After a feast of Oscar contenders in January, it’s been a pretty ho-hum diet of cinematic offerings ever since. But now it’s time for the studios to unleash their big-budget summer blockbusters and Michael Doherty and Taragh Loughrey-Grant are on hand to preview the aliens, superheroes and Muggles heading our way in the coming weeks
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II (July 15)
Dir: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson
In a nutshell: The final countdown.
What’s the story? Part I set things up nicely for the final showdown. This time around, Harry, Ron and Hermione go back to Hogwarts to find and destroy He Who Must Not Be Named’s final horcruxes, but when Vold . . ., I mean, He Who Must Not Be Named (who has just gotten his mitts on the Elder Wand), finds out, all hell breaks loose and it’s time for Dumbledore’s Army to swing into action. In what should be the biggest movie of 2011, expect Harry and Ginny to get mighty close, expect tears to flow over Dobby and expect Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter to both be in scenery-chewing form as JK Rowling’s remarkably successful creation (the most profitable franchise in the history of motion pictures) comes to its dramatic conclusion.
The Interview: Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley)
Michael Doherty: When I spoke with you on the set of the previous film, Bonnie, you were particularly excited about what was to come with this finale. Did it live up to expectations?
Bonnie Wright: Definitely! For all of us, there’s always been such a sense of climax for these last few scenes we’ve had together. Because of that, we’ve all wanted to give as much energy as we can because it’s the last one for the audience.
How has it been for you, growing up with these movies for the last ten years of your life?
It’s bizarre. When you’re filming and in the mix of it all you become quite absorbed in the set and what you have to do that day. With it coming to an end, you now have that moment when you reflect on everything, and it has felt like such a big journey. Comparing my first day on set with my last day is like comparing two different worlds!
Have you enjoyed the arc of Ginny’s character as it has developed through the books and the movies?
For me, what was very enjoyable was the fact that the character did grow and there were new things to add to Ginny as she developed and as she started to stand up to the challenges. As an actress, that was the perfect role for me to have.
We get to see Dumbledore’s Army swinging back into action for the finale. Was that exciting, especially given the bond that has developed between you all as actors?
Yes. I think Neville, Ginny and Luna have been much more the silent heroes. They have been continuing that Dumbledore’s Army feeling back at Hogwarts so when Harry, Ron and Hermione return for the finale, they see that we have been still battling on their behalf against all the odds and they are truly touched. I enjoyed being a silent warrior type of character!
Looking back over the franchise as a whole, are there moments from the movies that will always stay with you?
Definitely. It’s hard to pinpoint a few little moments, but I have a collective feeling when I reflect upon things. The things I will miss most are those simple moments when we are all together and we’re on set surrounded by people with whom we’ve developed close friendships. We had such a laugh and there was such a feeling of warmth between us. That’s something I miss already.
Has it been strange watching yourself growing up on screen?
It is strange because everybody grows up in their own skin and I see myself growing up every day, but I’m sure in ten years time, if I watch them all back, then I’ll be more aware of me physically growing with each movie.
Was it easy to find true friends as you were growing up who weren’t just hanging around with you because you were that girl in the Harry Potter movies?
I guess that kind of thing can come with the job, but like anyone, you have those real friends. For me, because I was able to continue with my schooling, I always had my loyal friends and my family and everyone that was there to support me from the beginning. I think that really helps you to focus; to know you have good people around you.
In terms of life after Hogwarts, have you decided which road you want to take?
Be it movies, TV or theatre, acting is definitely my pathway, so I guess it’s just a case of finding the next job!
Did you manage to smuggle out any souvenirs on the last day?
Everyone keeps asking me that! They seem to be very protective of the sets and the props and I don’t know if they will give us something at some stage. I guess what’s really amazing is the fact that you can watch the films over and over again and they provide the memories.
But if you could take just one thing . . .?
For me, I guess the one thing I would like to take would be part of my costume; something I’ve spent a lot of time in. Perhaps something like my Gryffindor cardigan? It’s simple, but it means a lot to me!
The Big Summer Movies
Thor (April 29)
Dir: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins
In a nutshell: Hammer of the gods.
