So far, I've been impressed by the first two big entries of the year. I mentioned Spider-Man last week, and yes indeed, I was there with a ton of other fans yesterday for opening day for Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones. I was again impressed, and I certainly agree that it tops Phantom Menace, but of course it would. The story is only going to continue to get more interesting and more mature as we cycle towards the hugely dark chapter of Episode III. Once again, it was another delight feeling that excitement again for a new Star Wars film, just like I did when was a kid. Ever since Empire Strikes Back, I've seen each new film on its opening day, braving the crowds to be one of the first to experience the magic of George Lucas's incredible story. No, I'm certainly not one of those fans who would line up months in advance (I did get my tickets one week in advance, but didn't have to wait in a line!), but it was great to experience that magic again. It's a solid film, filled again with some wonderful visuals (I certainly hope it can get the Visual Effects Oscar that it clearly deserves), and I'm definitely anticipating 2005's Episode III to see how Lucas finally wraps everything up for what is sure to be his final Star Wars film.
Anyway, it's time to continue my two part series previewing the films coming out in Summer 2002 ... and this week, I look at the releases for the months of July and August.
Let's start with July. July looks to be a big month for sequels, two of which will probably dominate the boxoffice dollars that month. Mike Myers returns for his third outing as Austin Powers in Goldmember. Same as before, lots of boxoffice dollars, no Oscar nominations. Director Barry Sonnenfeld reunites with stars Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones for the sequel Men in Black II, sure to be another treat. And for the kids, the little CGI mouse returns in Stuart Little 2. And we even have yet another entry in the Halloween film series, with Halloween: Resurrection. Isn't it about time that the Friday the 13th and Halloween series die a horrible death? Enough already ... if Jason X wasn't enough proof that these films are getting so tired.
