Jason Anderson
Special to the Star
It may take more than a guy with a shiny suit and an AC/DC soundtrack to keep movie audiences pumped up all summer long. It may also take more than the prettiest star or most dazzling FX wizardry. It may even take more than 3-D, which so many in Hollywood believe will save their industry.
What it is exactly that will keep moviegoers attention throughout the long summer months is anyone’s guess. All we can say for certain is that the industry is pulling out the big guns, unofficially kicking off the summer movie season with the highly anticipated, action-packed Iron Man 2, which hits theatres next weekend.
It’s almost impossible for filmmakers and producers to guarantee their wares will find success. And audiences are just as difficult to entice as they are to predict.
That’s why every release will be out to prove it has something the others don’t, an increasing challenge now that Avatar has redefined the wow factor. In other words, it’s up to you to decide whether a 3-D retrofit or a funny trailer is enough to get you into the multiplex. Here are this summer’s contenders. (Dates may change so keep checking the Star’s movie listings.)
May 7
Iron Man 2
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow
Story: After outing himself as the invincible Iron Man, Tony Stark takes heat from all sides, including Mickey Rourke as a Russian foe with a similar talent for gadgetry and a score to settle.
Competitive edge: Few summer movies can compete with the arsenal of weaponry for this sequel to the 2008 Marvel hit, which includes everything from new AC/DC songs to Scarlett Johansson as flame-haired superspy Black Widow.
By Jonathan Brown
