This summer offers many new and exciting movies of all types. Some have already been released and others are premiering in the near future. Whether students choose to stand in line to see a midnight showing or wait to watch it at home (and anywhere in between), these summer favorites are a must-see for all students.
1. “Pacific Rim”
“Pacific Rim”, released on July 12, was directed by the legendary Guillermo del Toro and received outstanding reviews by both students and critics. In this futuristic film, colossal sea creatures rise from the floor of the Pacific Ocean and begin to rage war on humanity. The fate of the earth in the 2020s rests on a former pilot and a rookie pilot, who attempt to control unique weapons to fight off the monsters.
Freshman Christopher Jones from Los Angeles, Calif., said the movie is terrific.
“‘Pacific Rim’ had some really great non-stop action,” Jones said. “Everyone should see it in theaters because the big screen makes a big difference.”
2. “Iron Man 3”
This early summer explosion of action, adventure and science fiction was perhaps the most anticipated film of the summer before its release in May. In the movie, when Tony Stark, or Iron Man, is attacked at the hands of a terrorist named Mandarin, his personal life begins to crumble. In order to survive, Stark teams up with an unlikely ally to track down the Mandarin.
“Iron Man 3” is third in the series featuring Robert Downey, Jr., as the billionaire superhero. Iron Man also plays a key role in “The Avengers” and is expected to star in “The Avengers: Age of Ultron” in 2015.
3. “Despicable Me 2”
On July 3 excited fans of all ages packed theaters to see the newly released “Despicable Me 2.” The film set the record for the largest five-day opening of any animated film by earning a whopping $142 million. In this hilarious sequel to the loved “Despicable Me,” Gru (voiced by Steve Carrell) is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help catch a particularly nasty villain. He begins tracking down the villain with a special agent from the league to save the world and his minions. This whirlwind of comedy and romance is great for families, couples and groups of all ages.
4. “World World Z”
“World War Z,” produced by and starring Brad Pitt, gives the story of a former UN employee trying to save his family from a zombie invasion. He gets roped into working with the military in attempts to find the origin of the zombie pandemic that is taking over the human race so he can help find a cure. This end-of-the-world film is packed with action and drama.
Nathan Clark, a junior studying business management from West Jordan, highly recommends this film because Pitt portrays a relatable character that viewers can enjoy.
“I loved ‘World War Z,'” Clark said. “I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was nice to finally see a horror movie where you actually agree with every decision of the main character along the way.”
5. “The Great Gatsby”
Based on the classic novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, this box office hit takes place in the Roaring Twenties when Midwesterner Nick Carraway (Tobey McGuire) moves nextdoor to a wealthy man by the name of Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio). As Carraway is drawn into his neighbor’s life and unbelievable past, he gets caught up in Gatsby’s drama and romance. Because “The Great Gatsby” came out in May, it is currently showing in the Provo dollar theater.
Hannah Burton from Sandy, studying exercise science, saw the midnight premiere of “The Great Gatsby” and said it portrayed the book well.
“I’ve always loved the book and couldn’t wait to see the movie,” said Burton. “I definitely recommend that people both see the movie and read the book.”
