By: David Robbins
Escaping the sun into the confines of an air conditioned theater to see a great blockbuster is a pastime of summer. “The Great Gatsby,” “Monsters University” and “Elysium” are worth the $10 ticket.
‘The Great Gatsby,’ May
Director, writer and producer Baz Luhrmann brings the classic novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald to life this summer.
The drama and romance takes place in 1922. Upon returning from the war, Midwesterner and Yale graduate Nick Carraway, played by Tobey Maguire, rents a home in a city west of New York City to pursue a career in bonds. Carraway becomes fascinated with his mysterious neighbor Jay Gatsby, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Gatsby lives in a luxurious mansion and throws lavish weekly parties. Carraway is cousins with Daisy Buchanan, played by Carey Mulligan. Gatsby was in in a relationship with Daisy five years ago and is still in love with her. When Gatsby discovers that Carraway is her cousin, he insists a meeting be arranged. The film takes off into a tangled love story of affairs.
‘Monsters University,’ June
Pixar monsterfies the classic stereotypes of college, with funny “in the face” pictures of the most beloved characters. “Monsters University” shows how the characters of “Monsters Inc.,” Mike and Sully, became friends. The movie takes place at Monsters University, a top school for scaring. Mike and Sully meet as freshman roommates. They’re on a mission to be at the top of their class in the scaring degree program. Their ambition and differences quickly snowball their relationship to a full-out rivalry.
Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Helen Mirren and Steve Buscemi are part of the cast. Kori Rae and John Lasseter produced the animated movie. Rae worked on “Up” and “The Incredibles.” Lasseter worked on “Cars” and the “Toy Story” movies. Pascal Garneau, the sound editor, worked on “Transformers,” “Up” and “Toy Story.”
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‘Elysium,’ August
The wealthy have moved to an off-earth luxury space station named “Elysium.” The colony of extremely rich is enclosed in a disease-free utopia that’s virtually designed to resemble paradise. Foster’s character, Secretary Rhodes, a government official, will stop at nothing to ensure Elysium stays inclusive.
Damon’s character, Max, is an earthling down on his luck and caught in a situation that leaves him at the mercy of criminals. The criminals give him an ultimatum; in order to save his life, he must break-in to Elysium and steal data from one the most powerful elite. The data could end the growing gap between humanity’s rich and poor.
Elysium was written and directed by Neil Blomkamp. Blomkamp is a graduate of graduate of Vancouver Film School for Animation and Visual Effects. The director/ writer has an extensive background in science-fiction. Blomkamp worked on the movie “District 9” and the T.V. series “Stargate SG 1” and “Smallville.”
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Watch the Elysium trailer here!
This is a Guest Post from David Robbins. David loves movies. All movies. Even the bad ones.
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