What’s the story? Hollywood has been trying to bring this popular Marvel creation to the big screen since 1990, when Sam Raimi first expressed an interest in developing the project. Many writers and directors have been on board (including Matthew Vaughn), before it landed in the unlikely in-tray of Kenneth Branagh. If former Home and Away star Chris Hemsworth is a risky bet to carry the $150 million production on his (admittedly) broad shoulders, Branagh is smart enough to surround him with some heavyweight thesps, including Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba, Jeremy Renner and Natalie Portman. “Kenneth Branagh doing Thor is super weird”, quoth the recent Oscar-winning actress. “I’ve gotta do it!”
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (May 20)
Dir: Rob Marshall
Starring: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz
In a nutshell: More shivering of timbers, this time in 3D.
What’s the story? Johnny Depp trousered a cool $55 million to reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in this, the fourth outing for the popular seafaring, er, trilogy. This time around, he’s on a quest to find the Fountain of Youth. No room for Orlando or Keira (Bruckheimer knows the real star of this franchise), but there’s still some interesting casting on show, with Penélope Cruz providing the love interest for the Deppster, Ian McShane chewing the mainbrace as Blackbeard, and Keef Richards returning as Captain Teague. By the way, Ms Cruz’s highly publicised pregnancy didn’t help the continuity department so her equally pulchritudinous sister, Monica, was drafted in for some medium and long shots.
The Hangover Part II (May 22)
Dir: Todd Phillips
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Paul Giamatti.
In a nutshell: Bangkok-based sequel to comedy of 2009.
What’s the story? The sequel hit the headlines when Mel Gibson was infamously booted off the cameo list . . . you know you’ve been a bad boy when Mike Tyson is cast ahead of you. Aside from that controversy, the vibes are still great as all the original players return. The lads are heading to Bangkok for Stu’s wedding and this time around, it’s his future brother-in-law’s turn to go AWOL, the morning after the night no one can remember. Director Todd Phillips adapted the original screenplay, adding in some of the best bits such as Tyson’s tiger, plus he co-wrote this sequel so no doubt he’ll bring something new to the table. The trailer is hilarious but the challenge for Phillips is to create a film that is as funny as the original, without recreating the original.
The Tree of Life (May 27)
Dir: Terrence Malick
Starring: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn
In a nutshell: Bradlands
What’s the story? We’re talking about the enigmatic, reclusive, notoriously secretive Terrence Malick here, so even the trailer offers more questions than answers. We do know that the story opens in the US Midwest in the 1950s and traces the evolution of an 11-year-old boy, Jack, from childhood innocence to disillusioned adulthood. Brad Pitt plays Jack’s father, newcomer Jessica Chastain is his wife, with Sean Penn taking on the role of the adult Jack. Our own Fiona Shaw is in the mix, too, as the boy’s grandmother. It’s going to be weird and, if Malick’s past films are anything to go by, it’s going to look wonderful.
X-Men: First Class (June 3)
Dir: Matthew Vaughn
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence
In a nutshell: X marks the spot.
What’s the story? The fifth instalment in the X-Men film series and a prequel to the first three movies, X-Men First Class is directed by Matthew Vaughn, fresh from his success with the excellent Kick-Ass. Bryan Singer is on producing duties this time around for an origins story that is set during the 1960s (JFK, Cuban missile crisis, Civil Rights movement, etc.) and chronicles the early years of Magneto and Professor Xavier. Our man Michael Fassbender gets to channel Ian McKellen as Magneto, while James McAvoy gets to be a hirsute Patrick Stewart. Watch out for Jennifer Lawrence, the gal that lit up our screens last year in the brilliant Winter’s Bone, who takes on the role of Raven/Mystique.
The Runway (June 10)
Dir: Ian Power
Starring: Kerry Condon, James Cosmo
In a nutshell: A small Irish community comes to the aid of a stricken South American pilot.
What’s the story? Inspired by the true story of the South American pilot who crash-landed near Mallow in the early ’80s, Ian Power’s Ealing-esque yarn was a big favourite on the festival circuit and picked up an IFTA for PJ Dillon’s impressive cinematography (shot on the RED One format). The story chronicles the relationship between young Cork boy Jamie Kierans and the downed pilot, Demián Bichir, who becomes a surrogate father-figure. Shot on location in Schull, The Runway boasts an impressive cast including Condon, Pat Laffan, Mark Doherty and John Kavanagh.
