Summer Film Picks!
We asked our AFF Marketing Interns to put together a list of their top summer movie picks. Check out what they are most looking forward to seeing!
Celia – Seeking a Friend for the End of the World
As a devoted Office fan and PRIDE & PREJUDICE enthusiast, it is impossible for me to ignore a film that stars both Steve Carell and Keira Knightley. Sure, the basis for the plot could be slightly happier—say, a colossal ball of cotton candy is hurtling toward Earth instead of an asteroid—but even so, I can’t help thinking that if any two actors can make a movie about the world’s final days exceedingly enjoyable, these are them. Written and directed by Lorene Scafaria (NICK & NORAH’S INFINITE PLAYLIST), SEEKING A FRIEND seems to strive for the perfect balance of drama and comedy, and I can’t wait to find out whether or not it succeeds!
Ashley – Brave
Yes I am a college student, and yes I am 21 years old, but no I cannot contain my excitement for Disney Pixar’s BRAVE in theatres tomorrow!
Set in Scotland, BRAVE is about the daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor, Merida (voice of Kelly MacDonald), a talented young archer. As the story unfolds, Merida is determined to create her own destiny and challenges ancient rules set before her time. However, her actions end up causing major problems in the kingdom, and Merida must learn the true meaning of bravery to break an evil spell before it is too late.
This animated film is rumored to be one of the most detailed of Disney Pixar’s creations, making it seem as life-like as possible. I admire and envy the Pixar team’s design abilities, and I’m impatiently waiting to see what the Pixar team was able to master this time, seeing as this film includes scenes inside castles and forests. Although I’m mostly looking forward to the detailed animation, I must admit I am also looking forward to listening to Scottish accents for an hour and a half!
Tim – Savages
In a film season full of superheroes, SAVAGES offers a grittier alternative to the typical summer fair. SAVAGES is written and directed by Oliver Stone, who in recent times has watered down his edginess in comparison to his past films such as PLATOON or NATURAL BORN KILLERS. Stone’s last two major films, WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS and W., were both decent albeit timid. However, some moviegoers this summer are looking for a movie that crosses the line in that classic Stone fashion. The storyline is simple enough – two pot dealers and their mutual girlfriend get involved with a drug cartel – perfect. We do not need a complicated story line, just intense moments, good acting, and hopefully spurts of violence thrown in for good measure. John Travolta, who appears as a DEA agent in the film, said in an interview that “it [is] the PULP FICTION of now.”** Myself, and a lot of other fans alike hope he’s right.
** Source – http://www.joblo.com/movie-news/awesome-featurette-and-scene-from-oliver-stones-savages
Ryan – Celeste and Jesse Forever
Don’t get me wrong! I love watching a good balls-to-the-wall comedy that’s going to knock me on my ass laughing, and Andy Samberg, comedian and star of CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER, has been known to do that, but it’s a dramedy that really tugs the strings of my heart.
I’m looking forward to CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER, not only because it’s a genre preference of mine, but because it takes a look into the unconventional lives and relationship between a young couple trying to maintain their “best friend” relationship status while going through a divorce and seeing other people.
I know, I know… It might sound like another traditional romcom, but the trailer, which was recently released, showed me otherwise. It appears to have elements of pain and sadness while still incorporating some dark humor. It’s a trend in movies lately (50/50, EVERYTHING MUST GO, YOUNG ADULT, etc.) I know, but it’s just the kind of roller coaster of emotions in a movie I like to see.
I’m not expecting a happy ending, but I do, however it may end, expect I’ll be satisfied with CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER.
Haesil – Brave
I’ve always looked forward to Pixar films, and BRAVE is no exception. BRAVE is Pixar’s first film to feature a female lead, but Princess Merida isn’t your typical fairytale princess waiting for her prince’s arrival. She is free spirited, independent and full of passion and her wild, red curly hair shows it. It’s a fresh new look at fairytales and I definitely will be following the adventures of Princess Merida as BRAVE opens in theaters this weekend! A must see summer film for any Disney/Pixar fan, independent women, kids, and all animation geeks who love to witness technical and visual innovations. Besides, who can really deny a good summer animation film about the adventures of Pixar’s bravest female?
Kylie – Ice Age 4: Continental Drift
Just when we thought the triumphant trio had conquered all, Manny, Diego, and Sid are back and embarking on yet another adventure when their continent is set adrift. I still remember being 12 years old and watching the journey of an odd group comprised of a saber tooth tiger, a sloth, and a wooly mammoth trying to return a lost infant to his tribe along with the comedic subplot of Scrat the squirrel making attempts to bury his beloved acorn.
In theaters July, 13, 2012, Ice Age 4: Continental Drift is sure to keep the audience entertained as Scrat’s pursuit of his beloved acorn has world-changing consequences— a continental cataclysm that forces Manny, Sid, and Diego on a new and unforgettable venture. In the wake of the upheaval that separated them from their family, Sid reunited with his long-lost cantankerous Granny, Diego finds himself a love interest, Shira, and the three encounter a ragtag menagerie of seafaring pirates determined to stop them from returning home.
Even though I am 21 now, I am excited to see the new adventure these three have ahead of them and if Scrat is ever able to secure his beloved acorn that always seems to cause excitement.
