Summer Movies - Update : Angels & Demons

I don't know how many of you have noticed, but a trip to the movies this summer will most likely be worth it. As a tough-to-please critic, I thought I should talk about this. I will present below my top 5 choices for the season and edit this post regularly as they get released. Note that I have already seen X-Men Origins, so I have it ranked as my interest prior to the release date.

#5: Star Trek

I have to admit that I have never seen the TV show. So do not expect any sort of hard-core fan anticipation. However, my excitement for this movie comes from the fact that it is being produced by a couple of LOST-surrounding names. These are, of course, Damon Lindelof and JJ Abrams. And yes, I do love LOST, hence the proper capitalized letters. Star Trek was released today (May 7th).

***Update: Just watched Star Trek last night. 3 words: Go. See. It. This film will come as a great surprise to many people. My expectations were set very low and I was blown away. Stardust is one of the few movies that have had this effect on me. And this is David Moraes, a Star Wars fan! If I had known the kind of treat I'd be walking into at the theater, I would have brought more snacks... Overall, first class summer entertainment.

#4: Angels & Demons

Although in my humble opinion The Da Vinci Code was a flop of a movie (I read the book), I am, perhaps foolishly, hoping they will get it right with Angels and Demons. It is Robert Langdon's first adventure, a prequel to Da Vinci Code. Since I never finished this particular book by Dan Brown, it may stand a chance against my scrutiny. Angels and Demons will be released on May 15th.

***Update: I am writing this just a few hours after seeing the movie, in order to keep it all fresh in my mind. In short, Angels & Demons was everything I did not expect it to be. And that was good! Although the film did drag along in the beginning, it quickly recovered it's pace, restoring much of the key elements found in Dan Brown's novels.
The character of Robert Langdon became enjoyable once again, losing much of his annoying genius trait from The Da Vinci Code. The chemistry in between Langdon and Vetra is just about a million times better than the Langdon/Neveau fiasco. Unlike Sophie Neveau, Vittoria Vetra has a purpose to be following the Harvard symbologist around. Ewan McGregor is also a strong addition to the cast, wrapping up the movie with perfection in an explosive finale. If The Lost Symbol is handled like this, we will have at least two solid Dan Brown adaptations. Until then, my fingers are crossed.

#3: X-Men Origins: Wolverine

So as I have mentioned, this movie has already been viewed by the masses, including myself. It was a good alternative version of the classic Wolverine tale we all know, but was nonetheless an altered one. Even though there were definitely some slow-paced scenes, like the obsession with a car going up Canadian hills, it was well worth watching. I think I may have been spoiled by the likes of The Dark Knight and Iron Man. Overall, a slightly above-average production in the super hero genre. X-Men Origins was leaked onto the internet two weeks prior to its release, on May 1st. I saw it in theaters, though. You have my word.

#2: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

This probably marks the first time in history that a Harry Potter movie is not my ultimate film desire. I have been a devoted fan for six years now and I will admit that Half-Blood Prince is my favorite book. But ever since Deathly Hallows came out in 2007, my Potter craze has been dramatically reduced. Still I was severely taken aback, together with countless others of the fandom, when the release date was pushed back from November '08 to July 15th '09. What Warner Bros. will do for money still makes me want to regurgitate yesterday's lunch.

#1: Up

And here we are at the top spot. As a long-time Pixar fanboy, I may be completely biased. But there cannot be a sane human being in this world who has disliked a Pixar movie. From Toy Story's originality to Wall-E's emotional and technical brilliance, this is the studio that has not disappointed us in any of their nine movies. It is true that Cars isn't exactly up to par with some of their best achievements, but it is still a long way ahead of any other pop-culture filled animation out there. The fact is simple: Pixar films will be watched over and over again by generations.
With Up, we have reached Pixar's tenth offering. The story revolves around Carl Fredricksen, a grouchy old man who decides to live through adventures and his little boyscout sidekick, Russel. Together, they will embark on their floating house for what will truly be an unforgettable journey. I should note that Up has achieved the "funniest Pixar movie yet" status, which is remarkable when we have all seen Finding Nemo. Up will be released on May 29th.