Kung Fu Panda 2 (June 10)
Dir: Jennifer Yuh Nelson
Starring: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, Gary Oldman.
In a nutshell: Po unites Kung Fu Masters to tackle Kung Fu villain.
What’s the story? Originally titled ‘Kung Fu Panda 2: Pandamonium’, then ‘Kung Fu Panda 2: The Kaboom of Doom’, and finally, (thankfully) just ‘Kung Fu Panda 2’. It’s not like Jack Black’s lovable action panda, Po, needs much introduction second time around. Many of the original cast has returned, but this 3D sequel has a few surprises up its sleeve. Yuh Nelson, who was one of the award-winning Kung Fu Panda animators, makes her film directorial debut, while Pan’s Labyrinth’s Guillermo del Toro is producing Po’s return, which sees the now Kung Fu Master join forces with a group of new characters to tackle an old enemy (Oldman) with a deadly new weapon.
The Beaver (June 17)
Dir: Jodie Foster
Starring: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster
In a nutshell: Leave it to beaver.
What’s the story? For Jodie’s first directorial outing in 16 years, she casts Mel Gibson as a depressed man who starts to wear a beaver puppet (with a cockney accent) on his hand as a form of therapy, much to the initial bemusement of his family. Apparently Jim Carrey and Steve Carrell had both previously been attached to the lead role. Foster herself takes on the role of Gibson’s wife, reuniting the actors for the first time since Maverick (1994), while the great Jennifer Lawrence rounds out a cracking cast. Given that Mel Gibson’s popular standing in Hollywood at the moment is at a low ebb, it’s going to require the performance of a lifetime (from him or the beaver) to win audiences around. Watch this space.
Green Lantern (June 17)
Dir: Martin Campbell
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively
In a nutshell: Holding out for a hero.
What’s the story? With the exception of Batman and Superman, Green Lantern is arguably the most popular character in the DC Comics stable. Former Bond director Martin Campbell has spared no expense in bringing him to the big screen, with Ryan Reynolds taking the lead as the first human ever recruited by the intergalactic Green Lantern Corps, a brotherhood of warriors sworn to uphold peace in the universe. When that peace is threatened by a malignant force called Parallax, our man Ryan (and his gal pal Blake Lively) are called upon to save the day. The studio has such high hopes for this one that a sequel is already in the offing; the script is ready, Ryan has cleared his schedule, so now all they need is for this one to be a monster hit.
Bad Teacher (June 22)
Dir: Jake Kasdan
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel, Justin Timberlake, Lucy Punch.
In a nutshell: Diaz, Timberlake reunite for adult comedy.
What’s the story? A comedy about a bad-mouthed, lazy teacher (Diaz), who gets a wake-up call when she’s dumped by her sugar daddy. Setting her sights on a nerdy but loaded substitute teacher (Timberlake), she has a battle on her hands to win him over when pitted against a determined rival teacher (Punch). She has to up her game both in and outside the classroom to get his attention . . . and hilarity ensues. That’s the aim; this line-up could just pull it off.
Larry Crowne (July 1)
Dir: Tom Hanks
Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts
In a nutshell: Hot for teacher.
What’s the story? Fifteen years after his directorial debut with That Thing You Do! Tom Hanks gets behind the camera again for this heart-warming tale of a middle-aged man who falls victim to downsizing, signs up at his local college, and promptly falls head over heels for his teacher. Being Tom Hanks means you’re able to hand-pick your cast so Julia Roberts is on board as the love interest, while triple Emmy-winning Bryan Cranston gets a supporting nod. In a summer filled with super-heroes and aliens, this could be the go-to romantic comedy.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (July 1)
Dir: Michael Bay
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Rose Huntington-Whiteley.
In a nutshell: The third instalment looks out of this world.
What’s the story? The absence of Megan Fox and the addition of Frances McDormand and John Malkovich may extend the appeal of the third part of the Transformers franchise from the existing fanboy base, although they will have Rose Huntington-Whiteley. After years of resistance, director Michael Bay has finally succumbed to 3D, which should serve perfectly to intensify the experience of this latest round of Autobot/Decepticon adventures. The story? A secret, hidden since the first moon landing, is about to be revealed.
One Day (July 8)
Dir: Lone Sherfig
Starring: Jim Sturgess, Anne Hathaway
In a nutshell: What’s another year?
