Summer Preview: Hilltop Views’ top 10 most anticpated films

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With the sun starting to shine brighter and the weather moving into unbearable heat waves, a good way to keep cool, and remain entertained, is a trip to the movies. Here are 10 films to keep an eye out for this summer.

1. Kicking off the summer blockbuster season is the much-anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” which sees the return of the original cast, overturning along with Marvel newcomers Kurt Russell, Sylvester Stallone and Pom Klementieff. The film follows the thread of Star-Lord’s (Chris Pratt) heritage, both biological and the forged bonds of the Guardians. Director and writer James Gunn stated that the central theme of the film is family and how one defines it. The film also unveils the second “Awesome Mix” with bands such as Fleetwood Mac and Cheap Trick. Release date May 5, 2017.

2. If comic book movies aren’t appealing for you, “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” might be better suited to your tastes. Starring Charlie Hunnam as the titular Arthur, the film tracks the journey from poor upbringing to rightful King of Britain. The film, directed by Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes) is a dark and gritty retelling of one of literature’s greatest hero. The main conflict is between Arthur, who is forced to accept his noble lineage, and Vortigern (Jude Law), a tyrant and murderer of Arthur’s parents. There looks to be plenty of magic and swords in the film. Release Date May 12, 2017.

3. On the other side of the genre spectrum, Ridley Scott’s sequel/prequel to the Alien franchise, “Alien: Covenant” is one to satisfy science fiction and horror fans. The film picks up after “Prometheus” with a group of colonists attempting to establish an extra-planetary colony at the edge of the galaxy. The mission begins to go awry and an older model android, David (Michael Fassbender) from “Prometheus” lives in the planet, along with a variety of dangerous aliens. The film is a return to form as a sci-fi/horror mash-up, just like the original “Alien” movie. Release date May 19, 2017.

4. The next movie is one that screams, “about damn time.” It’s taken 75 years, but DC Comic’s Wonder Woman is finally getting her break on the big screen. “Wonder Woman” directed by up-and-comer Patty Jenkins, is the fourth film in DC’s Expanded Universe. The film is the origin story for Diana (Gal Gadot), taking place mostly during World War I, with occasional flashes to both modern day and Ancient Greece. The film is going to explore what caused Diana to become jaded and cynical in a man’s world. The film is a blend of fantasy elements, war movies and the superhero genre. Release date June 2, 2017.

5. The only romantic comedy on the list, “The Big Sick” tells the true story of how comedian Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley) and Emily Gordon (Zoe Kazan) met and fell in love. Kumail comes from a traditional Muslim family who are unhappy at his choice to court Emily, an American. A couple months into the courtship, Emily falls ill and Kumail must come to terms with their relationship, and connect with her parents. The film received a good word of mouth from film festivals and looks to be one of the comedic breakout of the summer. Release Date June 23, 2017.

6. Who would’ve guessed that in one summer audiences could have their choice of films featuring slick, stylized action choreographed to toe tapping music? One of those movies is Edgar Wright’s “Baby Driver,” a comedic action movie about Baby (Ansel Elgort), a getaway driver with tinnitus. The set up is Baby has to listen to music to drown out the ringing in his ears, and so Wright is able to match the music with stunning practical effects. The movie boasts a star studded cast including Jon Hamm, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx and Lily James. Release date June 28, 2017.

7. Returning to the silver screen for a third shot at adaptation is the Marvel hero Spider-Man. “Spider-Man: Homecoming” is Marvel’s second movie of 2017, following the fallout of “Captain America: Civil War” for Peter Parker (Tom Holland). The studio has smartly decided to bypass the origin story, and is jumping directly into a John Hughes-esque tale of high school life and drama. The Marvel bedrock hero Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is set to play a role in the film, mentoring Peter as he goes up against the Vulture (Michael Keaton). Release date July 7, 2017.

8. One of Science Fiction’s most prominent directors returns to the box office this summer. “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” is a science fiction epic, directed by Luc Besson (“The Fifth Element”) and is an adaption of a French graphic novel. The movie follows Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne), partners in an organization that keeps time and space safe. The film follows the two as they try to keep Alpha, a major hub in the universe, safe. The film also features stars such as Rihanna and John Goodman in supporting roles. Release date July 26, 2017.

9. If you think that this list is missing out on a spy thriller, then you’re in luck. “Atomic Blonde” directed by David Leitch (“John Wick,” “Deadpool 2”) is set in a Cold War era Berlin and stars Charlize Theron as Lorraine Broughton, an operative for MI-6. After an undercover agent is killed, Broughton is forced to partner with David Percival (James McAvery) to track down the killers. The film boasts the action director of “John Wick” and looks to entertain fans of spy thrillers. Release date July 28, 2017.

10. The final film on this list is the odd man out. The film has a rocky history, being in development for the last 10 or so years. The movie in question is the adaption of Stephen King’s magnum opus, “The Dark Tower.” The series is a mix of science fiction, fantasy, western and horror. The story is that Roland (Idris Elba) is the last of the Gunslingers (his world’s version of King Arthur’s knights) and is seeking the fabled Dark Tower. He is following the mysterious Man in Black (Matthew Mcconaughey), as they travel not only through their world but others as well. With such a beloved source material and beautifully crafted world, there’s a large amount of hope for the film to succeed. Release date August 4, 2017.