Sorry I’m late with my summer movie column this year. But at least I’m getting it out by Memorial Day, which used to mark the end of the TV season and the start of the summer movie season. Now, of course, summer movies start in April and TV finales sometimes air in June.
Feel free to use the comment thread to post your review of “Iron Man 2” or other early releases, as well as your own lists of what you’d like to see.
Here are 10 movies I might be willing to check out:
“Splice” (June 4) — The preview for this thriller about scientific research gone horribly wrong actually looks intriguing, and Entertainment Weekly gave it a positive review.
“Grown Ups” (June 25) — Five childhood friends get together 30 years later. The quintet includes Chris Rock, Kevin James, Rob Schneider, David Spade and Adam Sandler. Sandler owes us after the unfunny “Funny People,” and I have a feeling he’ll deliver.
“Predators” (July 9) — This is the fifth “Predator” movie, but the first in 20 years that doesn’t also feature Aliens. Although it’s not set on Earth, it is set in a jungle, and the first “Predator” movie isn’t a bad one to crib from. Somewhat weirdly, it stars Adrien Beody and Topher Grace instead of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers. The line I’ll be quoting the week of this movie’s release: “This planet is a game preserve … and we’re the game.”
“Cyrus” (July 9) — After June 4’s “Get Him to the Greek,” this is a more understated — and probably better — Jonah Hill turn. He plays an introverted piano prodigy who doesn’t react well to John C. Reilly dating his mom (Marisa Tomei).
“Inception” (July 16) — The previews for Christopher Nolan’s latest hold enough back that there’s an air of mystery to this story about a guy (Leonardo DiCaprio) who can enter people’s brains via their dreams. Ellen Page also stars.
“Dinner for Schmucks” (July 23) — Paul Rudd is part of a company that invites losers to dinner for the sake of making fun of them. Steve Carell is the loser — or, as Rudd finds out once he gets to know him — maybe he’s not. It’s a good premise with two likable actors, although I’m a little worried that the preview isn’t funnier.
“The Adjustment Bureau” (July 30) — It’s another mysterious-looking actioner; appropriate, since it’s based on a Philip K. Dick story. This one features Matt Damon and Emily Blunt as star-crossed lovers, and it looks more substantial than “Inception.”
“The Expendables” (Aug. 13) — This is an excellent bet for 2010’s best unintentional comedy. It stars Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke, Jet Li and Dolph Lundgren. It’s about a group of mercenaries. And it’s directed by Stallone. And it features a cameo by Bruce Willis. And Arnold Schwarzenegger. If you’re not hooked yet, this isn’t the movie for you.
“Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” (Aug. 13) — The latest Michael Cera movie looks like a mash-up of “Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist” and “Kick-Ass.” Cera plays a young musician who has to fight off his new girlfriend’s exes, all of whom have supernatural powers.
“Piranha 3D” (Aug. 27) — This is another strong contender for best unintentional comedy if “The Expendables” and “Predators” don’t deliver the goods (or the bads, as the case may be).