Summer heats up with multiple blockbuster sequels

As the school year wraps up, students look forward to the days when they can just kick back and relax. For many, that involves spending the long summer days at the movies. Freshman Michael Schillage is looking forward to enjoying the new films that will be released in the next few months.

“There is a series of movies coming this summer that really adds a special flair to a much needed summer,” Schillage said.

“The Great Gatsby” (May 10): The summer kicks off with the release of the classic by F. Scott Fitzgerald turned movie The “Great Gatsby.” The story follows a poor man-turned millionaire and his journey to reclaim an old love, one that he never forgot. 

The always charming and suave Leonardo Dicaprio plays the great Jay Gatsby. Not only is this movie a long-awaited film that features a talented cast but all the students who have read the novel will enjoy seeing a film maker’s rendition of his extravagant parties. Although I am not a big fan of Fitzgerald, I am a huge fan of is reason enough for me to go watch this much anticipated film.

“Star Trek Into Darkness” (May 17): Follow Captain Kirk and Spock back into the clutches of danger in this science fiction thriller. A sequel to the popular 2009 film, this movie will continue to develop the encapsulating legacy of Star Trek, one of the greatest science fiction franchises of all time. 

“Fast and Furious” 6 (May 24): Who doesn’t love the high octane speed racing of the “Fast and Furious?” With an all star cast that includes Dwayne Johnson, Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, this movie is sure to be a huge hit. Justin Lin, the director, brought the franchise to even higher heights with the last movie, generating almost $600 million. High octane street racing meets the dramatic action of special forces in the new movie. This movie excites many longtime fans and looks to be one of the highlights of the summer.

“The Hangover”: Part III (May 24): The Wolf Pack is back and even more raucous. The Pack heads out on another road trip, and you know what follows. The group of friends are bound for disaster, jokes and tomfoolery as they take on the town of Los Angeles. Everyone, including me, loves the goofy Zach Galifianakis, and I can’t wait to see the carnage that follows the quad as they head back to sin city. 

“Man of Steel” (June 14): You can’t beat the classics. Superman comes back to the big screen as director Zack Snyder explores his past. Any movie featuring Superman is bound to be a hit. “I’m excited to see Superman come back to the big screen,” Schillage said.

“Monsters University” (June 21): Ever since Mike Wazowski and Sully starred in “Monsters Inc.,” we adored the concept of the monsters returning. After a 12-year hiatus, Pixar sends us back in time to when the inseparable duo of Wazowski and Sully met: college. The cute dynamic between the loving monsters makes me incredibly excited for the prequel to “Monsters Inc.”

“I’m really excited to see how Pixar is going to line up the storyline to take the series full circle,” sophomore Ken Wu said.

“The Wolverine” (July 26): Hugh Jackman is sure to light up box offices with his performance as the iconic X-Man, Wolverine. Set after the X-Men saga, the immortal Wolverine is one of the few remaining X-Men. He travels to Japan where he is forced to deal with countless assassins while coping with his inner immortality. Hugh Jackman’s rendition of the fearless Wolverine is always high octane and extremely entertaining.

“300: Rise of an Empire” (Aug. 3): Everyone remembers Gerard Butler and his muscle-clad spartans fighting to the death at Thermopylae Pass. What most don’t know is that those 300 Spartans sparked a revolution. While deadlocked on land, the Greeks needed to beat the colossal Persian Navy to win the Greco-Persian War. 

This movie follows the epic fight for the sea and the victory of the Greeks, a tattered nation that rallied around 300 who fought 300,000 thousand. The mayhem at Thermopylae Pass will be recreated, adding an epic sequel to the end of the 300 films. This movie will finish the summer with a bang.

“I’m looking forward to this summer and the new movies will make it all the more fun,” Schillage said.