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Ten Must-see Movies:

The Avengers – Friday

A movie nearly seven years in the making, Joss Whedon’s “The Avengers” is the latest and greatest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Based on the Marvel comics of the same name, the film follows the tale of a superhero team known as The Avengers. Composed of several superheroes seen in prior films, including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and joined by newcomers Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), this group acts as humanity’s last resort and must protect the world from certain destruction. Hitting theaters Friday, this movie is a must-see to kick off the season.

The Dictator – May 16

The hilarious and outrageous minds behind the blockbuster comedy “Borat” return to America in hopes of mocking us, and, most likely, the rest of the world. Co-star Anna Faris predicts the film to be “universally offensive,” so expect a lot of controversy surrounding this one as star Sacha Bara Cohen plays a Gaddafi-like North African strongman named General Admiral Aladeen. He comes to the Big Apple, a familiar setting for Cohen, after he is stripped of his power and wealth. From there we don’t know much else other than that Aladeen exchanges with several types of American demographics and the material will be slapstick, and, at some points, outrageous. Baron Cohen never backs down from a challenge.

Prometheus – June 8

Ridley Scott, perhaps the greatest sci-fi director ever, is in familiar territory as he returns to a genre he pioneered with classics such as “Alien” and “Blade Runner.” The Oscar-winning director of “Gladiator” has kept a close lid on the plot, but this much we know: The film is about a crew on a spaceship that travels to a distant planet, which is home to a civilization that visited Earth millions of years ago, and all hell breaks loose at some point. The original girl with the dragon tattoo, Noomi Rapace, stars as the female heroin leading the group, while Michael Fassbender (“Shame”) plays a robot, or what is being billed now as a synthetic life form. The most acclaimed star in the cast is Oscar-winner Charlize Theron (“Monster”), who goes out of her range, performing in one of her first sci-fi flicks.

Safety not Guaranteed – June 8

In what will undoubtedly become the indie darling of the summer, Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation), Mark Duplass (The League) and Jake Johnson (New Girl) move from the small to the silver screen. The film follows the story of magazine writers Darius (Plaza) and Jeff (Johnson) interacting with Kenneth (Duplass), a man who placed a personal ad in a newspaper asking for someone to go back in time with him. The film debuted Sundance Film Festival, receiving a positive reception. Hitting theaters this June, the film’s budding romance sub-plot, easy-going comedy and intriguing story make up the recipe for an indie classic.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World – June 22

The end of days is explored in a new light with “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World.” Starring Steve Carrell as Dodge and Keira Knightly as his neighbor Penny, the plot follows the characters as they try to reconcile with their own regrets as the end of mankind rapidly approaches. The movie appears to take a lighthearted approach to the whole concept of the apocalypse and follows a dynamic, comedic story in spite of the tragedy looming in the distance. Carrell appears to be tapping into characters he explored in past works such as “Dan in Real Life” or “Crazy, Stupid, Love.,” so expect some delightful, if slightly self-deprecating, humor on his part. Either way, the film looks to be comedic, endearing and worth the wait for its June release.

The Amazing Spiderman – July 3

Peter Parker and his alter ego Spiderman swing back into theaters this July,  five years after the final installment of the original movie series. Marc Webb (“500 Days of Summer”) and Columbia Pictures rebooted the web-slinger’s storyline. Portrayed this time around by Andrew Garfield (“The Social Network”), Spiderman takes on scientist-turned-reptilian-terror Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), also known as the Lizard. This new iteration of the series involves a new interpretation of the very character of Spiderman as well as a new love interest for Parker in the form of Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone). Look for the film this July and get ready to see a whole new side of the Spiderman series.

Ted – July 13

Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis star in the upcoming Seth McFarlane (Family Guy, American Dad) comedy “Ted.” Wahlberg stars as John Bennett, a man whose childhood teddy bear came to life as the result of a wish. However, when John meets the girl of his dreams, Lori (Mila Kunis), Ted (Seth McFarlane) begins to get in the way of John’s attempt to grow up. Unlike some of Wahlberg’s more serious roles, the film will likely be a hilarious coming-of-age story. McFarlane is known for his small screen triumphs, but this time he tries his hand at a feature length film. McFarlane’s debut as a director, “Ted” is sure to bring some bawdy humor to the summer lineup.

