Good Afternoon, my little Witchlings!
My question isn’t “What films will you be seeing this summer,” it is “What movie besides Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” will you be seeing. LOL! For us Pagans of all types, this is the pinnacle of film. It has opened the world up to the possible fact that Witches and Wizards exist and we’re not that bad. When you say you are a Witch, the fist image in their head isn’t the Wicked Witch of the West, but maybe of Hermione or, in my case, Looney Lovegood.
Here are the films this summer with Pagan content and do yourself a favour, find your nearest Drive-In theater. Enjoy a film under the stars!
April 29
Dylan Dog: Dead of Night
Director: Kevin Munroe
Stars: Brandon Routh, Anita Briem, Sam Huntington
Studio: Freestyle Releasing
The Story: In the New Orleans underground, Dylan Dog (Routh), a private investigator of the undead, tracks an artifact that will help prevent a war from breaking out among his werewolf, vampire, and zombie clients. Based on the comic book by Tiziano Sclavi, it is the companion piece to the excellent film 'Cemetery Man' with Rupert Everett.
Pagan buzz: You have your Vampire, Zombies and Werewolves, but it comes off like a 'Buffy/Angel' wannabe. I will probably skip it while it is in limited release. It should be available on Netflix soon. Sorry Brandon Routh, but you need to do more films like 'Scott Pilgrim VS. The World.'
Hoodwinked Too! Hood VS. Evil
Director: Mike Disa
Stars: Hayden Panettiere, Glenn Close, Patrick Warburton
Studio: The Weinstein Company
The Story: In their second adventure, Red Riding Hood (Panettiere) and the Wolf (Warburton) investigate the disappearance of Hansel and Gretel.
Pagan Buzz: We know the original story has an evil Witch. Personally, I think she was just misunderstood. However, this Witch is played by Joan Cusack whom I love. I wasn't a big fan of the original. This one has the potential to be good because of its director Mike Disa ('Cool World/Disney's Hercules') and the source material. We'll see how my daughters like it.
Director: Mike Disa
Stars: Hayden Panettiere, Glenn Close, Patrick Warburton
Studio: The Weinstein Company
The Story: In their second adventure, Red Riding Hood (Panettiere) and the Wolf (Warburton) investigate the disappearance of Hansel and Gretel.
Pagan Buzz: We know the original story has an evil Witch. Personally, I think she was just misunderstood. However, this Witch is played by Joan Cusack whom I love. I wasn't a big fan of the original. This one has the potential to be good because of its director Mike Disa ('Cool World/Disney's Hercules') and the source material. We'll see how my daughters like it.
May 6
Thor
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Idris Elba, Rene Russo
Studio: Paramount Pictures
The Story: The warrior Thor (Hemsworth) is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard by his father Odin (Hopkins) for his arrogance and sent to Earth to live among humans. Falling in love with scientist Jane Foster (Portman) teaches Thor much-needed lessons, and his new-found strength comes into play as a villain from his homeland sends dark forces toward Earth.
Pagan Buzz: I got into an argument recently with a fanboy about the importance of 'Thor' as a Pagan based film. Based on the comic book, the internal structure is set up the Thor is an alien and Asgard is another planet. I do concede this point; however, Thor is based on the Norse pantheon. Odin, Thor, Frigga and Loki are all represented so nanananabooboo. I'm such an adult...hahahahaha!
May 13
Priest
Director: Scott Charles Stewart
Stars: Paul Bettany, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q
Studio: Screen Gems
The Story: A priest disobeys church law to track down the vampires who kidnapped his niece.
Pagan Buzz: Stewart reunites with Bettany ('Legion') in this vampire horror-thriller. 'Legion' is one of my favourite BAD movies. I hope this one is better, but I secretly want it to be a awful as 'Legion' even though it made a lot of money (who knows why). And now with the news that Priest is getting that 3D treatment, I have a feeling the studio is looking for a big return on 'Legion's success. At least it has Cam Gigandet ('Twilight'), Stephen Moyer ('True Blood') and Karl Urban ('Lord of the Rings' Trilogy), so the hottie factor is high!
May 20
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Director: Rob Marshall
Stars: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, Geoffrey Rush, Judi Dench, Keith Richards
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
The Story: After crossing paths with a woman from his past (Cruz), Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) is swept aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (McShane), on an unexpected mission to find the elusive fountain of youth.
Pagan Buzz: Who needs a story, it's Captain Jack!?! Johnny Depp (#3 on our Pagan Icons list) is back with zombies, mermaids and Keith Richards! Behind Harry Potter, this is the number 2 film for me this summer.
