Jake O’Bannon, Staff Writer
I will be the first to admit that I get pretty sentimental about things. I often tend to be the one saying, “Guys, this is the last time we will…” or, “Let’s remember this moment!” It’s just who I am, sue me.
I say that because I am feeling a little sentimental about this being my last article for The Echo. I will have some parting words that I hope you read at the end, but first, in honor of today’s Iron Man 3 release, let me give you my list of the 5 Summer Movies You Can’t Miss – 2013 Edition.
5. World War Z – Marc Forster
I’m not always a big fan of the zombie pandemic films, but this one looks pretty awesome. Starring Brad Pitt, World War Z has all the makings of being a summer blockbuster hit.
4. Star Trek Into Darkness – J.J. Abrams
The second installment of the J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek series hits theatres on May 17th. The first film was fantastic, and I expect nothing less from the second. And Abrams has a passion for Star Wars, so I have full faith in him. Wait, did I say Star Wars?
3. Man of Steel – Zack Snyder
Oh boy. I am so excited for this film. Summer is the time for super heroes, and what better hero to celebrate than Superman? This looks like the gritty, Dark Knight (Christopher Nolan is a producer!) version of the classic character. It is a change for the series, and I’m not complaining.
2. Monster’s University – Dan Scanlon
If you’re not excited about this you can leave. Seriously, step away from your computer or smart phone device right now. This prequel to the 2001 classic takes us back to college with Mike and Sulley, showing us how they met and became friends. If you don’t see the movie, at least go watch the trailer that is meant to look like a college recruitment video. It is genius, just like I believe this Pixar film will be.
1. The Great Gatsby – Baz Luhrmann
The classic book comes to life again in a whole new way. With a great cast of stars (Leo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Tobey Maguire), Gatsby is sure to be one of the most talked about movies of the summer. And the soundtrack is going to be awesome, featuring great musicians including JAY-Z, Jack White, Florence and the Machine, and The xx. This movie will be awesome. Read the book, and then go see the movie.
There are quite a few other good movies coming out this summer that I have to leave out, but those are the five that I sense will be best. But before I get out of here, I want to leave you with some words of appreciation and encouragement.
I have loved writing movie reviews for The Echo over the past two years and I thank those of you who have read them and given me such nice words of affirmation. Movies have a certain magic about them that is hard to describe. They can be many things, from an escape for those who needs a break from the world, to a call to action. And in the context of faith, a movie can be a place to find God. I have talked about that in multiple reviews, but I want to convey that idea hood. one last time: God CAN be found in movies. From Jean Valjean to Abraham Lincoln, the heart of God is present in film though characters portraying grace and compassion, love and servant.