Summer 2009 movie preview

It only took an action-packed, thrilling, superhero-infused movie titled "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" to usher in the film fanaticism that will occur from the rest of May until August as the summer blockbuster season skyrockets at full speed. Moviegoers may be overwhelmed by the selection of movies this summer but fortunately, Silver Chips Online is here with an epic preview to cover all your cinematic desires.

Terminator Salvation - May 21
We all remember the controversy actor Christian Bale incited with his tirade on this movie's set, but let's hope it doesn't affect the final product. Set in a post-apocalyptic world that is near desolation, only John Connor (Bale) and Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington) are left to form a Resistance with the goal of eliminating holocaust perpetrators known collectively as Skynet. As a fourth installment to the Terminator series, all the sci-fi style bloodshed and ferocity of this flick will be sure to hit high gear and attract a loyal, eager fan base.

Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian - May 22
After the unanticipated success of the first sleepover-in-a-museum flick in 2006, a follow-up to this adventure comedy is no surprise. The film maintains most of the main characters from the previous edition, including Ben Stiller and Robin Williams. However, the sequel is set in D.C., where security guard Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) must work to recapture mistakenly shipped artwork. Although the movie seems predictably similar to its prequel, be prepared to see many exhibits and historical figures transform - think aviatrix Amelia Earhart resurfacing via actress Amy Adams.

UP - May 29
Could the film industry get any more bizarre than its newest animated adventure? In "UP," a 78-year-old man and an eight-year-old kid embark on a lofty ride into a lost world. Despite the odd plot, Pixar has become one of the most dependable studios out there for producing reliable films that not only raise the bar in animation, but also set a level of excellence in storytelling that puts most live-action movies to shame. Expect intricate camera effects and slapstick humor that may well live up to Wall-E (and perhaps Oscar) standards.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - June 24
Movie mania will peak at maximum force with the debut of this larger-than-life sci-fi adventure movie that will serve as a prime example of a summer blockbuster. If you are unfamiliar with this sequel to last summer's box office sensation, the movie stars Shia Labeouf as Sam Witwicky, a man in jeopardy amidst a war between two communities, the Autobots and Decepticons. Battle scenes and imagery will be of superior quality with this film as Director Michael Bay injects more robots than ever before and presents an vivid array of backdrops, most notably Egypt. For those truly in love with the series, a whole line of toy gadgets will be released with the film.

Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs - July 1
Most would not guess that an animated trilogy involving an acorn and a saber-toothed squirrel would still be worth watching, but the third and final installment of the Ice Age series is afloat with a superb pack of comedians including Queen Latifah and Ray Romano. After the events of "Ice Age: The Meltdown," life begins to change for Manny and his friends. Scrat is still on the hunt to hold onto his beloved acorn, while finding a possible romance in a female sabre-toothed squirrel named Scratte. Manny and Ellie, having since become an item, are expecting a baby. Sid begins to wish for a family of his own and ends up in a strange underground world where his herd must rescue him. The trailers released thus far leave no doubt that the animation will be fantastic, but we can only hope that this movie does not fall victim to the dreaded sequel sickness that inevitably leaves fans longing for the original.

Public Enemies - July 1
The beloved Johnny Deep stars in this crime thriller about gangsters like John Dillinger (Depp) who contests with Federal agents, including one played by Christian Bale, during the 1930s crime wave in America. Period movies tend to lack action, but this flick's killer cast and fantastic premise will surely make it a thriller. Throw in Channing Tatum as bad boy Pretty Boyd Floyd and acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann as director of a stunning cast, and few doubts remain that "Public Enemies" will be a heart-pounding production.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - July 15
The Harry Potter franchise is the highest grossing movie monopoly to chart, surpassing even big leaguers like Star Wars. In this edition, Harry Potter begins his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he discovers an old book marked mysteriously "This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince" and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort's dark past. Though many diehard fans have criticized the movies for straying too far from J.K. Rowling's novels or failing to include key scenes, the tone set by released trailers provides evidence that the movie may be better than the book, perfectly incorporating the darker themes with humorous portrayals of the main characters struggling through adolescence.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra - August 7
This spectacular live action film follows the elite team of military operatives who battle an evil organization reputed in the business of armed dealings. Channing Tatum will take on a role as a lead soldier named Conrad Hauser, actor Dennis Quaid will act as team leader General Abernathy and Marlon Wayans will serve as Corporal Wallace Weems. This classic action-adventure is based upon the comic book series attached to the original toy line and will certainly attract the guys, as the movie features the latest in next-generation spy and military equipment.

Julie & Julia - August 7
Actress Meryl Streep will don an accent and apron to play the part of renowned chef Julia Childs in this biographical drama that chronicles her life and famed cooking career. Based on two true stories, "Julie & Julia" intertwines the lives of two women who, though separated by time and space, discover that with the right combination of passion, love and salt and pepper, anything is possible. As always, Streep is bound to make an iconic performance. In this film, she is also supported by Amy Adams, who plays Julie Powell. The two were a powerful duo in "Doubt" and will surely turn up the heat this summer.