This week’s column spans the spectrum of movie genres from comedy, drama to fantasy. Two films are sequels to big hits and the other is a film starring a beloved comedian. All three movies have elements of comedy with some drama and fantasy mixed for good measure. In addition, these flicks are packed with tremendous star power, which is sure to bring in throngs of moviegoers on their opening days. Plus, each one’s plot is distinctive, with its own signature form and style, which is surely guaranteed to hold audience interest. Fans of all of the celebrities in each movie’s cast will be delighted to see them reprising the roles they loved them in before. Even though each movie isn’t filled with high tech special effects, explosions or gun battles, the actors and actresses’ performances in each movie stands out so the lack of those big budget aspects won’t be missed.
Magic Mike XXL is the sequel to the monster 2012 hit Magic Mike. Channing Tatum reprises his role as sexy stripper Magic Mike. It also stars Cristela’s Gabriel Iglesias, Amber Heard, White Collar’s Matt Bomer, Elizabeth Banks, True Blood’s Joe Manganiello, Jada Pinkett Smith, Andie McDowell and Live with Kelly and Michael’s Michael Strahan. The movie’s trailer showcases more of Tatum’s incredibly sexy gyrations as the story of this insanely popular stripper continues. It opens in theaters on Wednesday, July 1.
Ted 2 is yet another sequel, but this time to the popular 2012 comedy. Back again is Seth MacFarlane voicing the lovable yet loud-mouthed teddy bear. Mark Wahlberg also returns. New additions to the cast include Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried, Morgan Freeman, Patrick Warburton, Dennis Haysbert and Richard Schiff. This time around, Ted marries girlfriend Tami-Lynn and they want to have a baby, but in order to do so, Ted must prove before a court of law that he’s human. The film’s trailer illustrates the hilarity that ensues as Ted and his buddy John (Wahlberg,) try to convince a judge that Ted is indeed human. It opens in theaters on Friday, June 26.
The Cobbler is a dramatic/comedy/fantasy film starring the always hilarious Adam Sandler. Sandler plays Max Simkin, who has been repairing shoes in the same New York shop that has been in his family for three generations. Bored with the usual routine of his daily life, he one day comes upon a magical heirloom that enables him to step into the lives of his customers and see life through their eyes. It also stars Dustin Hoffman, Steve Buscemi, Ellen Barkin and rapper Method Man. The flick;’s trailer displays how Sandler’s character’s entire view of life changes when he sees it from different points of view. It opens in theaters on Friday, March 13.