With “Avengers: Infinity War” still setting box office records, and “Deadpool 2” now in the running, the summer movie blockbuster season has officially begun.
But with the month of June not yet upon us, to what other movies can Claremore audiences look forward to seeing in the coming months? While you make your summer vacation plans, be sure to make time for some of the cinematic offerings coming to a theater near you in Claremore.
Movies scheduled to make their way to the Claremore Cinema 8 in the coming months include:
“Solo: A Star Wars Story,” rated PG-13
In Theaters: May 25
What‘s the Deal? “Solo: A Star Wars Story” tells origin story of Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich), as he teams up with Wookie pal Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), meets a new mentor (Woody Harrelson) and meets the ultra-suave Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) for the first time.
Buzz: It’s uncommon that a new Star Wars movie is due out Friday and the buzz has been relatively lukewarm (no pun intended), at least compared to the excitement leading up to “The Force Awakens” or “The Last Jedi.”
Though early reviews have been favorable, it’s debatable that “Solo” may end up as anything less than a passably entertaining film set in the Star Wars universe. Hopefully, “Solo” will offer a few surprises for Star Wars and cinema fans alike.
“Upgrade,” rated R
In Theaters: June 1
What‘s the Deal? This out of left field movie follows a man (Logan Marshall-Green) who has an experimental microchip placed in his spinal cord, giving him superhuman abilities as he seeks to avenge his wife’s murder.
Buzz: It’s got a nifty as heck premise, the trailer looks impressive, and early reviews have been solidly positive. It seems like “Upgrade” is set to deliver ample helpings of dark humor, stylish action sequences and violence (if that‘s your thing).
“Ocean’s 8,” rated PG-13
In Theaters: June 8
What‘s the Deal? A female-led spin-off from the original Ocean’s heist franchise, starring Sandra Bullock as Debbie Ocean (sister of George Clooney’s Danny), who attempts to pull off a seemingly impossible heist at the Met Gala, with the help of her pals.
Buzz: Say what you will about Hollywood just recycling previously used ideas, it’s hard not to be intrigued by the cast. Co-starring with Bullock are Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna and Helena Bonham Carter.
That’s to say nothing of cameo appearances from Matt Damon, Carl Reiner, and others. Odds are, it will be more style than substance (as the series has been) but with potential chemistry of the cast, it should deliver both laughs and action.
“Tag,” rated R
In Theaters: June 15
What‘s the Deal? Allegedly based on a true story, “Tag” follows a group of former classmates who meet up and restart a cross-country game of tag they’ve been playing for literally decades.
Buzz: This is one of those goofy simple premises for a movie that looks like it could reap tremendous comedic rewards. “Tag” is the perfect fit for an off-the-wall, R-rated comedy, and with a cast including Ed Helms, Jeremy Renner, Jon Hamm, Jake Johnson, Hannibal Buress, Isla Fisher, Rashida Jones and Leslie Bibb.
If “Tag” lives up to its potential, this could be one of the summer’s biggest surprise box office hits.
“Incredibles 2,” rated PG
In Theaters: June 15
What‘s the deal? The very long-awaited sequel to Pixar’s 2004 animated classic, “Incredibles 2” picks up almost immediately where the previous film left off, with the superhero family once again suiting up to battle a threat to Earth’s future.
Buzz: Fans (of which, I am one) have been waiting far too long for this movie, and while not every Pixar sequel is a sure home run, the fact this thing’s been in development for nearly 15 years is hopefully an indication that creator Brad Bird wanted to ensure it lived up to the brilliance of the original.
As far as anticipation goes, “Incredibles 2” tops a lot of people’s list of “Must See” movies this summer, and if it’s not one of the best-reviewed movies of the summer, I’d be surprised.
“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom,” rated PG-13
In Theaters: June 22
What’s the Deal? The latest entry into the “Jurassic Park” franchise, with protagonists Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) back for more, this time around, attempting to evacuate Isla Nublar’s surviving dinosaurs before they’re wiped out by a volcanic eruption.