What’s the story? The success of David Nicholls’ novel, the story of two college pals who check in with each other on the same day each year as their lives take different turns, is something of a two-edged sword when it comes to the screen adaptation. While it’s perfect rom-com fodder on paper, the book is so beloved of its readers that many have already taken to campaigning against its big-screen release. People seem to accept Jim Sturgess in the male role but Anne Hathaway has come in for no end of cyber scorn for taking on the female role, particularly since it’s so quintessentially English and she is so quintessentially American. It remains to be seen if fans are appeased by the result, but Sherfig, the Danish director of An Education (2009) and Red Road (2006), is a good hand at the helm, while the supporting cast – Patricia Clarkson, Romola Garai (who shot her scenes during shooting breaks for BBC’s The Crimson Petal and the White), Ken Stott and Jodie Whittaker – is first-rate.
The Guard (July 8)
Dir: John Michael McDonagh
Starring: Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle
In a nutshell: A cop on the edge.
What’s the story? They loved it in Berlin. They loved it in Sundance. And now critics are falling over themselves to praise this debut feature from the brother of award-winning dramatist / director Martin. Brendan Gleeson top-lines as a hard-boiled Garda who teams up with FBI agent Don Cheadle to investigate a drug smuggling ring. Filmed on location in Galway, The Guard has been fêted for its performances and its memorable language.
Horrible Bosses (July 22)
Dir: Seth Gordon
Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey, Colin Farrell, Jason Bateman, Donald Sutherland.
In a nutshell: David and Goliath workplace comedy.
What’s the story? This is one date worth marking in the movie calendar, as a great array of talent team up for what promises to be a comedic romp. Three employees (including Arrested Development’s Bateman) hatch a plan to murder their horrible bosses (Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell) who they believe are standing in the way of their future happiness and success. We’ll ignore the fact that director Seth Gordon brought us Four Christmases and focus on the fact that he directed an episode of Modern Family . . . fingers crossed.
Cars 2 (July 22)
Dirs: John Lasseter & Brad Lewis
Starring: Owen Wilson, Michael Caine, Jason Isaacs, Emily Mortimer, John Turturro.
In a nutshell: Cars rev worldwide.
What’s the story? Although Cars was one of the lowest grossing of Pixar’s films, an estimated $8 billion in merchandising meant a sequel was inevitable. While travelling around the world promoting the original, director John Lasseter was thinking about how Lightning McQueen, Mater, Luigi and co. would react to these new environs . . . and so a sequel was born. Prepare for a game of spot the landmark as the cars race their way around the first ever World Grand Prix, plus Michael Caine joins the line-up as British Spy, Finn McMissile, who recruits Mater as his 007.
Captain America: The First Avenger (July 29)
Dir: Joe Johnston
Starring: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell.
In a nutshell: Super soldier’s super Nazi attack.
What’s the story? The name Steve Rogers might mean nothing on this side of the Atlantic, but Captain America: The First Avenger is arguably the most anticipated film Stateside this summer. In a bid to create an indestructible soldier to fight WWII, an ordinary guy gets an extraordinary make-over, the likes of which The Swan’s contestants could only dream of. The beefed-up result, Fantastic Four’s Chris Evans, becomes the shield-bearing hero taking on the villain, Red Skull. The world’s first Avenger was soon followed by other Marvel heroes, (Thor is about to burst onto the big screen) and there’s a reunion for next year’s blockbuster The Avengers, including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson).
Super 8 (August 5)
Dir: JJ Abrams
Starring: Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler
In a nutshell: Close encounters of the cinematic kind.
What’s the story? Reprising the formula he employed to great effect when generating hype for Cloverfield, JJ Abrams utilised the internet in general and the geek community in particular to generate a real buzz about Super 8. Produced by Steven Spielberg, the story begins with the US Air Force transporting ‘cargo’ from Area 51 to a secure facility in Ohio, only for the train to derail and ‘something’ to escape. That something is captured on film by a bunch of kids (including Dakota Fanning’s kid sis) who are fooling around with a Super 8 camera (it’s 1979, after all).
The Smurfs 3D (August 10)
Dir: Raja Gosnell
Starring: Hank Azaria, Katy Perry, Neil Patrick Harris, Jonathan Winters.
In a nutshell: Smurfs take bite out of the Big Apple.
