It's already Friday afternoon but I'm going to crank this out. It has been long-gestating in my mind. These previews of the major films that are going to be released in the month of June.
The Film Fratboys Will Be Endlessly Quoting in the Fall:
The Hangover
Like Tropic Thunder last year, Superbad from two years ago, and Wedding Crashers from four years ago, The Hangover will be an extremely funny movie enjoyed by all people between the ages of 16 and 30. But it will suffer from overexposure as college freshmen across the United States will begin a continuous stream of dialogue recitation and scene recollections from the film until Christmas.
(Sample Exchange)
Fratboy #1: "Dude, did you see The Hangover?"
Fratboy #2: "Yeah, remember the part when Mike Tyson punches the guy in the face while listening to Elton John?"
Fratboy #1: "Yeah! That was awesome! Kegstand woohoo!"
The Hangover is from director Todd Phillips of Old School fame, which is now regarded as a our generation's Animal House. Since then, Phillips made the pretty-good Starsky and Hutch and the crap School for Scoundrels, but now he has a chance to reclaim former glory with another all-out, R-rated raunchfest with underrated comedic talent. Old School uncorked Vince Vaughn's comedic gifts (see his IMDB credits before it) and raised Will Ferrell from Saturday Night Live has-been to the decade's iconic funnyman.
Similarly, The Hangover stars several familiar comedic veterans that have been sidelined as supporting players for most of their careers. Bradley Cooper had great parts in Yes Man and Wedding Crashers, but he was not the lead role. Ed Helms is known from his brilliance on "The Office" and "The Daily Show" but he's always second-fiddle at best. The third lead is Zach Galifianakis, an obese, bearded mountain-man famous for his Comedy Central stand-up and Kanye West music videos. The man is hilarious but has never been given a proper chance on the big screen.
Overall, The Hangover is sure to be a wonderful movie that will rightfully steer the careers of the three leads. The studio has so much faith in the movie's success that a sequel is already in the works. See it just so you know what everyone's going to be referencing in the fall.
Prediction: $83 million gross
The Film Where Will Ferrell Runs Around and Shouts
Land of the Lost
We've all seen it before and the trailer promises more. Just like Talladega Nights and Anchorman, Will Ferrell is a loveable goof who happens to be very good at his job. And somehow, he'll end up running and shouting inane things, with or without clothes on. This time he's Dr. Rick Marshall who is transplanted into an alternate dimension/universe/something. The film is taken from the 1974 TV series of the same name that I had never heard of before.
Hopefully, with the addition of the lovely Anna Friel from "Pushing Daises" and last year's breakthrough star Danny McBride, there will be enough fresh faces to make the film worthwhile. Sadly, I predict that this will be the first big flop of the summer. From the trailer, it seems to be to slapstick for adults and too rude for children. And I'll give you $5 for every person you know that watched the original TV series and feels nostalgic for it.
Prediction: A paltry $60 million (for such a big-budget movie)
The End of the Road for Jack Black and Michael Cera
Year One
Hollywood must think that audiences are really stupid. They have actors repeat a certain character or slight variation of a character, churning out movies until they are no longer profitable.
Subject #1: Michael Cera
On the big screen, Cera was the go-to guy for innocent, awkward teenagers since his role in Superbad. But take away that and his bit part in Juno and what's left? Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, where he plays the exact same character. And it was a flop, because audiences are already sick of his limited range. Now think about we legions of "Arrested Development" devotees who grew with the exact same characterizations with George Michael Bluth for three years?
The trailer for Year One doesn't promise anything different for Cera. The same stammering around women, the same sensitivity, and the same mild outbursts of anger. I love you Mike, but you're time is ending. Find some other character to play or you'll be finished. Although I do have hope for you in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Subject #2: Jack Black
As Barry, John Cusack's obnoxious-yet-delightful record store employee, Black's incredible energy and knack for comedy came out of the blue in High Fidelity. This blend of high-energy incompetence successfully continued for Jack Black in Saving Silverman and Orange County, until he finally nabbed a proper lead role in School of Rock(Shallow Hal doesn't count). This was the pinnacle of Jack Black's career as a good-natured oaf; subsequent attempts, such as Nacho Libre, have tanked.
Again, from the trailer for Year One it looks like Jack Black will royally screw up but will have to muster the courage to save the day. Black will survive, due to his non-acting talents (he's in a famous band!) and strong performances in ensemble pictures, when he's not the lead, such as Tropic Thunder and King Kong(he was good!).
I'm not going to go in detail about the plot, as I'm sure you've seen a preview by now. The director is Harold Ramis (glasses guy in Ghostbusters) but he hasn't made a good film since Groundhog Day(1993). The success obviously hinges on whether or not viewers will be willing to see Cera and Black do their same tired routines, but the film has other positive factors. There's the interesting, unconventional plot that may jab at Christianity and receive some controversy. Also there's the strength of the unnaturally awesome costars: David Cross(Tobias!), Paul Rudd, Hank Azaria, Olivia Wilde(Thirteen on "House"), and Vinnie Jones(Bullet Tooth Tony). This could go either way.
Prediction: $54 million, because I think audiences are done with them.
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