For the first time in many years I am very excited about this year's summer movie releases. Maybe its because they are all franchises I enjoy, but they seem to be bigger and better this year. Starting last week with X-Men Origins: Wolverine, starring Hugh Jackman. I grew up on Wolverine comic books so I wasn't expecting to be blown away but the film provided some action film goodness for my soul, and it was cool to see Wolvie's claws again in real life. Out today is Star Trek, starring Chris Pine and directed by J.J. Abrams. The trailer looks spectacular, I just hope the phasers and communicators are still giant cheesy sheet metal props, it is a prequel after all. But the one flick I have been waiting for is the upcoming fourth installment of the Terminator series, Terminator Salvation starring Christian Bale as the legendary John Connor. So long as Bale doesn't speak in the monotone Batman voice, it should be the best of the summer. The last Terminator flick left John Connor in a Cold War era bomb shelter as judgment day went down outside. AND, everybody's favorite governator is said to have a cameo, albeit edited footage from the past Terminator movies. That's right, Arnold Schwarzenegger will indeed "Be Back" this summer. Unfortunately he won't be bringing any solutions for California's budget woes. This is shaping up to be one of the better summer movie years after several years of pathetic Hollywood remakes (can't wait for Clue!!! yawn), TV show ventures and Batman.
