The Four Movies You NEED To See

So the summer movie season is almost over, and then we get the drought (with a few exceptions) until next summer, which so far is shaping up to be the greatest summer for movies in history. The marketing on a lot of films have already begun, so here and now I am going to take a closer look at the bigger movies being released in late 2007 to 2008.

“Saw IV”
It wouldn’t be October without the release of another “Saw” movie. I count on them like clockwork now. So far the franchise has yet to lose steam, or let me down in any way. For me, “Saw IV” is the most daring and exciting for the simple fact that when “Saw III,” ended, it pretty much left little to no room for a sequel. We have been promised that no twin brother or dream excuse will be given, and that no supernatural explanation will be given. Yes, Tobin Bell is back as Jigsaw.
Here is what we know: Jigsaw and his apprentice Amanda are dead. Now, upon the news of Detective Kerry's murder, two seasoned FBI profilers, Agent Strahm and Agent Perez, arrive in the terrified community to assist the veteran Detective Hoffman in sifting through Jigsaw's latest grizzly remains and piecing together the puzzle. However, when SWAT Commander Rigg is abducted and thrust into a game, the last officer untouched by Jigsaw has but ninety minutes to overcome a series of demented traps and save an old friend or face the deadly consequences.

Prediction: The film was written by Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton, who were responsible for “Feist,” a film which I really enjoyed. Darren Bousman is back as director, which also says a lot. Jigsaw’s involvement this time around is explained within the first five minutes or so, and the twist is being hailed as the best in the series. As long as everything falls into place logically, this is shaping up to be the best in the series.

“John Rambo”
It has been damn near twenty years since the iconic figure of Rambo has blown shit up on silver screens across the world. Most people give “Rambo III” shit because it took place in Afghanistan. Which holds true, but it was back in the 80s before they decided to put a monkey wrench in our program. I have been looking forward to this film since I heard rumblings back in 5th grade. Rambo is simply one of the best characters ever created. He is a character, much like Rocky Balboa, that I care about what happens to.
Here is what we know: John Rambo now resides in Thailand. He owns a boat and catches poisonous snakes on the river. A group of Christian missionaries offer him money in exchange for a ride up river and into Burma, where villagers are being slaughtered and enslaved by invading armies. The missionaries offer food, water and medical support. After the missionaries are detained by the invading army, some are killed, while others are taken hostage. So Rambo enlists a few younger soldiers and goes in for the kill.

Prediction: I have watched the trailer for this over one hundred times. The first half of the trailer is amazing. We see Rambo much as he was in “First Blood,” just drifting and keeping to himself. He refuses to get involved in the Burmese conflict, stating that “it’s none of my business.” He has seen so much death, that he has nothing to hold onto. It is through these missionaries that he is shown God, and all that salvation can offer. The second half of the trailer looks to be a promise. A promise that this will be the bloodiest film in the franchise. Stallone takes this film back to the 80s and gives us a look at what a real action movie feels like.

“Indiana Jones and the City of the Gods”
Just as Stallone did with Balboa and Rambo, Ford is doing with his career defining role. He returns as Indiana Jones next summer, along with Spielberg directing and Lucas producing.
Here is what we know: Not much. The script has been kept under extreme wraps. Two rumors currently exist. One involving Area 51 and Aliens, which would fit into the time period the film takes place in. Another is the franchise coming full circle with another story about the Ark. This makes the most sense as we also see the return of Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood. The cast is rounded out with Ray Winstone as Indy’s new sidekick, and Shia LaBeouf as Indy’s son. LaBeouf’s involvement is the most exciting part of this as every movie this kid shows up in turns to gold (“Dumb and Dumberer” doesn’t count).

Prediction: The last in the series to feature Ford as Jones. Rumor has it that Shia LaBeouf has signed on for three spin-off films. No idea how that will pan out. With everyone (minus Sean Connery) coming back, this cannot miss. There has never been a bad “Indiana Jones” film, and this should be no different.

“The Dark Knight”
When “Batman Begins” was released, it was instantly my favorite movie of that year. No film had as much working against it as this one did. Christopher Nolan and David Goyer started the franchise over from scratch, essentially separating itself from the Tim Burton movies. Tim Burton made shitty “Batman” movies. They were not DC Comics “Batman,” they were Tim Burton’s “Batman.” Hell, Jack Nicholson basically played himself in clown make-up. Then along came “Batman Begins,” and made us all forget that the other films even existed. Now we get the sequel, which is shaping up to be insane. Bale is back as Batman and Caine is back as Alfred. Gary Oldman is in there, too. They are joined by Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent (who eventually becomes Two-Face), Health Ledger as The Joker and Anthony Michael Hall (who is rumored to be Edward Nigma).
Here is what we know: With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the city streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as "The Joker".

Prediction: I will be seeing this movie about a hundred times. A trailer is attached to “The Simpsons,” and while it does not show anything you can certainly hear it. A conversation between Bruce Wayne and Alfred fills the theater. “In a move of desperation, the mob aligned themselves with someone they didn’t quite fully understand. Some men do not want logic. They can’t be bought, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” Then we hear Ledger as The Joker. “Starting tonight, people will die. I’m a man of my word.” I am telling you, it makes a Jew weep. This time around Nolan has given The Joker justice. He won’t be anything like Nicholson. He will be just like he was in the comics. Not so much about the laugh as it is about the violence and insanity.