The Dark Knight Rises – July 20

Unarguably the biggest movie of the summer, “The Dark Knight Rises” will have the nation’s interest at an all-time high when it premieres July 20. Don’t just expect big box office numbers, though. Director Christopher Nolan is set to end his Batman saga with a bang, overhauling the cast with a trio of familiar co-stars, including, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordan-Levitt and Marion Cotillard. All three starred in Nolan’s previous film “Inception,” which earned the director his first Best Picture nomination at the 2010 Academy Awards. Nonetheless, the director is still chasing his elusive first Best Director nomination and subsequent award. Anne Hathaway (“The Devil Wears Prada”) is the biggest new addition to the cast, and her character, Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman, will be one of most intriguing in the final chapter of one of the most successful trilogies of all time.

Neighborhood Watch – July 27

Another movie with an all-star lineup comes in the form of Akiva Schaffer’s (The Lonely Island) “Neighborhood Watch.” Starring Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and newcomer Richard Ayoade (The IT Crowd), the film begins as the group forms a neighborhood watch as an attempt at male bonding and to garner some time for themselves. However, this ragtag group of suburban guardians soon stumble upon an alien plot and must protect the world. Aside from the powerhouse cast, this will be Schaffer’s second directorial endeavor and audiences can expect the witty humor characterized by the sketch comedy of The Lonely Island (“Dick in a Box,” “I’m on a Boat”).

Total Recall – August 3

Director Len Wiseman (“Underworld,” “Live Free or Die Hard”) delivers a remake of the critically acclaimed 1990 film “Total Recall.” The plot follows the story of Doug Quaid (Colin Farrell), a man who has another identity implanted in his brain and his previous memory erased. With his new identity as a spy, Quaid, now known as Hauser, teams up with Melina (Jessica Biel), a freedom fighter helping to take down the dystopian political system. Perhaps the most exciting part of the movie will be to see its futuristic setting created by modern film technology. The limits of the 1990s have passed, leaving “Total Recall” a wide berth for creative license and re-imagining the film.

…and Three to Stay Away From:

Battleship – May 18

Liam Neeson headlines the cast, but expect Taylor Kitsch to dominant the main plot with one too many (or six too many) scenes featuring Rihanna – the other female lead who, although gorgeous, is a newcomer. But hey, what’s wrong with remodeling an 81-year-old board game into a sci-fi action thriller starring the Tim Riggins from Friday Night Lights (Kitsch) and a Sports Illustrated cover model (Brooklyn Decker). Director Peter Berg  (“Hancock,” and a billion other blockbuster thrill rides) is really asking a lot from his audience. To see “Battleship,” you will have to withstand predictable, and more than likely poor, acting as well as an over-the-top maritime alien invasion. Berg was given a pretty big checkbook ($200 million), so it will be visually appealing, but nothing else.  In fact, Berg admitted in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that he was skeptical about the idea becoming a movie. Well, Pete, you should have trusted your instinct on this one. “Battleship” will truly be a miss.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter – June 22

The next big vampire movie will not come in the form of the next Twilight film. Rather, producer Tim Burton (“The Nightmare Before Christmas’) presents “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter,” a movie adaptation of the book by the same name. The film follows the tale of the 16th President as he dutifully slays vampires throughout the country during the Civil War. Starring Benjamin Walker as Lincoln, this film looks to be as ridiculous as the premise on which it is based. That said, it should be quite a laugh to see a beloved former president as an axe-wielding vampire hunter, but don’t expect much in terms of immersion or intrigue. For those brave enough, this June release offers the chance to see history in an entirely new light.

G.I. Joe: Retaliation – June 29

Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis and Channing Tatum star in what will likely become the biggest action flop of the summer – “G.I. Joe: Retaliation.” Riding in the wake of the 2009 sequel  and overall disaster of a movie, “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra,” the latest installment likely has little to offer other than a surprisingly star-studded cast. Once again fighting the evil forces of Cobra, the G.I. Joes must do whatever they can to save the world. This tired storyline, along with the multiple movies already produced in the series, means “Retaliation” will probably produce some good-natured mindless action, undoubtedly accompanied by some heavy dubstep. The film joins “Battleship” in the line of Hasbro movies being released this summer, raising the question whether these toys should be left to children and off the big screen.

Summer Concert Picks:

The Fray @ Red Rocks – Friday and Saturday

Denver’s darling The Fray will perform two nights at Red Rocks this Friday and Saturday, and while you’ll be hard pressed to find tickets for the first night, there are still tickets available for the second, which was added due to overwhelming demand. The Fray will be performing in support of its new record, Scars and Stories. And while Scars was a bit of an uneven record (see the Clarion’s review), The Fray has truly grown as a live band, with its stint of dates with U2 last year allowing the group to flex its muscle in a stadium setting. Alongside thousands of some of the group’s most dedicated fans at Colorado’s most renowned concert venue, these shows are not to be missed. (Reserved seating for $68.80, General Admission for $57.45)

