IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS: Reboots and Remakes and Sequels, Oh My!

Ever since Star Wars in 1977, Summers have become the season of blockbuster movies.  But within the last few years, studios have tweaked the formula when it comes to choosing and marketing their projects slated for the Summertime.  As I've said before, studios like what they know because they believe people like what they know.  So the last few Summers have become the 3 or 4 months in which studios roll out their sequels or prequels or mid-quels to famous moneymakers.  Even now, the studios have run out of "quels" to make, so they rely on the reboots or the remakes of older (and definitely marketable) moneymakers.  We are in the Age of the Franchise Films and Summer 2012 has become no exception.  Between the beginning of May and the end of August 2012, studios have or will have released a total of 10 sequels/prequels, 2 remakes, 1 reboot and 1 film that is part of a major franchise but cannot officially be called a sequel (though it has made more than enough money worldwide to warrant at least a couple of sequels!).  The quality of each of these films and whether they will one day be compared with the likes of Citizen Kane or Gone With the Wind remains to be seen.  However, the sheer amount of these types of films does signal to me (and other critics) that studios are more concerned with quantity rather than quality (what else is new?).  With Marvel's The Avengers slowly climbing to the top of the All-Time Box-Office champs list, it can be fairly predicted that the other major blockbusters will be prime box-office hits over the next few months.  That being said, it doesn't feel like studios will be feigning away from the idea of producing more Franchise Films.  So take a look below at the trailers for some of these films that have yet to grace our Summertime.  Ask yourself as you watch these a few questions: Is quality being overhauled for the sake of the almighty dollar potential?  Do these Franchise Films warrant so much attention? And, most importantly, which ones fascinate you most to the point that you will be in the movie lines with the rest of America when it comes out?

Men In Black 3 (May 25)

Prometheus (June 8)

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (June 8)

The Amazing Spider-Man (July 3)

The Dark Knight Rises (July 20)

The Bourne Legacy (August 3)

Sparkle (August 10)

The Expendables 2 (August 17)

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS: Where are all the Superheroes?

It is May and all forms of Entertainment knows what that means.  On Broadway, the Tony Award Nominations are announced signaling the end of the current Theatre Season.  On Television, that wonderful time known as May Sweeps ushers in countless Season Finales of all the Broadcast shows.  And in Film, the Summer Movie period begins and major blockbusters come rolling in to theaters (along with all the money they make for all the Hollywood Studios!).  The first one of these blockbusters for this Summer is Marvel's highly anticipated action-adventure film The Avengers featuring the stars of Marvel's previous films Iron Man, Captain America and Thor.  Based on the successful Marvel Comics series, The Avengers is about the assemblage of a group of powerful Superheroes from the Government-created super-soldier (Captain America) to the scientist who you "wouldn't like when angry" (The Incredible Hulk) to the arrogant and rich inventor (Iron Man) to the Norse God of Thunder (Thor).  Each use their individual powers and strengths in creating the ultimate team against some powerful enemies.

I am one of the many people excited to see this movie as it opens in U.S. theaters this weekend and I do plan to see it before the weekend is up (hoping my schedule allows so!).  But as I was thinking about this movie and seeing the many advertisements (and product endorsements) this film has aired on Television, I started to think about our Culture and what kind of heroes (or superheroes?) exist today.  But what is the definition of Superhero?  A Superhero, as I have come to define one, is a person who uses his or her special abilities and knowledge for a greater good.  They use their talents to benefit others.  To relate it to Marvel: With their great power, comes their greater responsibility.  So as I started to think of the people in today's Culture that would qualify (be they from the world of politics, sports, entertainment or business), I realized this is a question that is completely subjective.  I mean, yes the standard names came to mind as potential contenders (President Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Bono, The Dalai Lama, or anyone who volunteers to serve and fight for their country).  But for each person I came up with, I thought of several people who might disagree or have reason to disagree (and do so loudly!).  So instead of coming up with a list of people I think could be considered for Superhero team (a la The Avengers!), I decided its time to pose the question out there in InternetLand.  And believe me I know I could be getting some strange answers, but I'm going to ask anyway: Who in our Culture do you consider to be a Superhero?  You can answer in the comments below (just keep your language civil and clean!).  They can be from anywhere: politics, entertainment or even your own life (if there is someone in your life you believe to be a Superhero!). Maybe if we find enough Superheroes in this world, we should have them "Assemble!"