Iron Man Strong

You Made It!

Well, here we are ready to start another great week...

I have just heard the weather forecast for the week and am in good spirit - nothing but sunshine and warm/hot weather for Southern California.

Quite frankly, I am thrilled about the start of the summer season and thought I would take a slight break from the usual television fare to Blog about something that is synonymous with summer: Big Box Office Movies, also known as the "Tentpoles!".

Summer of Big Box Office
Although I have yet to clear my schedule to accompany my loved one to view the new Iron Man (Alright, I am not keeping up with the cool movies), the comic book actioner presented an unbelievable weekend gross in excess of $50 Million dollars last weekend and just north of $100 Million the previous weekend.

On several occasions I have been reprimanded by the men in my life for not being aware of Comic Heroes - Quite honestly, I have never read a comic book in my entire life; but Vogue, Seventeen, and People - Yes and when I was a teen, this was mandatory reading.

Here's a thought, what may not be acutely aware to the faithful is that most big screen comic type movies all kind of look the same - big explosions, sarcastic one-line dialog, loud machinery, strangely only one female character, and somehow, they always seem to have a military 'Be All You Can Be' connection or presence.

Having said, I am aware that the movie role of the Iron character was one that Tom Cruise had originally hoped to attain when rumblings of the movie began two years prior - obviously, negotiations favored Robert Downey Jr. as lead character. As well, I am aware of the fact that the Comic book had a few out-of-date references (Upgraded to Billionaire rather than just lowly Millionaire, abducted by Terrorists, rather than "Commies" whatever that meant, and is a weapon's manufacturer rather than just an inventor). Further, I am hearing from some that it is not as 'Good' as Spiderman or Batman (?)...Not sure what that means...Perhaps the lead character was not satisfactorily conflicted (Another key ingredient in Comic movies).

Speaking of Comic Heroes, I still have yet to see Spiderman 3, from the previous summer.

The Iron Man Sequel should be arriving in theaters by the time I actually see the movie. However, the DVD distribution window is now down to about 3 months after wide-screen release, and OnDemand is about 2-3 months behind that - so, it safe to presume that I should probably see the movie by November.

With Speed Racer and the romantic comedy What Stays In Vegas also opening at almost a tie this past weekend with both around $20 Million, we have every reason to believe this summer is going to big...

Action Packed Theaters
So, this summer we can expect a few new major releases and here is the official calendar (Note, this calendar is subject to change according to friends at the studios) (Expected 'Tentpoles' are in bold):

• Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian May 16
• Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull May 23
• War Inc. May 16
• Sex In The City May 30
• The Strangers May 30

June:

• Kung Fu Panda June 6
• You Don't Mess With Zohan June 6
• The Happening June 13
• The Incredible Hulk June 13
• Get Smart June 20
• The Love Guru June 20
• Wanted June 27

July:

• Hancock July 4
• Hellboy 2 July 11
• Journey to The Center of the Earth 3D July 11
• Meet Dave July 11
• The Dark Knight (Batman 4) July 18
• The Step Brothers July 25
• The X-Files 2 July 25

August:

• The Mummy 3 August 1
• The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2 August 8
• Tropic Thunder August 15
• Star Wars - The Clone Wars August 15
• The Accidental Husband August 22
• Babylon A.D. August 29
  

Ah, are you exhausted? Well, I am from just writing the list and it is safe to conclude that you will be in the theaters at some point or another this year. Rest assured, I have not even began discussion about the holiday movie slate.

Of course, you may print the above list, re-produce and email to your friends. Just let me know which movies you decided to see!



*The photo image above is the movie poster for Iron Man, starring Robert Downey Jr. and compliments of Paramount/Marvel Comics."