What to do when a stormy forecast clouds big plans for a beautiful Cape May County day? When in doubt, an afternoon at the movies is a classic choice. While the summer winds down, there are still plenty of highly anticipated feature film releases to come. Here, we preview those that seem to be generating the biggest Hollywood buzz.
“Planes: Fire & Rescue”
Release date: July 18th
Starring: Dane Cook, Ed Harris, Julie Bowen
When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, a bunch of all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero. – Written by Walt Disney
“Wish I Was Here”
Release date: July 18th
Starring: Zach Braff, Joey King, Pierce Gagnon, Kate Hudson
“Wish I Was Here” is the story of Aidan Bloom, a struggling actor, father and husband, who at 35 is still trying to find his identity; a purpose for his life. He winds up trying to home school his two children when his father can no longer afford to pay for private education and the only available public school is on its last legs. Through teaching them about life his way, Aidan gradually discovers some of the parts of himself he couldn’t find.
“Hercules”
Release date: July 25th
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, John Hurt, Ian McShane, Joseph Fiennes
Fourteen hundred years BCE, a tormented soul walked the earth that was neither man nor god. Hercules was the powerful son of the god king Zeus, for this he received nothing but suffering his entire life. After twelve arduous labours and the loss of his family, this dark, world-weary soul turned his back on the gods finding his only solace in bloody battle. Over the years he warmed to the company of six similar souls, their only bond being their love of fighting and presence of death. These men and women never question where they go to fight or why or whom, just how much they will be paid. Now the King of Thrace has hired these mercenaries to train his men to become the greatest army of all time. It is time for this bunch of lost souls to finally have their eyes opened to how far they have fallen when they must train an army to become as ruthless and blood thirsty as their reputation has become. – Written by Radical Comics
“Guardians of the Galaxy”
Release date: August 1st
Starring: Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper
After stealing a mysterious orb in the far reaches of outer space, Peter Quill, a half human/half alien is now the main target of a manhunt lead by the villain known as Ronan the Accuser. To help fight Ronan and his team and save the galaxy from his power, Quill creates a team known as the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ to save the world. – Written by James Hake
“What If”
Release date: August 8th
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Mackenzie Davis, Zoe Kazan
“What If” is the story of medical school dropout Wallace, who’s been repeatedly burned by bad relationships. So while everyone around him, including his roommate Allan seems to be finding the perfect partner, Wallace decides to put his love life on hold. It is then that he meets Chantry an animator who lives with her longtime boyfriend Ben. Wallace and Chantry form an instant connection, striking up a close friendship. Still, there is no denying the chemistry between them, leading the pair to wonder, what if the love of your life is actually your best friend? – Written by CBS Films
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”
Release date: August 8th
Starring: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, William Fichtner, Noel Fisher
Darkness has settled over New York City as Shredder and his evil Foot Clan have an iron grip on everything from the police to the politicians. The future is grim until four unlikely outcast brothers rise from the sewers and discover their destiny as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Turtles must work with fearless reporter April O’Neil and her cameraman Vern Fenwick to save the city and unravel Shredder’s diabolical plan. – Written by Paramount Pictures
Catch your favorite of these new releases at one of Cape May County’s several theatres such as Frank Theatres Rio Stadium 12 on Route 9 in Rio Grande; Frank Theatres Harbor 5 on 96th St. in Stone Harbor ; or Frank Theatres Moorlyn Stadium 5 Theatre on the Boardwalk in Ocean City.