2012 Summer (Indie) Movie Preview

In terms of cinema, the summer is all about blowing shit up and making money. Notions of physics, logic, common sense and human decency are suspended so that people can escape into worlds of aliens, fighting robots, super heroes and pot-smoking teddy bears.

But recently, studios have realized that there is indeed a market for independent and/or foreign films amidst the shit show of summer blockbusters. In fact, many of my favorite films from 2011 were released last summer, including Bridesmaids, Cave of Forgotten Dreams, Midnight in Paris, The Double Hour, The Tree of Life, Beginners, Incendies, A Better Life, and The Trip.

While I doubt this summer is as fruitful as that, there are a lot of indies coming out over next few months that you can be excited about. And with the presumed greatness of the summer hat trick that is The Avengers, Prometheus and The Dark Knight Rises, summer 2012 is shaping up to be a hell of a season.

The Indies

The Intouchables – May 25

Because the trailer is oddly moving, and the fact that it is already the second most successful French film ever doesn’t hurt either. Also, after Tell No One, I’ll watch François Cluzet in anything.

Moonrise Kingdom – May 25

Because although this looks more The Life Aquatic than The Royal Tenenbaums, this is Wes Anderson, which means I’m there.

Olso August 31^st – May 25

Because its successful festival streak is evidence that this could be foreign, indie bliss.

To Rome With Love – June 22

Because it’s directed by Woody Allen, for better or worse.

Beats of the Southern Wild – June 27

Because it was a monster hit at Sundance, so much so that people are already predicating Oscar.

Take This Waltz – June 29

Because even though I am completely uninspired by the casting of Seth Rogen, if this is anywhere near as effective as Sarah Polley’s first film, Away We Go, then we’re in for something great.

The Queen of Versailles – July 6

Because this doc has been gaining steady buzz since its ecstatic debut at Sundance. And the trailer is damn amusing, too.

Celeste And Jesse Forever – Aug. 3

Because this could turn out to be a worthy romantic comedy starring people who (finally) deserve one.

2 Days in New York – Aug. 10

Because if it’s anything like 2 Days in Paris, we’re good as gold.

Lawless – Aug. 31

Because the trailer appears to be displaying the full talents of everyone involved.

Modest Budgets

Piranha 3DD – June 1

Because at least once a summer, you deserve to slug back a few too many beers at happy hour and sit it off in a mindless, absurd disaster flick that pretends to be nothing more than a mindless, absurd disaster flick.

Magic Mike – June 29

Because a male stripper movie starring Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey (with a really crappy trailer to boot) doesn’t interest me at all. Know what does? The words “Directed by Steven Soderbergh.”

Savages – July 6

Because it’s Oliver Fucking Stone.

Big Budgets

The Avengers – May 4

Because I have yet to see a Marvel film that I loved, which makes the early enthusiastic praise for this movie that much more intriguing.

Prometheus – June 8

Because this trailer is enough to knock you on your ass. There’s nothing I’m not looking forward to about this.

The Dark Knight Rises – July 20

Because I’ve heard the first two were okay.

The Bourne Legacy – Aug. 3

Because Jeremy Renner is going to kill it. And Edward Norton won’t do half bad either.

Up in the Air

A few flicks I’ll see, but am not sure I’ll enjoy:

Dark Shadows – May 11

The Dictator – May 18

Snow White and the Huntsmen – June 1

Rock of Ages – June 15

The Amazing Spider-Man – July 6

Total Recall – Aug. 4

The Expendables 2 – Aug. 10

Couldn’t Care Less About

A few flicks I’ll see, and am positive I will not enjoy:

Battleship – May 18

Men in Black III – May 25

G.I. Joe: Retaliation – June 29

Ted – July 13