Summer movies of 2014 promise big-budget sequels, independent gems

By Juliana Riverin
Staff Writer

With genres ranging from horror to action to comedy, the summer of 2014 will provide a diverse and promising range of films that will cater to all audiences.

Numerous sequels of varied genres are planned to be released this summer. Films such as “22 Jump Street,” “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” and “Transformers 4: Age of Extinction” are building on their previous success and bringing back well-known characters for new adventures.

This has been met with both excitement and annoyance from prospective audiences, especially in the case of the new “Transformers” installment. Many fans are worried about the change in casting after previous star Shia Laboeuf’s decision to not return to the franchise. They worry that the film will lose much its charm. Laboeuf will be replaced by Mark Wahlberg who, although being a talented actor, is being viewed with skepticism.

However, the shape-shifting robots will not be the only aliens coming to theaters this summer. Marvel’s highly anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy” is coming out Aug. 1, continuing the studio’s foray into the film industry and continuous expansion into mainstream media, to the delight of both new and long-term fans.

Marvel’s steady expansion has exposed more and more audiences to the Marvel universe, making it one of the most successful franchises in the medium today.

The “Guardians” will be joined by other superheroes this summer, with the arrival of Nickleodeon’s “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” on Aug. 8. Despite “TMNT” being a children’s show, the movie will be a gritty live-action take on the series, which will make the film more appropriate for audiences who watched the show years ago, instead of children who view it now.

In addition to these mainstream movies, a great number of independent films will be premiering this summer. From the satirical romantic comedy “They Came Together,” out June 27, to the family-centered drama “Happy Christmas” on July 25, summer is proving to be an exciting time for independent and lesser-known films.

Overall, the summer of 2014 will be packed with a wide selection of highly anticipated films. From quirky romantics to thrill seekers, all sorts of people will find films to watch this summer.