What’s the story? New York is going blue this summer when the Smurfs head for Central Park in their first ever live action 3D film. Kids of the ’80s can relive their youth by bringing their kids to see this Enchanted-style film and indulge in the nostalgic fun of being reunited with Papa Smurf (Winters), Smurfette (Perry) and all of smurfdom. When the wonderfully named Gargamel (Azaria) (what's his cats name?) returns, he chases the little blue ones out of their world, and they land all cute and vulnerable in ours, Central Park to be precise. Sony are said to be planning a Smurf trilogy, so they’re taking no chances with the quality of their cast and they also have members of the Culliford family, the original Belgian Smurf creators, over-seeing the film’s production. (P.S. It's Azrael)
Rise of the Apes (August 12)
Dir: Rupert Wyatt
Starring: James Franco, Andy Serkis
In a nutshell: Too much monkey business.
What’s the story? It started out as a cult novel, before becoming a superb TV series and later a cinematic franchise of ever-diminishing quality. Now, Planet of the Apes is about to get a prequel. In this origins story set in modern day San Francisco, those pesky genetic engineers have been developing ape intelligence. The strong cast includes James Franco, Freida Pinto and Brian Cox. Though Andy Serkis has again been employed to monkey around in a motion capture suit, all the apes in this movie will be digitally created by the boffins at Peter Jackson’s studio.
Cowboys & Aliens (August 19)
Dir: Jon Favreau
Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford
In a nutshell: Cowboys and aliens
What’s the story? In some cases, the title itself can turn out to be the only intriguing thing about a movie (think Snakes on a Plane). Cowboys & Aliens is an equally eye-catching moniker but the people involved and the trailer itself suggests there is more to this genre mash-up than a memorable poster. Although it’s based on a graphic novel from 2006, the studio obtained the movie rights nine years earlier on the basis of one solitary image: a cowboy standing in front of a spaceship. The good news is the cracking cast – Craig and Ford are supported by Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell and Keith Carradine. The bad news is the fact that the script has been through the hands of seven writers. Mark my words; this will either be a work of genius or utterly bonkers. We still haven’t forgotten (or forgiven) Hollywood for its last sci-fi western, Wild Wild West.
Conan the Barbarian (August 19)
Dir: Marcus Nispel
Starring: Jason Momoa, Ron Perlman, Rose McGowan.
In a nutshell: Reworking of the 1982 Arnie original.
What’s the story? Stargate: Atlantis star Jason Momoa has muscled up in the adaptation of Robert E Howard’s 1982 original, in which the Governator Arnold Schwarzenegger flexed his way through two hours of leather-clad swordplay. Following Pathfinder, Marcus Nispel has turned his megaphone to this mythical adventure, which has been in development for over ten years. Nispel's remake follows Conan after his father is murdered and his village destroyed, as he battles monsters, witches and henchmen, attracting numerous fur bikini-clad women en route, until he finally confronts the warlord responsible.
The Change Up (August 26)
Dir: David Dobkin
Starring: Jason Bateman, Ryan Reynolds, Olivia Wilde, Alan Arkin.
In a nutshell: Body swapping comedy.
What’s the story? The Change Up sees a settled married guy (Bateman) switching bodies with his best friend (Reynolds) in order to woo his co-worker (Wilde). Produced and directed by Wedding Crashers’ David Dobkin, this is definitely in the running to be the comedy of the summer. Irish-American actress of sorts (her father is journalist Andrew Cockburn, born in England but raised in Ireland, close enough!) Olivia Wilde is heading for the big time: apart from her role as Dr Remy in House, there was last year's appearance in Tron: Legacy and she’s now sharing the billing with Bateman and Green Lantern's Reynolds.
The Debt (August 31)
Dir: John Madden
Starring: Sam Worthington, Helen Mirren
In a nutshell: Nazi hunters never retire.
What’s the story? Based on the successful 2007 Israeli movie, John Madden’s thriller concerns a trio of Mossad agents who famously hunted down and killed a notorious Nazi war criminal in 1965, only for him to (apparently) resurface in the Ukraine, three decades later. The strong cast includes Sam Worthington, Tom Wilkinson, Ciarán Hinds, and Helen Mirren, who completely immersed herself in Hebrew studies, Jewish history and Holocaust writings. I smell Oscar.
