A Throwback to Summer: The 2015 Movie Guide

     It's everyone's favorite time of year; as the smell of number two pencils and back-to-school commercials penetrate the mild days of August...ruining our summer buzz in the process. Let's face facts, muses, your days of freedom are officially numbered. If you don't believe me, head to Walmart. That neon arrow beckons.

     As these long days draw to a close, however, what a better way to combat the onslaught of torture than to relive this season's greatest hits? Below, you'll find 4 top summer films picked out by yours truly. Enjoy!
   

Jurassic World

Release Date: June 12th

Rating: PG-13

     I can't think of a better place to start than with this juggernaut of the Summer Movie world. It stomped it's way to the top of the heap, making a record breaking $208.8 million in it's first few days! However, bags of cash does not a good movie make. It pretty much followed the tried and true formula that made the original so breathtaking: big CGI dinosaurs? Check. Handsome leading man? Double check. Lots of running and screaming? Duh... I mean... triple check. No groundbreaking plot twists here. Although, this fangirl did have to admit: this flick did offer up a heavy dosage of nostalgia. This movie brought me back to my 7-year-old self who first stared in awe at the big screen as dinosaurs ruled the earth once again... and kick started my life long obsession with the world of cinema to begin with. Was it the best movie on this list? Not by a long shot. But damn... those Raptors were pretty bad ass. 

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Release Date: May 1st

Rating: PG-13

      This mega-hit-action-thrill-ride pretty much conquered the early summer box office. Literally falling just behind the above named dino-flick. Now, seeing as I did draft a review, I'll be brief. This latest installment was a huge improvement on it's 2012 predecessor, proving that not all sequels are complete crap. David Spader was delightful, as was Ultron by default. And the 3D was well done for a change (unlike the view-finder-esque stylings of Jurassic World). Yes, there was some controversy, highlighted by #WheresNatasha campaign. But, all in all, this sequel solidified it's ranking as a fun-loving joy ride of a film. 

Trainwreck

Release Date: July 17th

Rating: R

     Perhaps one of my favorite movies on this list, and a vehicle for Amy Schumer's career, not enough can be said for how groundbreaking this comedy truly is. Gone are the rom-com stereotypes of movies past. The solution: this wisecracking, often swearing, and heavy drinking protagonist. Is she the train wreck that the title suggests? Hell yes! But you'll love her none-the-less. Most likely for voicing all those love life rants that we're all too afraid to admit to in public. Director Judd Apatow perfectly melds hilarious raunchiness with real-life insights about how we grown ups interact-- not only with our sex partners, but with our family members and friends as well. If you're looking for the anti-romantic comedy, then Ms. Amy is your girl. But, be warned: this comedy is NOT for the faint of heart! 

Spy

Release Date: June 5th

Rating: R

     We girls have to stick together! That seems to be the overall message of this hilarious, and surprising comedic offering. Starring Melissa McCarthy as the often overlooked Susan Cooper; and a host of other familiar faces of Bridesmaids fame, it begins as just another slapstick comedy that brings the laughs in a big way. Probably one of the funniest movies on this list, it offers a female driven vehicle in a very male-dominated genre. With The Man From U.N.C.L.E being released later this week, this movie's observations on Bond-esque cinema will seriously make you snort soda out of your nose. Besides the humor, it was pretty awesome to see McCarthy kick some serious ass... in heels no less. Want to know more? Read my full review here. 

A Feminist's Take on: "Avengers: Age of Ultron"

   
     The latest installment into the Marvel vault has had some controversy clinging to it's coat tails like an unwanted villain of comic-book-entries past. Let us not forget the #WheresNatasha scandal that has plagued the god-like crusaders since their inception in 2012. However, this comic book fanatic could not help but admit that my inner-eight-year old self was giddy with excitement with this latest installment. With other super hero franchises getting the Bryan Singer/Christopher Nolan face lift, helping integrate them back into the realm of credible film making; I couldn't help but feel that Marvel had dropped the ball somewhere along the way. Sure, there was the noteworthy X-Men, Spiderman and even the very first Ironman, all of which were worthy of squeals of pure delight. The first installment in this super hero franchise was good enough, although the story bore no real weight. The villain was literally an extension of the Thor franchise, and although I do love some good Lokie-esque fun; there was no sense of overall foreboding that would entice the audience to glance from over their popcorn bowls. Spoiler Alert

     Then, there's Ultron; the super villain voiced by the always delightful David Spader. He lends just the right mix of humor and bored detachment that feeds into the overall AI/mechanical roots of this otherwise archetypical baddie. It would be easy enough for him to tear into 5-minute-long monologues about his evil plans; and his desire to out-wit Tony Stark. However, he seems too busy with transcending his metal form to bother with such trivial cliches. He also has some of the best lines in the movie, a true feat considering how hard it is to outshine RDJ's natural ease with achieving the perfect one-liner. The humor as a whole is spot on, a factor which is so easily forgotten in a decent super hero film. It is meant to be fun after all, folks. Like a true popcorn movie, it brings on the CGI action sequences with a decent side dish of comic relief.

 
      Not enough, however, has been said about the female butt-kickers in this franchise. With two women acting as this film's supporting cast, a shout out is in order. Scarlett Johansson is the resident bad ass in this cast, having racked up four Marvel appearances to date (and most likely many more to come), she seems more than comfortable with Black Widow's lethal beauty. Age of Ultron makes the attempt to delve deeper into her back story; hinting to the assassin's traumatic past. This also allows Johansson to flex her sizable acting chops to show the conflict between her torrid love life, and her place within The Avengers ranks. Scar.Jo also keeps up well with the boys-- kicking butt and taking no prisoners along the way. Despite all of this, Black Widow is still an absent figure in almost all licensed Marvel products; not limited to those much beloved play sets at your local toy store. More on that later, however.

     The true stand out performance in this massive spectacle has to be Elizabeth Olsen. I cannot say enough about her immense talent as an actress. Generally speaking she has a simple, understated style. She always seems cool and confident in her own skin; totally in control of her sexuality. As the
 Scarlet Witch (another of my favorites) she switches well from the villain, to the hero, to the young woman deeply affected by her past. She clings to her light-footed brother for support early on. Then, gathers her resolve to stand in the face of those evil doers that try to control her. She may change sides mid-way through the movie, but her identity remains firmly set. What a way to enter such a boy-driven franchise! To say I am excited to see how this progresses-- i.e. how closely the franchise will stick to the original source material-- has left me wriggling in my seat with anticipation. Especially considering that Vision has recently joined the team. Needless to say, things are about to get very interesting.