The Last Airbender

Cast: Noah Ringer, Nicola Peltz, Dev Patel, and Jackson Rathbone
Release Date: July 1st, 2010

M. Night Shyamalan returns to the spotlight after his 2008 film The Happening with a film adapted from the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. The first of a planned trilogy, it revolves around a 12-year-old boy capable of controlling the four elements. Along with a few friends, he must save his planet from the ruthless Firebenders and restore balance to the nations of Air, Earth, Water and Fire. We’re really hoping that M. Night can deliver something incredible like he did many moons ago.

Predators (2010)

Cast: Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, and Laurence Fishburne
Release Date: July 9th, 2010

We’ll take the word that this is not a remake, rather a direct sequel to the original Predator film. This one, however, will concern a group of Earth soldiers stranded on the Predator home-world and fighting for their lives. Again, we’re taking they’re word – whoever “they” are.

Despicable Me

Cast: (voices) Steve Carell, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier and Elsie Fisher
Release Date: July 9th, 2010

A computer animated film starring the always hilarious Steve Carell as a super-villain who wants to steal the moon. His plans may be disrupted, however, by three orphan girls who look at him as potential father material. Cute. That’s about all we have to say about that.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)

Cast: Jay Baruchel, Nicolas Cage, and Monica Bellucci
Release Date: July 14th, 2010

While the world awaits the further adventures of the world’s most destructive archaeologist in National Treasure 3, the franchise’s star and director – Nicolas Cage and Jon Turteltaub – have come together for their take on The Sorcerer’s Apprentice instead. The setting for the film, with a wink to Enchanted, is present day New York. Though we probably won’t waste our money on this remake, we do wish Nick Cage the best of luck and hope that he takes a roll – within this century – that includes a decent hair cut.

Inception

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cillian Murphy, Ellen Page and Michael Caine
Release Date: July 16th, 2010

Thank you, director of The Dark Knight, Mr. Nolan. Finally you have given us something we can sink our teeth (and summer movie money) into, that isn’t a remake or a “sequel” or something that doesn’t involve werewolves. It’s reported to be a “contemporary sci-fi actioner set within the architecture of the mind.” With a budget reported at $200 million, we’re convinced that Inception will blow our minds. And, yes, we want our minds blown.

Salt

Cast: Angelina Jolie and Liev Schreiber
Release Date: July 23rd, 2010

Keep an eye on this one. Underrated director Phillip Noyce helms, while Angelina Jolie stars in an action thriller about a CIA officer accused of being a Russian spy. She then has to clear her name, while the world basically tries to capture her. All we have to say is “Please, please, don’t let this be a “sequel” to Mr. and Mrs. Smith. We just can’t take anymore…”

Red Dawn

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, and Connor Cruise (the adopted son of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman)
Expected Release Date: November 24, 2010

And, yet, another remake! This time Hollywood takes on the 80’s classic, Red Dawn, where a group of high school students take on invading forces from China and Russia. We are, however, giving this movie the benefit of the doubt. We’re not sure why but we just are.