End of Summer Movie Recap - Who Came Out on Top?

Well, that's a wrap, folks. The summer movie season is officially over, with only the dregs of the late  August slate premiering in the next week. So what was the outcome? Who were the winners? Who didn't fare so well? Let's take a closer look at some of the standouts, on both sides of box-office battle.

Because Jeff Goldblum

WINNER: Mad Max: Fury Road

Wow, what a way to kick off the month of May. For a franchise that's been lying dormant for decades, Mad Max: Fury Road came roaring back into cinemas in a way no one could have anticipated. The action, acting, effects, score, editing, were all top notch. I don't think it's too far of a cry to say that if this movie doesn't break through the Academy's invisible "major studio" wall then nothing will. It's a unique and bizarre film that's been incredibly well executed, which makes it my favorite movie of the summer.

WINNER: Joss Whedon (Avengers: Age of Ultron)

I know there are many that would without hesitation stamp Avengers: Age of Ultron right on its enormous billion dollar forehead with "LOSER" written in bold, red ink, but I disagree. Much can be said of this massive movie in terms of what worked and what didn't, but in the end I still feel that Adam Chitwood of Collider said it best, "I actually think Age of Ultron is a better movie than The Avengers in nearly every way. It’s stranger, darker, and more intimate. Whedon made clear that his intention wasn’t to “go bigger” with the sequel, and while the action sequences are definitely massive and more intense than those in The Avengers, I was enthused to find that the film has a very strong focus on character. I enjoyed the downtime with the Avengers as much as (if not more than) the big set pieces, and Hawkeye shines as the heart of the film after getting the shaft in The Avengers. Sure Marvel still has a villain problem and Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver are underdeveloped, but I think the pros far outweigh the cons here.  Age of Ultron works far more often than it doesn’t." When taking in this film as a viewer it is quite evident that writer/director Joss Whedon put every last ounce of energy, care, passion and talent he had in it, leaving him utterly exhausted. In my opinion, there could not have been a better way to bow out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe than with Avengers: Age of Ultron.

LOSER: Fantastic Four 

This one pains me. Having seen Chronicle in theaters back in 2012, it was evident that director Josh Trank had a particular vision in how he wanted to portray familiar stories of power, youth, and motivations - the heroes journey. The movie was haunting, thought-provoking, and realistic in that I feel I could empathize with each of the characters and their actions. I don't want to pummel this movie any more than the media has already, but it's really too bad that Fox Studios and Trank couldn't pull something together that was cohesive. 

WINNER: Ant-Man

Think it sounds dumb? Go see it. It's not. It's fun.

Ant-Man probably deserves the greatest victory of the summer. No, it didn't make as much money, or gain as much buzz as some other summer movies, but darn if it isn't a lot of fun. Joy is an emotion that isn't felt all to often in movies, especially in the superhero genre, but there were moments in this movie where I was downright gleefully giddy with joy. Is it perfect? No. But after such a long, troubled production (it's been in the works since even before the first Iron Man), I feel Marvel certainly came out on top with a movie that is lighthearted, fun, hilarious, and unique. Please let this be a lesson to Hollywood that we don't need world destroying stakes in order to make a movie exciting. In fact, I think I enjoyed this movie even more than Avengers: Age of Ultron. It's certainly in my top four Marvel movies.


WINNER: Pixar (Inside Out)

Inside Out is not a kid's movie. Sure, it looks like a kids movie, it sounds like a kids movie, but beware, this movie is really for all the adults out there; and if you're not ready to shed a tear or two, stay away! Not really, though. Everyone should see this movie, whether you're susceptible to tears or not (because you WILL cry, unless you're a cold-hearted robot from Ultron-land). Inside Out is a beautiful movie about how it's okay to feel, that it's okay to be sad. Having both of these emotions and allowing yourself to feel them are what make life so beautiful, and what makes the each moment all the sweeter. After what seemed to be a slump in Pixar's recent repetoire, it's refreshing to seem them back at the top of their game.

LOSER: Jurassic World

Seriously though, what is all this?

Jurassic World has made a lot of money. Like, so much money that it's now the third highest grossing film of all time. But, like I said in my retrospective review, just because we can do something doesn't necessarily mean that we should. CGI overload with weak characters, a thin story, and only a shadow of the nostalgic wonder we knew and loved in 1993 does not a good movie make. It's essentially the equivalent of eating a giant piece of cake when you're 30 years old: It's delicious, looks so inviting, and recalls memories of former years - but you'll leave feeling cheated on, bloated, and full of nothing with substantial value.


WINNER: Tom Cruise (Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation)

Tom Cruise, you've met your equal.

Tom Cruise. Despite what may be said in the media, it is indisputable that Cruise is absolutely one of the most committed actors ever to grace the silver screen. The guy is 53 years old and is in better shape than I ever will be. He literally hung from the side of an airplane, held his breath for three minutes, and did all of his other stunts. Not to mention handle producing duties. Tom Cruise, what more can you possibly give us? Aside from his personal achievements, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation is a fantastic movie. It's exhilarating, the characters are excellent, and the story is top notch - not to mention the co-lead in Rebecca Ferguson's character is absolutely a delightful highlight of the film. This is a perfect example of how a good sequel is done. I respect Mr. Cruise's dedication in making these films as good as they possibly can be in every way, because it shows - and it pays off. This is a franchise that's only gotten better with time (except for maybe John Woo's motorcycle-flying-dove-scattering M:I-2) and I can't wait to take see where they go from here.


WINNER: James Wan (Furious 7)

Last but not least, I must call attention to what an insurmountable feat James Wan pulled off with Furious 7. That movie is flat-out insanity and yet Mr. Wan handled it with extreme care and craft, especially considering the heavy emotional setbacks that befell the cast and crew along the way with the loss of Paul Walker. Up to taking the helm on Furious 7, Wan had only really done smaller budget horror/suspense films and then to turn around make the seventh entry in a franchise the best of the bunch is no small matter. The movie itself is great fun (minus the butts), emotionally resonant, and deserves a place in the upper eshelon of purist action movies ever to be made.


In conclusion...

It was a great summer for movies overall (and for the box office). While this is not a comprehensive list, I do feel that this calls out some of the more special and unique movies that deserve to be noticed. Now on to Oscar season...