” God help me…and as much I hate to admit it…he’s kinda right. Listen, it’s not like I hate their other movies. Heavens no. I like The Wedding Singer as much as anyone else. I even really honestly had a good time with 50 First Dates. These are fun movies. This one…seems a bit more safe then the last two. I’m sure this will do well, and Sandler and Barrymore do in fact have chemistry. This flick is not a must see for me, but I will admit the trailer did make me laugh here and there (that last bit with the different music playing in the characters head in particular is kinda great.)

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What’s it about? An art teacher and English teacher have a competition and allow students to vote on the importance of words and pictures.

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My thoughts? Always fun to see actors like Juliette Binoche and Clive Owen, who we’re so used to in seeing them in dramas, lighten up a bit for a movie. This seems like a sweet little movie that could be watched on a nice Sunday afternoon. You know, after brunch or something.

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What’s it about? Divorcees (Pierce Brosnan, Emma Thompson) enlist the aid of a married couple to get their stolen retirement money back from a corrupt French businessman.

My thoughts? Emma Thompson rules. Pierce Brosnan rules. They play a middle aged duo in a film that forces them to be thieves, and that sounds kinda fun. Again, not mind blowing or amazing looking, but flat out looks like it could be a simple and enjoyable flick.

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What’s it about? Convinced that mutants pose a threat to humanity, Dr. Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage) develops the Sentinels, enormous robotic weapons that can detect a mutant gene and zero in on that person. In the 21st century, the Sentinels have evolved into highly efficient killing machines. With mutants now facing extinction, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) volunteers to go back in time and rally the X-Men of the past to help change a pivotal moment in history and thereby save their future.

My thoughts? It’s safe to say that the first X-Men movie truly started the current comic book movie renaissance. True, it was a product of it’s time, and yes, they did change a great deal of the source material, but for me the most important thing they got right in the first X-Men movie, was the high concept,  the tone, and the underlying message of the themes of mutants and tolerance. Sure Wolverine didn’t wear a mask or a yellow costume, but they got his attitude right. Sadly, many of the characters were tossed to the sidelines (as a big Cyclops fan, his use in the films was always frustratingly minor) but in the end, the first X-Men movie did more things right then wrong, and with out it taking the material seriously, and being as successful as it were, we wouldn’t have movies like  The Avengers today.

Pretty much over ten years later, the film franchise is getting a real boost with this new one. I feel that Director Bryan Singer has a lot to prove here. He’s been stuck in director hell for a while since Superman Returns, and judging from his interviews, he seems to have found a new enthusiasm for the series.

I truly think we don’t really know how big this new film is. I still think they are holding back, and I’m kinda glad that they are.

Reviews have been coming in so far…and things are looking good. I know for some fans, the film series still hasn’t been the X-Men movies that they’ve dreamed of yet. I get that.  For me, I’m still very found of the first two movies (as for the third X-Men movie…well…let’s just say you should stay subscribe our YouTube channel and keep checking our site for OUR thoughts on that particular movie.)

I feel good about this one. I still think it’s got a lot of balls in using the title and concept of THE X-Men storyline from the comics, and that alone is going to be hard to let down. But as usual, I remain optimistic. I can’t wait to see if this one works.

What about you folks? You ready for more mutant mayhem? Or charming romantic leads? Let us know in the comments below on what films you can’t wait to see this week!

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