"Roller Coaster" Adventure Movies Need A Comeback

 

Today is the 25th anniversary of  The Mummy starring Brendan Frasier and Rachel Weisz as the heroes, and Arnold Vosloo as the villain Imhotep. I watched the movie over the weekend in honor of its anniversary and it got me thinking. It's time there is a resurgence in Hollywood of the action adventure genre.

The type of films often described as a "roller coaster" adventure film. The Mummy and its two sequels along with Mask of Zorro and its sequel helped the genre experience a brief period of popularity in the late 90's-mid 2000's. New Line's 2002 film Lord Of The Rings: Fellowship Of The Ring and its sequels aided the adventure films.

Then Disney's Pirates Of The Carribean film released in 2003 and helped continue that trend. Along with National Treasure starring Nicolas Cage, another Disney property that was released in 2004.

Tin the late 2000's and early 2010's. That genre lost popularity to films based on YA literature like Twilight, Hunger Games, Divergent and Maze Runner. Of course we can't forget the Harry Potter film series. That wasn't the only thing that clobbered action adventure films during that time. Superhero movies and the juggernaut that was the marvel cinematic universe sucked up any genre in its path.

In 2017 a legacy to 1995's Jumanji film was released. Which that film Welcome To The Jungle and it's sequel 2019's The Next Level bought some popularity to the genre, and while both films were highly successful they couldn't sustain the genre on its own. Last year's film Dunegons & Dragons: Honor Amongst Thieves was mildly successful in trying to revive those type of films.

With the MCU trying to stabilize itself after several blunders. Other comic book films waiting in the wings. Long standing franchises like the Fast & Furious series heading into the sunset. Indiana Jones not connecting with a new generation. Franchises like Masters of the Universe and Power Rangers having a hard time getting off the ground. While properties like G.I. Joe and to an extent Transformers not able to refresh themselves.

It's time someone steps in and brings back those swashbuckling, gunfights left and right, falls and screams and high stakes. With just enough plot and dialogue to keep the story until the next action piece. We are waiting to experience the whiplash of roller coaster adventure films.

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June Movies To Check Out

   We’re heading into the second week of June and it's time for my June movies to check out. I’m a little late in getting this out but as they say better late than never.
   So far this month “Captain Underpants” based on the children's book was released and I heard it was a very funny, engaging family movie with a good story. If you’re looking for a family film I would recommend that.
   Released this past weekend was a reboot of the Mummy, what was suppose to jumpstart a planned Universal Monster Universe may have killed the project before it began. I was really looking forward to this movie and had plans to see if….but reading reviews I changed my mind at the last minute. I’ll wait until it comes on cable.
   I would be remiss without mentioning “Wonder Woman”, if you have not seen it yet I highly recommend it. It was the best film of the DC movie universe released so far. Gal Gadot did a great job as Wonder Woman. The story made you care about the characters and didn't overstay it welcome. It also benefitted from not having to cram nods to the other films planned in the universe. While the nods are fun it can become cumbersome and forced which alot of the Marvel movies suffer from.
  Releasing this week is the biopic of Tupac “All Eyez on me” a legend in the hip hop game this film is highly anticipated. With the backing of his estate and a actor who looks the part hopefully this film does Tupac's legacy right and is one if the better biopics released in recent years. I already have my plans to see it opening night.
  Also dropping this week this time for families is “Cars 3”. I’ve never watched any of the Cars films to judge how the latest one may play. Pixar has a strong track record and Disney is the undisputed king of marketing to families and kids so it’ll probably be worth checking out.
  For the females, releasing this week is “Rough Night” starring Zoe Kravitz, Kate Mckinnon, and Scarlett Johansson. This dark comedy is about a bachelorette party that takes a wrong turn. Its molded in the vain Bridesmaid so it has potential to be hilarious, we shall see.
  Next up released next week is “Transformers: The Last Knight”. I think the less is said the better. The first two while flawed were mindless enjoyable fun, the third one dragged on and tried to be “smart”. The fourth one which was a “reboot” of sorts went far left and I really don't think anyone was asking for this one. With all that being said it’ll probably make alot of money to justify a sixth film.
   “Baby Driver” coming out June 28th starring Jamie Foxx, Kevin Spacey, and Ansel Elgort. It’s a familiar story of someone in the crime business doing one last act to escape the business for good. Ansel Elgort is the star of this film as a getaway driver who listens to certain tunes when driving. We’ll see how the soundtrack helps the film.
   Back to the family side of the spectrum “Despicable Me 3” comes out june 30th. The story sounds interesting villain Gru has to team with long  lost twin brother against a common enemy. This is another franchise the kids love so it’ll probably be decent and make alot of money.
    Last movie to think about checking out this month is “The House” with Amy Poehler and Will Ferrell. The duo are a couple who starts a illegal casino in their home to help pay for their daughter's college education. The basic story seems funny enough and relatable and both stars are very funny individuals by themselves. This film has potential to be highly funny like StepBrothers and Talladega Nights or it could be Get Hard the potential is there but it fails somewhere.
   This are some films to check out in June some heavy hitters, some not sure about, and a dud. Check back next month for my July recommendations.

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