A Blockbuster Summer

            The summer months have been filled with blockbusters, ranging from first timers to 5th installments. Some, like The Simpson’s Movie have been eagerly awaited for over a year, while the fifth Harry Potter movie has come out a year behind its predecessor. With all these films out at once, this reporter decided to play critic and find out what was worth the $10 and what could have been skipped.

Transformers
            While Michael Bay’s production follows the classic underdog story, Transformers gives the overused tale a much needed twist. When Sam Witwiki discovers his car is actually a member of a robot alien race, his dull routine is altered as he is plunged into a war between the Autobots and the Decepticons. With the voice talents of Peter Cullen, Mark Ryan, Hugo Weaving, and the seasoned acting skills of Shia LaBeouf, the movie presents a delicate tale that depicts the depth of friendship just as much as superior special effects.

The Simpson’s Movie
            Though they are a classic TV family, The Simpson’s Movie was missing several things including a new plot and current humor.  As always, Homer Simpson went against his wife, Marge Simpson’s, orders and brought trouble to their cozy town of Springfield. While some may argue that the way the family pulls together in the end shows positive moral values, the same throat strangling and dysfunctionalism reigns on through the entire motion picture.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
            Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, and Julian McMahon are back with new addition Doug Jones, as the Silver Surfer (voiced by Laurence Fishburne). As Reed Richards (Gruffud) and Susan Storm (Alba) prepare for their wedding, the U.S. government approaches Reed in response to a cosmic phenomenon that is causing problems across the world. “Rise” has more of a family feel to it, as the four members of the team fight as one to save the planet from the Galactus, a cosmic entity that consumes worlds. Dr. Doom (McMahon) also tangos with the team.

Spiderman 3
            Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, and James Franco swing into action in the third Spidey film. Additional characters such as the Sandman and Venom were brought to life by Thomas Haden Church and Topher Grace. The film, directed by Sam Raimi, focuses on the darker side of Peter Parker, as he copes once again with the loss of his Uncle Ben. His emotions are exaggerated when he comes into contact with a alien symbiote. Spider-Man 3 beats its predecessors with its special effects and elaborate fight scenes. However, the downfall is that Maguire has a musical number. 

Shrek the Third
             You thought it was over, but apparently “happily ever after” doesn’t happen for ogres. In “The Third,” Shrek is named successor to the throne of Far, Far Away after Fiona’s father croaks, pun intended. Uninterested in the proposition, the ogre, voiced once again by Mike Meyers, leaves the kingdom in search of Artie (Justin Timberlake), the next heir. Eddie Murphy, Carmen Diaz, Antonio Banderas, and Julie Andrews join the cast once again. The recent chapter follows the same formula as the last two. Shrek is still dealing with being an ogre, Donkey(Murphy) is still the annoying sidekick, and Puss(Banderas) is still self-centered. The tale’s sarcastic humor is getting old.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
            Savy Jack Sparrow is back again for the final Pirates adventure. Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightly, and Geoffrey Rush return along with some new faces; Chow Young Fat and Keith Richards. While the film remains consistent with the brilliant musical score and Depp’s whimsical appearances, “At World’s End” has fewer battle scenes than its previous installments. Still, viewers will be surprised by the twist at the close of the movie, as well as the stunning special effects.

Bourne Ultimatum
            Matt Damon returns as the assassin, Jason Bourne, in the final installment of the three-piece series. Bourne is still searching for the key of his past and grieving over the loss of his girlfriend (Franka Potente). Directed by Paul Greengrass, the story also involves the returning faces of Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles) and Pamela Landy (Joan Allen) as well as new characters; David Strathairn (Noah Vosen) and Dr. Albert Hirsch played by Albert Finney. The movie is full of explosives, car stunts, and a variety of fight scenes and the locations range from Madrid to New York City. The Bourne Ultimatum is a fitting end to Jason’s story.

Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix
            The much anticipated Potter movie, though more mature in its content, fell below its earlier installments. The newest director to take the reins on the project, David Yates, choose to cut the movie in a fashion that makes it difficult to follow. Unless you have read J.K. Rowling’s book, the year at Hogwarts feels like a week, instead of a year. Without dynamic creatures, such as Dobey the House Elf, Buckbeak, or Norbert, and quirky objects such as the Time Turner, the flying Ford Angelina, or the Weasley’s clock, the viewer has less comic relief. And due to the nature of the most recent installment, humor is needed. Harry’s troubles follow him everywhere, causing him a great deal of grief and anger. Daniel Radcliff, who plays the young wizard, has grown considerably in the lapse between “Goblet of Fire,” as have Ruppert Grint and Emma Watson, who portray Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. The young actors display great chemistry, as well as their ability to bring their respective characters to life. The Order of the Phoenix has lost the magic that made the earlier movies so delightful.