Summer Movies 2011: Sequels, Sequels, and More Sequels

When it comes to the big blockbuster films set to be released this summer, the word of the day seems to be "sequels."

The Kids Are Alright

It's not just about big action-adventure sequels this summer. There are a handful of sequels to movies aimed at kids that are going to be released this summer. "Cars 2" is due for a June 24 release date. Pixar's latest, it's the sequel the animated feature about a world where cars have lives of their own. Pixar is on quite a run lately, coming off of critical and box office smash hits "Up" and "Toy Story 3." It'll be interesting to see if the "Cars" sequel can continue to streak of hit after hit for the animation studio that revolutionized the medium.

Jack Black is reprising his role as Po, the larger than life Panda who kicks butt in "Kung Fu Panda: The Kaboom of Doom." The first installment of this series surprised critics with real heart and a wonderful message of acceptance, and the hope is that this sequel matches its predecessor's artistic merit. "King Fu Panda: The Kaboom of Doom" is due for release June 3.

Since the actors and characters are adults at this point, it's hard to put "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II" into a kids' film category. However, the books and the hugely successful film franchise were first aimed at children, and the films have faithfully followed Harry, Ron, and Hermione from tween to adolescence. This final installment of the eight part epic series looks to be jam-packed with action and emotion. The story of the final book is big and so important to the franchise, they decided to split it up into two films. The first film was a testament to just how good an idea that was. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II" will be released July 15.

Capes and Masks

The world of comic books is giving us three potential mega-hits with "Thor," "Captain America: The First Avenger," and "Green Lantern." Comic movies have become the well that never runs dry for Hollywood. All three of this films will likely have huge opening weekends. Though they can be extremely picky about comic adaptations, comic fans go to the theaters in droves to see if Hollywood has "gotten it right."

Perhaps the most intriguing film of the three is "Green Lantern." In a bit of casting reminiscent of Tim Burton's choice of Michael Keaton for Bruce Wayne in "Batman," Ryan Reynolds is playing the lead character. At first glance this is an odd choice, as up to now Reynolds has done primarily comedic roles, or the romantic lead in a light romantic comedy. Like Keaton though, he has a comedic sensibility that can help to imbue the alter-ego of the superhero with some real character and heart.

Oh C'Mon, Seriously?

Then there's the crop of sequels that just make you scratch your head. They're the last little drops of creativity squeezed from a franchise. Hollywood, never shy to attempt to draw some blood from a stone has never been afraid to churn out an ill-conceived sequel, and Summer 2011 is no exception.

"Mission Impossible: The Ghost Protocol" features Tom Cruise in his thrice acted role as special agent Ethan Hunt. Weren't three Mission Impossible films enough? The third was so short on plot it was embarrassing. This is one film series that is begging to be put to bed at this point.

Then there's "Transformers: Dark of the Moon." How in the world it got green lit after the atrocious stinker that the second film was is unfathomable. Maybe begrudging the franchise one more film is a bit harsh, but the first film showed great promise for future sequels and that potential was wasted in epic proportions on the second film. However, in all fairness this third film made one major improvement over the previous two films before principal photography even started: no Megan Fox.