Baywatch
UK Release Date: June 2nd
What is it: A reboot of the successful 1990s TV series, starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron in the lead roles. Expect plenty of abs, and hopefully plenty of laughs.
Why it might be good: The early trailers have looked very promising so far. Clearly taking inspiration from the Jump Street franchise, the movie looks to have a self-aware, playful tone. Then again, rebooting Baywatch in a sincere manner may have proved a difficult task.
Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson are also fairly consistent when it comes to comedy, and if the two have a good chemistry on-screen then this movie could be the surprise of the summer.
Why it might be bad: There’s a fine line between being self-referential and being smug – just ask Deadpool (sorry guys). What Lord and Miller achieved with the Jump Street franchise was no mean feat and replicating it with Baywatch could prove very difficult.
Wonder Woman
UK Release Date: June 2nd
What is it: Wonder Woman’s first solo outing on the silver screen and the first significant (sorry, Elektra) superhero movie to feature a female lead.
Why it might be good: DC really need a big hit after the critical bashings of both Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad. DC Films’ latest crack at the whip may finally see them put some of their recurring problems to bed and deliver an enjoyable summer superhero movie at last.
Gal Gadot was one of the best things about Batman v Superman and building a strong character for her here is essential.
This movie could well turn out to be the launching pad DC have wanted since beginning their Extended Universe. Either that, or it kills any hope we had left altogether.
Why it might be bad: DC’s track record is hardly glowing and the trailers for the movie, while having some good points, still look like they are carrying many of Zack Snyder’s influences.
The comedy in the trailer also feels very forced, and could well just be a desperate attempt on DC’s part to show that they have a sense of humour, despite the dull tone of the universe’s first three efforts.
A lack of a marquee villain is another sour point for the movie. David Thewlis is playing Ares in the movie, so let’s just keep our fingers crossed he’s not another CGI abomination like Doomsday and whatever that thing was in Suicide Squad.
Originally published April 22, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