Buzz: Though the trailers for Fallen Kingdom don’t suggest it’ll be much more than a pretty conventional follow-up to Jurassic World, the fact that the series seems to be moving away from Isla Nublar is intriguing. If the movie finally delivers on the dinosaurs-on-the-loose, it could be far better than most are surely expecting.
Universal has gone on record saying that most of the movie’s second half hasn’t yet been featured in trailers, incinuating that some surprises could be in store for audiences. Bonus: Jeff Goldblum returns.
“Ant Man & the Wasp,” rated PG-13
In Theaters: July 6
What’s the Deal? Set between “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers: Infinity War,” this sequel deals with Scott re-adjusting to family life while under house arrest, though inevitably juggling this with his superhero activities. This time around, he’ll team with Hope van Dyne’s Wasp (Evangeline Lilly) to battle the villainous Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen).
Buzz: The year-long wait for “Avengers 4” will be soothed somewhat by the impending release of Ant-Man’s nifty-looking follow-up, which should benefit hugely from the team-up dynamic, more visually creative action sequences, Michelle Pfeiffer playing Janet van Dyne, and more.
While it would need to hugely surpass expectations to match the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s recent efforts, “Ant Man & the Wasp” looks set to be nothing if not a creative and charming film.
“Skyscraper,” rated PG-13
In Theaters: July 13
What’s the Deal? The Rock gets his very own “Die Hard” movie, playing a former FBI agent who is forced to act when terrorists attack Hong Kong’s tallest skyscraper, with his family trapped inside no less.
Buzz: Though the marketing campaign’s been surprisingly quiet with two months until Skyscraper hits screens, what’s been shown off so far looks fittingly over-the-top, with The Rock committing as hard to the loony premise as you’d both hope for and expect.
“Mission Impossible: Fallout,” rated PG-13
In Theaters: July 27
What’s the Deal? After a botched IMF operation, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) once again finds himself on the run from enemies and allies alike, as he ventures to stop a global cataclysm. Again.
Buzz: Disregard the generic title and the sixth “Mission: Impossible” movie looks like it’s going to further the series’ hot streak of quality, well-crafted, entertaining action flicks.
While the premise of Hunt going rogue yet again isn’t all that original, the addition of Henry Cavill (and his mustache of note) as the intense new antagonist, the franchise actually keeping hold of a female character for once (Rebecca Ferguson returns as Ilsa Faust) and the delirious-looking set-pieces should more-than-compensate.
“Christopher Robin” (rating unavailable)
In Theaters: August 3
What’s the Deal? An adult Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor) has lost his sense of adventure, so Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and friends visit Christopher to rejuvenate his joy for life.
Buzz: Frankly, this looks charming. McGregor seems like a perfect fit for an older Christopher, but the most alluring aspect of the marketing so far has been the rather unconventional, stripped-down design of Pooh and his friends. Rather than exaggerate the cuteness, there’s a more charmingly scaled-back “tatty teddy bear” feel to the characters.
What it’ll certainly lack in explosions and bombast, it should more than compensate with charm and nostalgic pull. Bring tissues.
“The Meg,” rated PG-13
In Theaters: August 10
What’s the Deal? Jason Statham and an international cast battle a prehistoric 75-foot shark known as the Megalodon. It’s that simple.
Buzz: It’s interesting that we live in a time where someone funded $150 million for a giant shark movie starring Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Ruby Rose, Dwight from The Office and Hiro from Heroes.
With surprisingly impressive visual effects and a knowingly goofy tone, this could be the summer’s quintessential “monster movie” you’ll want to see for some no-brain entertainment.
For a listing of movies coming to Claremore Cinema 8 and showtimes, call CC8 at 918-342-2422. Claremore Cinema 8 is located at W Country Club Road in Claremore. Claremore Cinema 8 is Rogers County’s only cinema.
-by Tom Fink
Movie Man
