My first memory is of reading a comic book on a train.
Whether this is a real memory or one told to me by my parents is unclear. In either case, it happened.
My dad worked at a paper mill and brought home reams of remaindered comics for me, and I later spent my allowance on comics, at 12-cents an issue, at Hackbarth Drugs on W. Villard Ave.
By the time that disposable income was being spent on 45s and albums, my affection for fantasy and sci-fi narrative and its accompanying visual aesthetic was fixed. I was assembled that way.
Today, those fantasy, science fiction and superhero archetypes are the prevailing popular culture art form. And the summer movie season is here to remind us that can be too much of a thing, good or bad.
I could list every movie and its summer release date. But there are so many not to care about. So I thought I would reverse the practice and only mention films I’m looking forward to, and why.
In chronological order:
“Lambert & Stamp”
When: May 15
Why: Documentary about the two men without any musical experience who discovered and managed The Who.
“Far from the Madding Crowd”
When: May 15
Why: Every summer needs a posh looking “Downton Abbey”-type period piece. This one is remake of 1967 film based on the Thomas Hardy book.
“Pitch Perfect 2″
When: May 15
Why: Three words: “Green Bay Packers”
“The Surface”
When: May 15
Why: Thriller with Sean Astin filmed in Milwaukee, and on Lake Michigan. Local connections make it worth a look. Premiered at the Milwaukee Film Fesival.
Tomorrowland
When: May 22
Why: George Clooney in fantasy film by Brad Bird, writer director of “The Incredibles.” Considering the source, there has got to be more to it than meets the eye.
“Aloha”
When: May 29
Why: More curious about this than interested. “Jerry Maguire” writer director Cameron Crowe returns with a romantic comedy about second chances, with Bradley Cooper and Bill Murray. Hopefully it’s better than the trailer suggests, and puts the taste of “We Bought A Zoo” out of our mouths.
“Entourage”
When: June 5
Why: I got sucked in to the HBO series, and have a soft spot for these knuckle-heads. Plus besides the original cast there are cameos by Warren Buffett, Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, and George Takei.
“Jurassic World”
When: June 12
Why: Well, Chris Pratt is one good reason. And if properly revived this franchise has legs. And tiny little arms.
“Inside Out”
When: June 26
Why: This Disney animated film about a girl’s inner emotional life will either be charming or cloying. I’m predicting the first. With voices by Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Lewis Black. By Pete Docter, the director of “Monster’s Inc” and “Toy Story.”
“Ant Man”
When: July 17
Why: Odd and unlikely super-hero film gets tongue in cheek tone from Paul Rudd.
“Trainwreck”
When: July 17
Why: Amy Schumer stars, Judd Apatow directs. Cross your fingers.
“Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation”
When: July 31
Why: Loath as I am to recommend a Tom Cruise movie, his MI films are reliably over the top in old school James Bond ways.
“Fantastic Four”
When: Aug. 7
Why: Could simply be more Marvel action effects driven blah blah. But I grew up with these comic book characters and am interested to see how they revive this franchise. With Miles Teller of “Whiplash” and Kate Mara. By Josh Trank who will direct one of the upcoming “Star Wars’ Films.
Tags: Aloha, Ant Man, Entourage, Fantastic Four, Inside Out, Jurassic World, Lambert & Stamp, Pitch Perfect, Rogue Nation, The Surface, Tomorrowland, Trainwreck, Who Posted by