May 27
The Hangover Part II
Director: Todd Phillips
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Story: Right after the bachelor party in Las Vegas, Phil (Cooper), Stu (Helms), Alan (Galifianakis), and Doug (Bartha) jet to Thailand for Stu's wedding. Stu's plan for a subdued pre-wedding brunch, however, goes seriously awry.
Pagan Buzz: I am not posting this because Bradley Cooper is in it. After 'Limitless', he can officially do no wrong, but he is not the reason I list 'Hangover 2'. The film was shot in beautiful Thailand, a primarily Buddhist country of the Theravada school. Several of the shots take place in a Buddhist temple and is a major plot point.
Kung Fu Panda 2
Director: Jennifer Yuh
Stars: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Gary Oldman, Lucy Liu
Studio: Paramount Pictures
The Story: Po (voice of Black) and the Furious Five venture to China to battle a villain and uncover the secrets of Po's mysterious origins.
Pagan Buzz: I think May 27 is Buddhist day. Woot! Has someone told the Dalai Lama? I have to admit, I'm not a big fan of the talking animal movie. Also, Jack Black is in it and after the horrible 'Gulliver's Travels', I am not looking forward to this. Unfortunately, the 4 year old is and she is cuter that me...
The Tree of Life
Director: Terrence Malick
Stars: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain
Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures
The Story: Follow Jack O'Brien from his upbringing in the 1950's Midwest, through his complicated relationship with his father (Pitt), to his adult life in the modern world, as he seeks answers to the origins and meaning of life.
Pagan Buzz: Not a Pagan film with obvious characters or actions, this shows us what happens when innocence is lost and a person becomes a shell among the souls of the world. It is a universal idea and could lead to some great debate. I am looking forward to this one...
June 3
X-Men: First Class
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Stars: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Jason Flemyng, Kevin Bacon
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
The Story: Charles Xavier (aka Professor X) and Erik Lensherr (aka Magneto) are two young men discovering their powers. Banding together with fellow mutants to stop a threat to the world, a rift grows between the two forces, leading to the founding of Professor X's X-MEN and Magneto's Brotherhood, and the beginning of their eternal war.
Pagan Buzz: It's the X-men. Do you have to ask why Pagans, Witches, Wiccans, etc. will want to see this prequel? The Mutants include Beast, Azazel, Mystique, Darwin, Havok, Banshee, Riptide and Emma Frost, the White Queen. For nothing else, watch Michael Fassbender's ('Inglorious Basterds/300') star making turn as Magneto. Love him!!!
June 10
Super 8
Director: J.J. Abrams
Stars: Elle Fanning, Amanda Michalka, Kyle Chandler
Studio: Paramount Pictures
The Story: Ohio, 1979: when kids shooting a super 8 movie witness a train crash, their shock soon turns to feelings of suspicion and horror after disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town.
Pagan Buzz: To be honest, I have no idea if this has any Pagan content. No one knows anything about it.JJ Abrams ('LOST') is once again leading us along and do we love the ride... From the info I have seen, it is based around the Area 51 legends, so I'm thinking aliens. Oooh, maybe Paul is in it...HAHAHAHA!
June 10
Green Lantern
Director: Martin Campbell
Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Story: When he's granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, test pilot Hal Jordan (Reynolds) becomes the first human to earn membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe. His mission: to combat an enemy called Parallax, which threatens to destroy the universe's balance of power.
Pagan Buzz: Superhero movie with abs of steel. This is the one DC entry in a Marvel dominated summer. I know it's more alien than supernatural, but depending on your path, I feel that its inclusion is necessary. Honestly, it's more about the British baddie, Mark Strong. He has never let me down and I will watch him scratch his ass on screen. Fantastic actor!
July 15
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Director: David Yates
Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Story: The end begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione return to Hogwarts to find and destroy the final horcruxes. But when Voldemort finds out about their mission, the battle we've all known has been coming -- Harry vs. Voldemort -- looms large on the horizon. And who will triumph?
Pagan Buzz: It's HARRY FREAKIN' POTTER!!! Just go see it! You would be stupid not to witness history in the making. See you at the midnight screening!
July 22
Director: Scott Charles Stewart
Stars: Paul Bettany, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q
Studio: Screen Gems
The Story: A priest disobeys church law to track down the vampires who kidnapped his niece.
Pagan Buzz: Stewart reunites with Bettany ('Legion') in this vampire horror-thriller. 'Legion' is one of my favourite BAD movies. I hope this one is better, but I secretly want it to be a awful as 'Legion' even though it made a lot of money (who knows why). And now with the news that Priest is getting that 3D treatment, I have a feeling the studio is looking for a big return on 'Legion's success. At least it has Cam Gigandet ('Twilight'), Stephen Moyer ('True Blood') and Karl Urban ('Lord of the Rings' Trilogy), so the hottie factor is high!
