Summer Movie Preview 2015: 'Avengers: Age of Ultron,' 'Ant-Man,' 'Inside Out,' 'Fantastic Four' and 'Mission Impossible' Among Most Anticipated Films
This weekend the summer movie season kicks off and promises to have a number of big blockbusters for all different types of audiences.
The summer kicks off with "Avengers: Age of Ultron" on May 1 and promises to be the highest grossing film of the year. Having already opened to record-breaking numbers overseas, this film is set to have yet another record-breaking opening weekend.
"Mad Max: Fury Road" also promises to be a big hit when it opens on May 15. The film is the fourth installment to the hit series from the 80s and 90s. This time, Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron will ignite the silver screen with what promises to be one of the most visually stunning films of the year.
On May 22, Brad Bird's "Tomorrowland" will open for Memorial Day weekend. The film stars George Clooney and, based on the behind-the-scenes team, this could be one of the big breakouts of the season.
The May season will also see "Hot Pursuit" starring Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara as well as "Pitch Perfect 2" and "Poltergeist." Cameron Crowe's "Aloha" and "San Andreas" starring Dwayne Johnson will also open in May.
June's biggest hit promises to be "Jurassic World," which opens on June 12. The film stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard and, based on the first trailers, the science fiction flick will play on the nostalgia of its fans. Universal hopes to restart the franchise and continue to make "Jurassic Park" films.
Pixar returns on June 19 to the big screen with its high concept film "Inside Out." The film will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and is directed by the "Up" helmer Pete Doctor. If things come out as promised, this could be one of the best reviewed films of the year.
Universal will also open "Ted 2" after a successful first installment. The comedy, starring Mark Wahlberg, is being released on June 26 and based on the trailers this one looks like it will be even bigger than the first film.
Other June highlights include "Entourage," adapted from the popular TV show, "Insidious Chapter 3" and Melissa McCarthy's "Spy." Open Road will unveil the Sundance hit "Dope" while the friendly dog film "Max" and "The Outskirts" will also be released.
July also promises to have a number of big films with "Ant-Man" being the most anticipated. The movie opens on July 17 and, while it is a new franchise for Marvel, the comic book is extremely popular and Marvel has been successful with all their franchises up to this point.
"Magic Mike XXL" will likely become one of the hottest films as it brings back the majority of the original cast. The film opens on July 1 and will compete against "Terminator: Genisys." "Genisys" also promises to return to the franchise's origins as Arnold Schwarzenegger returns. After a dismal "Terminator: Salvation," this one seems more attuned to the original installments.
On July 31, "Mission Impossible Rouge Nation" will be released. After showing off footage in CinemaCon, the film promises to be bigger and more action packed than the previous installments. Expect the movie to be one of the biggest July hits.
Other July films including the horror film "The Gallows" and the "Despicable Me" spinoff "Minions." Focus Features will release "Self/Less" while Universal will release "Trainwreck." The Weinstein Company will unveil the Jake Gyllenhaal boxing drama "Southpaw" while Sony will release "Pixels." Fox will try to relive the success of "The Fault in Our Stars" with "Paper Towns."
The July season will conclude with "Vacation" and "The Gift."
August will also bring big blockbusters and will kick off with "Fantastic Four." The August 7 release will reboot the franchise and showcase a new and younger group of actors in the lead roles. The film will need to benefit from great reviews as the last two films were reviled by fans.
"The Man from U.N.C.L.E" will also get a reboot on Aug. 14. The film will star Alicia Vikander, Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer and promises to be action-packed and filled with mystery.
August will also see Oscar contender "Ricki and the Flash." The movie stars Meryl Streep and she is already getting a lot of buzz for her turn in the film.
"Masterminds," "Straight Outta Compton" and "Underdogs" will also get releases. Meanwhile, "Criminals," "Me Before You" and "Sinister 2" will open on Aug. 21.
"Hitman: Agent 47" and Alejandro Amenabar's "Regression" will close out the season on Aug. 28.