Summer Movie Preview

Summer is movie going heaven and this summer promises to be no different. From explosions and big budget blockbusters to animated features, there are tons of flix lined up for release this summer that going to the movies should be a pretty good way to beat the heat. In order to make things a bit easier, we have listed the films that caught our eye in chronological order, but there are other movies that we just didn't have room for on the list. Thanks to our friends at Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes for helping us with this article.

Wednesday June 29

The Shallows

If "Jaws" taught us anything it's that Shark films make great horror films. (Sit down "Sharknado," sit down Ian Zering ) In this thriller, Blake Lively plays a surfer who is surfing alone on a secluded stretch of beach when she is attacked by a great white shark just a few hundred yards from shore. Her attempts to make it back to shore, despite her injuries, will take all of the strength and ingenuity she has. Cue 90 minutes of tension, thanks to a circling shark.

Friday, July 1

The BFG

A new Steven Spielberg movie? Enough said. But knowing that it's about a "Big Friendly Giant" is even better, especially since friendly giants are rare. This one refuses to eat children so the other giants are mean to him, but he finds a friend in a little girl. This is also based on a Roald Dahl story and a screenplay by the late Melissa Mathison, writer of E.T., who passed away last year.

The Legend of Tarzan

Did you love when Eric Northman would prance around naked on "True Blood?" Do tall, hunky, blond Swedes get you all hot and bothered? Well then you won't want to miss Alexander Skarsg�rd as he takes on one of Hollywood's most iconic roles, Tarzan. It's been a while since we have had seen a remake of the classic story, but this summer, he comes swinging onto the big screen again, this time with Skarsg�rd as the Lord of the Apes. Just call me Jane!

Friday July 8

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

This summer, we get a double dose of Zac Efron and thank God he's shirtless in this outing. He and Adam DeVine play brothers who've ruined so many family gatherings their parents force them to find proper dates to their sister's wedding. They post a video online to attract the perfect dates, but end up with girls who may be even wilder than they are. Sounds like a mix between Wedding Crashers and all those frat boy movies Efron has been in lately.

The Secret Life of Pets

Remember how "Toy Story" showed us what our toys get up to when we're not around? Well, what about our pets? Illumination Entertainment, the animators who brought us "Despicable Me" and "Minions," has the answer. In a big city high rise where pets lead a different life when their owners are at work, one dog must adjust when his owner gets a second pup. Starring Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Ellie Kemper, this will be one you should take your nieces and nephews too. They will just love their gay uncle for it!

Friday July 15

Ghostbusters

I ain't afraid of no ghost. You probably haven't heard enough about his one, right? The all new, all female Ghostbusters reboot comes from the director of Spy and Bridesmaids. Four women open a business investigating paranormal activity in New York City, and supernatural hilarity ensues with a feminine twist. Saturday Night Live's favorite ladies Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones partner up with funny lady Melissa McCarthy to bring back a classic from the '80s. Think the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man will make another appearance?

The Infiltrator

In stark contrast to "Breaking Bad"'s Walter White, Bryan Cranston stars in this drama as an undercover DEA agent in the 1980s trying to bust Pablo Escobar. Less Medellin on Entourage and more Narcos on Netflix, this crime thriller based on true events should serve as counterprogramming to all the fantastical blockbusters of the summer.

Friday July 22

Lights Out

James Wan wants to scare us twice this summer. "The Conjuring 2" director produced this horror movie, based on a short film by Swedish director David F. Sandberg, who makes his feature debut here. As with the viral short, the monster here only appears when the lights are out, so keep that popcorn close and your significant other closer.

Star Trek Beyond

I was surprised at how much I liked the first two reboots of "Star Trek" so I'm looking forward to seeing what the crew of the Enterprise is up to in this go round. The third voyage finds them fleeing their destroyed starship and finding an all new adventure on the planet where they land. Justin Lin brings his Fast and the Furious energy to the action, which means the Enterprise doesn't have a crew. They have a family. Go see this one to support our family Zachary Quinto who is back as Spock along with Chris Pine and John Cho.

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie

Ok all you fags, it is finally here, and you best go see it, dahling. If you are really fab, you will try to bring your martini in with you. "Ab Fab" officially ended in 2005 but aired a few additional episodes in 2011 and 2012. Now Patsy (Joanna Lumley) and Edina (Jennifer Saunders) finally have their own movie, and they're still living the high life. This time, they find themselves in hot water when they accidentally kill Kate Moss at a fashion show. Get ready for hilarity to ensue!

Friday July 29

Bad Moms

Get your girls together, have a few cocktails and get ready to have a great time at the movies because the Bad Moms are here. We've had bad Santas, bad teachers, and bad lieutenants, so why not Bad Moms? Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, and Kathryn Hahn take a weekend off from being perfect moms and get into some R-rated fun, much to the chagrin of PTA supermom Christina Applegate. Think "Bridesmaids" meets "Mean Girls."

Jason Bourne

Matt Damon is finally back as Jason Bourne in the series that has made Ben Affleck's bestie a whole lot of money. Forget about all those "Bourne" flicks without Damon, this time he's back and Jason is remembering who he really is and is ready to kick some a$$. Judging from the trailer, you can expect big explosions, white knuckle car chases and some graphic fight scenes. Joining Damon are Julia Stiles and Tommy Lee Jones, who will surely be amazing.

