Welcome to the second part of Summer Time '98. I'll look at the Summer movies coming out in May and June and predict their success. This summer promises to be an almost sequel-free, humor filled, very PG-13 summer, with an emphasis on Adult films (even Disney's newest cartoon is aimed at adults.) It is also a summer nostalgia fest, a revival of 1950's Japanese monster movies, another segment in the 1980's Lethal Weapon series, three movies set in the disco era, a remake of a Hitchcock classic, remakes of the 1960-something hits The Parent Trap and Dr. Dolittle, three movies that take place over a century ago, two spoofs on older movies, a World War 1 drama, a miniature World War I comedy, a film version of an old French children's book series, a film version of an old western TV show, a film version of an old British spy TV show, a film version of a current sci-fi TV show, and another 1980's teensploitation flick and more. Almost everything old is new again! How ill this summer stack up against the others? Only time will tell!

May 1998:

May 20th

Godzilla - Summer arrives with a big lizard called GODZILLA! He is big, he is mean, he is boring. Oh well, it doesn't live up to the hype. But then again I knew it wouldn't. With all the money spent on marketing, none was left for a decent movie. Bad Word Of Mouth is spreading and the Box-office won't be as much as hoped.
My prediction - $140 million- a major disappointment.

May 22nd

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - Too weird for mainstream, it won't make alot. Reviews have been gray, and the film version of the Druggy novel should fade from theaters fast! Not much starpower or buzz; it has little potential.
My prediction - $12 million - too weird to be anything but a flop.

May 29th

Hope Floats - Sandra Bullock returns from the wretched Speed 2 with this Romantic film that centers on her return to her small town. With her being the only star this could draw a little romance seekers but won't be ass successful as the recent Horse Whisperer. Reviews have been very mediocre, too.
My prediction - $40 million - It's no "My Best Friends Wedding", but it's not bad.

Almost Heroes - Chris Farley's last movie look really awful; but it's directed by the genius Christopher Guest. It also stars Friend's Matthew Perry, which won't boost the Box-office very much. I think that WB is doing a bad job marketing the film, but the legions of Farley fans might supply the film with an audience. Still, the odds are, it won't do very well unless reviews are spectacular.
My prediction - $15 million - a sad ending to Farley's career.

June 1998:

June 6th

The Truman Show - Jim Carrey breaks his Ace Ventura mold for this dramedy about a 24-hour TV show in which the star has no clue he's on TV. When he finds out his whole life is a sham, his world falls apart. This movie is generating some serious buzz and looks like it can be a major hit. It is a marketing challenge since those used to Carrey's regular stupidity will be disappointed, but if the world accepts the movie for what it is it could be HUGE!
My prediction - $130 million - It might even win an Oscar!

A Perfect Murder - A remake of Alfred Hitchcock's classic Dial M for Murder starring Gweneth Paltrow and Michael Douglas. It probably is an effective thriller but I'm sure it would have done better in Fall than in Summer. It won't attract any kids and probably should gross similar or a little less than 1997's The Game.
My prediction - $30 million - It'll make a profit, but it's no smash.

June 12th

Dirty Work - Another SNL star (Norm MacDonald) heads for the big screen in this revenge comedy. It looks all right and also stars Don Rickles and Chevie Chase. MacDonald has some fans but most are likely to be turned off my this vulgar comedic mix.
My Prediction - $20 million - For what it is...it aint bad!

Can't Hardly Wait - Originally called "The Party", it was forced to change to this awful title. It is a teen movie, with some well known teen stars. It is a comedy, not a horror, and no teen comedy has really performed very well since Clueless in 1995. Still, it may be the sleeper hit of '98 or not.
My Prediction - $40 million - Don't take my word for it; the jury is out on this one.

Six Days, Seven Nights - Harrison Ford and Anne Heche stranded on an island. She's a Lesbian and he's old enough to be her father-- in real life. But in the movies, they are romantically linked for all off their Six Days/Seven Nights on the island. Early reviews have not been kind and the formula may turn some folks off, but it may attract women.
My Prediction - $70 million - It will never be remembered as a Blockbuster.

June 19th

The X-Files - Scully and Mulder come to the silver screen for the first time. All fans of the show are sure to see it, so expect some buoyant Box Office. But fans of the show can only go so far and I doubt if it can beat $100 million. Still, the show has some rabid fans and most will see it opening weekend. Expect a huge weekend followed by swift drops.
My Prediction - $85 million - It's big, but not X-citing.

Mulan - Disney's newest animated classic is a Chinese folktale about a Joan of Arc type warrior girl. It is marketed at adults as well as children and could perform well with both groups. It might do better than Hercules and Hunchback, though not as well as Pocahontas (which in my opinion was Disney's worst animated film).
My Prediction - $105 million - Hercules had nothing on her!

June 26th

Doctor Dolittle - Eddie Murphy hit the right notes in 1996's The Nutty Professor; can he do it again? I think he can, to a lesser extent. This movie looks hysterical and, with the right word-of-mouth, could be a huge hit. But it opens close to a lot of competition (Mulan, Armageddon) and might not be able to fulfill all it's' potential. But it could be the George Of The Jungle of '98.
My Prediction - $75 million - If I could talk to the animals, walk with the animals...

Out Of Sight - From the writer of Get Shorty, and the director of sex, lies and videotapes comes another Elmore Leonard film adaptation. This one is about a bunch of crooks (sound familiar?). It star George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez. It'll make good summer counter programming and will make some money, but it won't match Get Shorty.
My Prediction - $60 million - It's Out Of Sight!

Trailers:

Here are a few quicktime or real video movie trailers that are downloadable. I've included a review of each trailer with the link.

Almost Heroes - An awful trailer! Unfunny to the core; it makes me feel really bad for all involved, especially the late great Farley.

The Truman Show - A good trailer that suffers from too much emphasis on comedy aspects. Still, it'll be a big hit and a great movie so enjoy the hype! It's a long one, though.

Dirty Work - An occasionally funny commercial. Not really worth downloading - but it's small. If you like broad, stupid comedy that take a look. If not, skip it!

Can't Hardly Wait - If you like young Scream-generation actors and Third Eye Blind music that I'd download this trailer. It's a spirited and occasionally funny and touching ad.

6 Days/7 Nights - Nothing spectacular about this trailer. In fact, it looks A LOT like Romancing the Stone. I can't recommend it - its actually kind of lame.

Mulan - A beautiful trailer with some awe-inspiring shots. It is the adult orientated ad and is truly spectacular. The music and visuals are wonderful. It's a real treat.

Out Of Sight - A real cool trailer! It's funny and has lots of great lines. It sure makes this movie look good, it also makes Lopez look good! This is a can't miss trailer! I love these ensemble ads!