May 20
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Director: Rob Marshall
Stars: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, Geoffrey Rush, Judi Dench, Keith Richards
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
The Story: After crossing paths with a woman from his past (Cruz), Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) is swept aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (McShane), on an unexpected mission to find the elusive fountain of youth.
Pagan Buzz: Who needs a story, it's Captain Jack!?! Johnny Depp (#3 on our Pagan Icons list) is back with zombies, mermaids and Keith Richards! Behind Harry Potter, this is the number 2 film for me this summer.
May 27
The Hangover Part II
Director: Todd Phillips
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Story: Right after the bachelor party in Las Vegas, Phil (Cooper), Stu (Helms), Alan (Galifianakis), and Doug (Bartha) jet to Thailand for Stu's wedding. Stu's plan for a subdued pre-wedding brunch, however, goes seriously awry.
Pagan Buzz: I am not posting this because Bradley Cooper is in it. After 'Limitless', he can officially do no wrong, but he is not the reason I list 'Hangover 2'. The film was shot in beautiful Thailand, a primarily Buddhist country of the Theravada school. Several of the shots take place in a Buddhist temple and is a major plot point.
Kung Fu Panda 2
Director: Jennifer Yuh
Stars: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Gary Oldman, Lucy Liu
Studio: Paramount Pictures
The Story: Po (voice of Black) and the Furious Five venture to China to battle a villain and uncover the secrets of Po's mysterious origins.
Pagan Buzz: I think May 27 is Buddhist day. Woot! Has someone told the Dalai Lama? I have to admit, I'm not a big fan of the talking animal movie. Also, Jack Black is in it and after the horrible 'Gulliver's Travels', I am not looking forward to this. Unfortunately, the 4 year old is and she is cuter that me...
The Tree of Life
Director: Terrence Malick
Stars: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain
Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures
The Story: Follow Jack O'Brien from his upbringing in the 1950's Midwest, through his complicated relationship with his father (Pitt), to his adult life in the modern world, as he seeks answers to the origins and meaning of life.
Pagan Buzz: Not a Pagan film with obvious characters or actions, this shows us what happens when innocence is lost and a person becomes a shell among the souls of the world. It is a universal idea and could lead to some great debate. I am looking forward to this one...
June 3
X-Men: First Class
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Stars: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Jason Flemyng, Kevin Bacon
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
The Story: Charles Xavier (aka Professor X) and Erik Lensherr (aka Magneto) are two young men discovering their powers. Banding together with fellow mutants to stop a threat to the world, a rift grows between the two forces, leading to the founding of Professor X's X-MEN and Magneto's Brotherhood, and the beginning of their eternal war.
Pagan Buzz: It's the X-men. Do you have to ask why Pagans, Witches, Wiccans, etc. will want to see this prequel? The Mutants include Beast, Azazel, Mystique, Darwin, Havok, Banshee, Riptide and Emma Frost, the White Queen. For nothing else, watch Michael Fassbender's ('Inglorious Basterds/300') star making turn as Magneto. Love him!!!
June 10
Super 8
Director: J.J. Abrams
Stars: Elle Fanning, Amanda Michalka, Kyle Chandler
Studio: Paramount Pictures
The Story: Ohio, 1979: when kids shooting a super 8 movie witness a train crash, their shock soon turns to feelings of suspicion and horror after disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town.
Pagan Buzz: To be honest, I have no idea if this has any Pagan content. No one knows anything about it.JJ Abrams ('LOST') is once again leading us along and do we love the ride... From the info I have seen, it is based around the Area 51 legends, so I'm thinking aliens. Oooh, maybe Paul is in it...HAHAHAHA!
June 10
Green Lantern
Director: Martin Campbell
Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Story: When he's granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, test pilot Hal Jordan (Reynolds) becomes the first human to earn membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe. His mission: to combat an enemy called Parallax, which threatens to destroy the universe's balance of power.
Pagan Buzz: Superhero movie with abs of steel. This is the one DC entry in a Marvel dominated summer. I know it's more alien than supernatural, but depending on your path, I feel that its inclusion is necessary. Honestly, it's more about the British baddie, Mark Strong. He has never let me down and I will watch him scratch his ass on screen. Fantastic actor!
July 15
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Director: David Yates
Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Story: The end begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione return to Hogwarts to find and destroy the final horcruxes. But when Voldemort finds out about their mission, the battle we've all known has been coming -- Harry vs. Voldemort -- looms large on the horizon. And who will triumph?
Pagan Buzz: It's HARRY FREAKIN' POTTER!!! Just go see it! You would be stupid not to witness history in the making. See you at the midnight screening!
