"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2"— May 5
The star system's favorite heroic outlaws are back. The humor and eccentric music choices seem to be as specific and fun as they were in the first film. The action sequences look larger and more spectacular than ever. The cast boasts some impressive new additions. In particular, Kurt Russell looks fantastic as Peter Quill’s father. This movie will satisfy your Marvel craving until “Spider-Man: Homecoming” swings into theaters.
"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales"— May 26
Captain Jack Sparrow returns in the fifth installment of this franchise. The last film was a little lackluster, but this film goes back to basics, which looks more promising. Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley return as Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, and Javier Bardem is bound to give an enjoyably over-the-top performance as the dastardly Captain Salazar. Hopefully it can send the franchise off with a bang.
"Wonder Woman"— June 2
One of the most famous female superheroes arrives on the big screen for the first time. Gal Gadot’s performance as Wonder Woman was a highlight of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” The World War I setting and great cast make this movie look intriguing. It might help Warner Bros. get its mojo back before “Justice League” comes out.
"The Bad Batch"— June 23
Ana Lily Amirpour's film was idiosyncratic and awesome when it screened at the IU Cinema earlier this semester. The action-packed drama is set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with cannibals and cults. With an eclectic cast that includes Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves, “The Bad Batch” promises to be a strange delight.
"The Big Sick"— June 23
This movie was one of the biggest hits at the Sundance Film Festival. This movie has a great cast led by comedian Kumail Nanjiani, who co-wrote it with his wife Emily V. Gordon. It is a romantic comedy about the relationship between Kumail and Emily, which is complicated by cultural differences and a massive health scare.There is a good chance this film could be the sleeper hit of the summer season.
"Baby Driver"— June 28
This movie looks like it will be a big hit for beloved writer-director Edgar Wright. It is about a getaway driver who overcomes his tinnitus by drowning it out with music. He tries to go straight when he falls in love only to get roped into one last heist. The excellent cast includes everyone from Jon Hamm to Flea. I am more excited about this summer release than any other.
"Spider-Man: Homecoming"— July 7
Tom Holland stole scenes as Spider-Man in “Captain America: Civil War.” Now he gets a whole movie to show off his great performance as the character. It looks like a John Hughes superhero blockbuster combination. The cast combines rising stars such as Holland and Zendaya with established actors such as Michael Keaton and Marisa Tomei. “Spider-Man: Homecoming” will satisfy your Marvel craving until “Thor: Ragnarok” blows your mind.
"A Ghost Story"— July 7
David Lowery follows up his crowd-pleasing Disney film “Pete’s Dragon” with this distinctive ghost story. It is about a dead man who returns as a ghost covered in a white sheet to see his wife. Rooney Mara eats a whole pie. Casey Affleck looks like one of the kids from “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” It promises to be a strange meditation on loss and grief.
"Detroit"— Aug. 4
Kathryn Bigelow follows up “Zero Dark Thirty” with another tale drawn from American history. This film takes a broad look at the 1967 street riots in the Detroit, and it delves into the racial tensions that emerged throughout the conflict. The cast is full of rising stars such as Jason Mitchell and Jack Reynor. “Detroit” will remind audiences how much farther we have to go and how far we’ve come from those five days in July of 1967.
"The Dark Tower"— Aug. 4
Stephen King’s long-running book series finally comes to the big screen. Idris Elba stars as the Gunslinger, who searches for the Man in Black to save his world. Matthew McConaughey seems like he will be a great villain as the Man in Black. This movie will not be a typical adaptation of “The Dark Tower.” There might even be elements of the last novel in it, but I’m sure King fans will be too excited to finally see the Gunslinger in a movie to complain.