Friday August 5

The Founder

Not satisfied with clogging your arteries or exhaustive ads during the upcoming Olympics, this summer McDonalds is brining you their very own story. Even though they've served billions and billions, even McDonald's was an underdog in the beginning. "The Founder" tells the story of Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton), a traveling salesman who discovered one burger joint with golden arches and battled the original owners to take it national. Would you like an apple pie with that?

Suicide Squad

If you are a super hero fan, this is your movie! Dr. Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) recruits a team of comic book supervillains to be her dirty dozen. Jared Leto has reportedly taken his role of The Joker a little too seriously by sending his cast mates dead animals (gross), but Margot Robbie looks like a hoot as Harley Quinn. This will be the next step in the DC Extended Universe after "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice."

Friday August 12

Pete's Dragon

I had totally forgotten about "Pete's Dragon" until I was at Disney's Magic Kingdom during Gay Days and saw Pete and The Dragon make an appearance in the Electromagic Parade. The original "Pete's Dragon" was a musical with a Disney animated dragon. The teaser trailers have kept the new dragon well hidden, but in this live action remake, young Pete (Oakes Fegley) returns to society after surviving six years in the forest. Maybe he can adapt to the modern world, but what happens when his dragon comes looking for him?

Sausage Party

"Sausage Party?" Count me in! Imagine an R-rated comedy featuring Seth Rogen, James Franco, Paul Rudd, Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill, Salma Hayek, Edward Norton and more. Now imagine that it's an animated film about pieces of talking meat. Yes, you read that right. This cartoon for grown-ups was a huge hit at South by Southwest, but it might just be too weird for the average moviegoer. James Franco has a starring role, so it's bound to be a least a little gay.

Friday August 19

War Dogs

Based on a true story, this war comedy stars Jonah Hill (he's in almost every single movie this summer... just kidding, but this is his second film opening in as many weeks.) and Miles Teller as David and Efraim, a pair of young war profiteers who get their hands dirty running guns through Iraq. The subject matter is potentially sensitive, but don't expect many deep social critiques with the Hangover franchise's Todd Phillips at the helm.

Kubo and the Two Strings

Kubo is a boy on a quest to find his father's armor after he wakes up in the ashes of his village. The animation looks impressive, and the exotic realms and dazzling creatures he encounters are rendered in superb detail. Starring Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara, with a cast like that, it's worth checking out, maybe this one will be great for a matinee on rainy Sunday afternoon.

Friday August 26

Hands of Stone

Edgar Ramirez stars in this biopic of Roberto Duran, a young boxer from Panama who started his career at 16 and went on to become a champion, partially thanks to the help of his trainer, Ray Arcel (Robert DeNiro). In June 1980, Duran defeated Sugar Ray Leonard to capture the WBC welterweight title but shocked the boxing world by returning to his corner in the November rematch, saying "no mas" (no more).Don't miss cameos by Usher and Panamanian politician and crooner Ruben Blades.

Southside With You

Now that Obama's second and final term as President of the US is wrapping up, cue the bio pic. This romantic comedy recounts an afternoon in the lives of the future first couple: Barack and Michelle Obama. During a summer off from Harvard in 1989, young law associate Barack took Michelle on their first date, walking around Chicago and catching "Do the Right Thing" at the movies. It's gotten great reviews, but even though the Obama's approval rating is through the roof, you probably won't need to line up early to get a good seat to see this one. Sorry, Barry...I still love you

Friday, September 2

Morgan

Producer Ridley Scott brings this thriller starring Kate Mara as corporate troubleshooter who is sent to a remote, top-secret location, where she is to investigate and evaluate a terrifying accident. She has to decide whether or not to terminate the "life" of an artificial human who was created in a lab. Think Renesme from "Twilight" meets Frankenstein's Monster. What will happen if the artificial human, named Morgan, escapes and goes on a killing spree?

Solace

Colin Farrell is the hottest Irishman on the planet so I always make it a habit of watching his films (I'm Ian Maloney duh!). This time I am really excited to see him star as a villain opposite Sir Anthony Hopkins as they intend to scare the bejesus out of us all. Hopkins plays a former doctor with psychic abilities who is drawn into a serial killer case only to find that the killer also is a psychic, leading to a showdown between the two who can detect each other's every move.

Friday, September 9

Sully

On January 15, 2009, the world witnessed the "Miracle on the Hudson" when Captain "Sully" Sullenberger (Tom Hanks) glided his disabled plane onto the frigid waters of the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 aboard. However, even as Sully was being heralded by the public and the media for his unprecedented feat of aviation skill, an investigation was unfolding that threatened to destroy his reputation and his career. I think I saw this movie already and it was starring Denzel Washington?

Friday, September 16

The Woods

There is something evil hiding in The Woods. Think of this as a 2016 version of "The Blair Witch Project," with a touch of "The Hills Have Eyes." The only thing that I see different from "The Blair Witch Project" is this version was not made with a hand held camera. It's been said that this movie reinvents the horror genre but I will have to wait and see. Make sure you pee before you see this one, or you could have a wet seat!

Snowden

Snowden reveals the incredible untold personal story of Edward Snowden, the polarizing figure who exposed shocking illegal surveillance activities by the NSA and became one of the most wanted men in the world. He is considered a hero by some, and a traitor by others. No matter which you believe, the epic story of why he did it, who he left behind, and how he pulled it off makes for one of the most compelling films of the year. Plus, Clint's dreamy son Scott Eastwood is in it, and if there is a chance he might take his shirt off, I'm there!

Surely we have missed something that you are going to love to see, so be sure to let us know on Facebook what you are looking forward to seeing this summer. Also, if you do end up watching any of the films we mentioned, let us know what you thought!