July 22
Captain America: The First Avenger
Director: Joe Johnston
Stars: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Samuel L. Jackson
Studio: Paramount Pictures
The Story: After being deemed unfit for military service during WWII, Steve Rogers (Evans) volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, the Sentinel of Liberty -- a superhero dedicated to defending America's ideals. His first mission: to combat the Nazi propaganda effort headed by Johann Schmidt (Weaving), also known as the Red Skull.
Pagan Buzz: Another Marvel prequel to set us up for the upcoming 'The Avengers' movie. Super excited to see Hugh Weaving as the Red Skull!
Director: Joe Johnston
Stars: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Samuel L. Jackson
Studio: Paramount Pictures
The Story: After being deemed unfit for military service during WWII, Steve Rogers (Evans) volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, the Sentinel of Liberty -- a superhero dedicated to defending America's ideals. His first mission: to combat the Nazi propaganda effort headed by Johann Schmidt (Weaving), also known as the Red Skull.
Pagan Buzz: Another Marvel prequel to set us up for the upcoming 'The Avengers' movie. Super excited to see Hugh Weaving as the Red Skull!
July 29
The Smurfs
Director: Raja Gosnell
Stars: Hank Azaria, Katy Perry, Jonathan Winters
Studio: Columbia Pictures
The Story: The little blue creatures of Smurf village move to New York City after the evil wizard Gargamel chases them out of their mushroom-like homes in the forest.
Pagan Buzz: If you have lived under a rock for years, Gargamel is an evil Wizard. I HATE THE SMURFS. Tell me how it is because I won't be seeing it, even with Paul Reubens (Pee Wee Herman) as Jokey Smurf.
The Smurfs
Director: Raja Gosnell
Stars: Hank Azaria, Katy Perry, Jonathan Winters
Studio: Columbia Pictures
The Story: The little blue creatures of Smurf village move to New York City after the evil wizard Gargamel chases them out of their mushroom-like homes in the forest.
Pagan Buzz: If you have lived under a rock for years, Gargamel is an evil Wizard. I HATE THE SMURFS. Tell me how it is because I won't be seeing it, even with Paul Reubens (Pee Wee Herman) as Jokey Smurf.
August 5
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Stars: James Franco, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
The Story: In present day San Francisco, a scientist (Franco) looks for a cure for Alzheimer's disease by experimenting on a chimpanzee named Caesar. The development of animal intelligence brings about a war for supremacy between humans and apes.
Pagan Buzz: Thematic elements involving man playing God, to a very 'damn, dirty ape' end. I'm really there for Tom Felton's first big post-Harry Potter role.
August 12
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark
Director: Troy Nixey
Stars: Katie Holmes, Guy Pearce, Bailee Madison
Studio: FilmDistrict
The Story: A young girl (Madison) sent to live with her father (Pearce) and his new girlfriend (Holmes) discovers creatures in her new home who want to claim her as one of their own.
Pagan Buzz: Remake of Guillermo del Toro short film, 'Latchkey's Lament', which you can watch here in two parts. Part of me is just looking forward to Katie Holmes getting tormented...LOL!
August 19
Fright Night
Director: Craig Gillespie
Stars: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, David Tennant
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
The Story: Teenager Charley Brewster (Yelchin) guesses that his new neighbor Jerry Dandrige (Farrell) is a vampire responsible for a string of recent deaths. When no one he knows believes him, he enlists Peter Vincent (Tennant), the opportunistic host of his favorite TV show, to help him take down Jerry and his guardian.
Pagan Buzz: All hail the return of David Tennant to US film screens! Sure there is a sexy vampire and it's a crappy remake, but David Tennant is in it as the TV host originally played by Roddy McDowell!!!
Conan the Barbarian
Director: Marcus Nispel
Stars: Jason Momoa, Ron Perlman, Rose McGowan
Studio: Lionsgate
The Story: Muscle-bound warrior Conan the Cimmerian (Momoa) seeks to avenge the murder of his father and the slaughter of his village.
Pagan Buzz: The history of beefcake the barbarian dates back to the 30's comic books, but let's face it, most of us only know Ar-nold in the role. Jason Momoa sheds his Stargate Atlantis dreads to fight with Ron Perlman ('Hellboy'). Expect lots of pillaging, loin cloths and grunting...
August 26
Final Destination 5
Director: Steven Quale
Stars: Nicholas D'Agosto, Emma Bell, Arlen Escarpeta (Full Cast)
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Story: Teen survivors of a suspension-bridge collapse soon begin to fear that there's no way you can cheat Death.
Pagan Buzz: Fate, Kharma and Death...again and again and again. I thought final meant FINAL people!!!
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If anything else comes out, I will post about it.
Thanks to IMDB for Director and Star information. Thanks to WENN, Perez and Pink is the New Bloog for pics. All dates are subject to change.
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