My Top 5 Most Anticipated Summer 2011 Blockbusters

This summer is packed with so many tentpole films, there won't be a dull movie weekend starting next week all the way through to August. Summer movie starts earlier and earlier every year, and this year FAST FIVE has declared in their marketing that "Summer Begins April 29." I don't know if they've noticed, but there's still snow on the ground in some parts of America! Oh well, they consider it good for business since "summer" is when more people go to the movies, more often.

With a new big-budget blockbuster every week, I've decided to narrow the list down to my top 5, most anticipated flicks.


5. BRIDESMAIDS


I hope this movie makes some serious money so female comedies are no longer synonymous with romantic comedies! With an all-star comedy cast, and Kristen Wiig finally taking  a leading role, this movie should be a laugh riot for both guys and girls. Aiming to be THE HANGOVER for the ladies, it's definitely got the talent behind the screen to deliver on that promise.

Check out the official plot synopsis from IMDB:

Annie (Kristen Wiig), is a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony. Annie's life is a mess. But when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian's maid of honor. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she'll show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you'll go for someone you love.

BRIDESMAIDS is out in theaters on May 13.

4. KUNG FU PANDA 2


This may have been the true turnaround for Dreamworks Animation. Previously, they were known for their pop culture infused, more adult oriented jokes from the SHREK franchise. But with KUNG FU PANDA, and then HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, they've found what works for them: the awkward "nobody" finding out what makes them a "somebody." Leave the princesses and fairytales to Disney, Dreamworks has the loser demo covered and I love it.

KUNG FU PANDA 2 is out in theaters in May 26.

3. THE HANGOVER PART 2


Since I mentioned how BRIDESMAIDS looks to be a female version of THE HANGOVER, it should be no surprise that this makes my list. The first one was a surprise smash of 2009, so expectations are high for this one. I had my doubts they could recreate what made the first one great without it being a complete rehash (and that's still a legitimate concern), but the trailer has me rolling with laughter every time I see it. 

2. X-MEN: FIRST CLASS


I'm choosing to ignore the horrible marketing posters for this one. Going off the fact that X-Men is my comic book franchise, I've been a fan since the cartoon days, there was no doubt I'd see this. But the strong trailer and solid cast gives me confidence that this won't be another X3 fiasco. Check out the official plot synopsis:

Before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Before they were archenemies, they were closest of friends, working together, with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. In the process, a rift between them opened, which began the eternal war between Magneto's Brotherhood and Professor X's X-MEN.

1. HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2

I'm a huge Harry Potter fan, so this had to top my list. I grew up reading the books, going to midnight releases of the books and then the movies, and just this past Christmas, I was lucky enough to make the trek to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This franchise is synonymous with my childhood, so it will be bittersweet when I finish watching this movie. To know there won't be another Harry Potter film to look forward to, will be the end of a huge chapter of my life.

Not to mention, this movie promises to be an action-packed battle of good vs. evil. I just re-read the last book over Christmas and this final film is gong to deliver all the battles that fans have been clamouring for.

HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 will be in theaters on July 15.




This list was super tough to narrow down, with THOR, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES, SUPER 8, and COWBOYS & ALIENS all nearly making the list.

What movie are looking forward to most this summer?