A Reel Opinion: The Top Five and one-half Reasons to get your Ass to the Theatre this Weekend

Believe it or not, the summer movie season roughly reaches its half-way point this weekend. What makes this weekend all the more unique is that there is a wide variety of films representing nearly every genre. In short, there is something for everyone to see. With that, here are the Top Five and one-half Reasons to get your Ass to the Theatre this weekend:

1. The Action Blockbuster – No summer is complete without an action blockbuster, and this weekend brings a large-scale actioneer with a splash of thrills and chills in the zombie-flick WORLD WAR Z. Based on the popular novel of the same name, the film stars Brad Pitt as a lone man out to prevent the world from turning into zombies. Directed by Marc Forster (QUANTUM OF SOLACE), this film has endured many production problems and the scrutiny of fans of the book, but has still been received warmly by critics and has the potential for a lot of fun at the theatre.

2. The Independent Arthouse – If zombies and things that go boom aren’t your thing, then the world of independent film may be your next stop. At the top of the order is Joss Whedon’s adaptation of Shakespeare's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Whedon, whose last film turned out to be the Greatest Superhero Movie Ever (AVENGERS, like you needed to be told), filmed MUCH ADO in secret last year over a period of 21 days and keeps the original text.

3. The Other Independent Arthouse – If Shakespeare doesn’t quite blow your hair back, then the next best indie-flick offering comes from writer/director Sophia Coppola (LOST IN TRANSLATION, 2003), in the form of her newest film, THE BLING RING. Based on a true story of teens who robbed from celebrities, the film stars a very grown up (and out) Emma Watson of HARRY POTTER fame.

4. The Kids’ Film – Summer is all about the young’uns, and with most schools being out for summer starting this week, Pixar’s well-timed release of MONSTERS UNIVERSITY is sure to bring in the pitter-patter of little feet. A prequel to Pixar’s own MONSTERS INC. (2001), the film is loaded with fuzzy and cute characters, brought to life by some vibrant colors and stunning animation. And who is to say adults can’t enjoy a Pixar film, too?

5. The Superhero Film – No summer can be had without a superhero movie. Although this latest version of Superman in MAN OF STEEL has been divisive among fans and critics, the film still manages to pack a mighty wallop of spectacle, and it is without a doubt the most intimate, and unique look we’ve ever had at the character.

5 and 1/2. The Trailers – One-half of the fun of going to the movies is seeing the previews for upcoming features. This weekend there will be new trailers from ANCHORMAN 2, the next HOBBIT film, LEGO: THE MOVIE (don’t laugh), and perhaps a few other surprises…

See you at the movies…