The Shins w/ Blind Pilot @ Red Rocks – Tuesday, May 29

The Shins, legends of the indie world, are playing at Red Rocks  in support of March’s Port of Morrow, with folksters Blind Pilot and Head and the Heart opening. Port’s lead single “Simple Song” returned James Mercer to The Shins after a brief, but fruitful, side project with Danger Mouse titled Broken Bells. This show promises to be full of new songs and old songs, and is a must for any fans of the band. Blind Pilot is an up and coming band you do not want to miss. The group’s song “Three Rounds and a Sound” might make you cry, and the energy of this band during live shows is exciting and refreshing. (Reserved $54.60, GA $47.20)

Bon Iver & Feist @ Red Rocks – Thursday, May 31

Bon Iver has seen an incredible year thus far, with his self-titled sophomore album winning Best Alternative Music Album and Best New Artist Grammy (which was confusing, since his debut For Emma, Forever Ago was critically acclaimed and extremely popular way back in 2007). That said, Bon Iver’s new album is a completely different, yet equally inspired, musical composition. One of the most symphonic and complete albums to come out in recent years, Justin Vernon’s falsetto vocals filling the Red Rocks amphitheater with the lights of Denver in the distance and the stars to keep us warm makes this a truly must-see show. The fantastic opener on Feist’s recent album Metals was a highly popular release last September. Songs such as “The Bad in Each Other” and “How Come You Never Go There” boast Feist’s signature vocal layering and interesting harmonies, a respectable follow up to the artist’s Grammy- nominated album The Reminder in 2007. The pairing of Bon Iver and Feist promises a night of astounding vocals and immense talent at one of best outdoor venues in the world. (Reserved $50.50-$55.65, GA $50.50)

Maps and Atlases @ Hi-Dive – Sunday, June 17

Maps & Atlases is a Chicago-based indie rock group that effortlessly blends folk, experimental and angular math rock into a sound that is both unique and easily accessible. The group will be touring in support of its new record, Beware and Be Grateful, which has garnered rave reviews due to its technical prowess and heartwarming lyricism. And not only is the group’s musicianship sure to impress in a live setting, the band is set to perform at the Hi-Dive, which is hands-down one of the most intimate and enjoyable (not to mention affordable) places to see a show in Denver. Worth putting on your summer concert agenda, Maps & Atlases is sure to deliver. ($12)

Tycho @ Summit Music Hall – Friday, June 29

Last year, San Francisco-based graphic artist and electronic producer Scott Hansen (stage name Tycho) stunned the ambient electronic scene with an absolutely masterful work, Dive. The record, which featured some absolutely beautiful and sparkling electronic arrangements (par for the course for the ambient genre), also had Tycho’s unique flair, with some surprisingly strong and danceable percussion tracks. This June, Tycho’s taking his talents to one of Denver’s newest music venues, the Summit Music Hall, and is sure to perform a set that is equal parts danceable and majestic. For less than $20, and at a club right in the heart of LoDo, Tycho’s set is perfect for both date- and dance-night. ($16)

Foster the People w/ Mayer Hawthorne @ Red Rocks – Tuesday, July 3

While you may have heard “Pumped Up Kicks” to the point of vomiting during the past year, Foster the People is much more than just one runaway single – the group’s debut album, Torches, is chock-full of the summery kind of indie rock that’s been lacking in the market of late. Opener Mayer Hawthorne, who was in Denver last October in support of Chromeo and has one of the sexiest voices in indie today, is a similarly summery performer, though with a far more urban vibe, making some of the funkiest white-boy music you’ll ever hear. Together, the two performers will make for an enjoyable night of singing and dancing, and are likely to be a perfect midpoint to your summer vacation. ($48.20)

James Murphy (dj set) @ Boulder Theater – Thursday, August 2

LCD Soundsystem may be (sadly) long gone, but Colorado fans will still have a chance to see one of the masters of indie rock at play during his DJ set this August. Murphy, in addition to being a fantastic musician and accomplished live performer, has always had his finger firmly on the pulse of the modern music scene, and it is likely that his DJ set will feature an exceedingly enjoyable danceable mix of indie, electro and any other gems Murphy decides to throw in. With one of indie music’s most acclaimed performers at the helm, and at one of Colorado’s best music venues, Murphy’s DJ set in Boulder will be a fantastic way to spend a summer night. ($25)

Die Antwoord @ Ogden Theater – Monday, August 6

If you’re in the mood for something a bit off the beaten path, consider checking out Die Antwoord’s set at the Ogden this August. Die Antwoord, the South African rave-rap group made famous by its unsettling videos (see: “Enter the Ninja”) and absurd, often extremely vulgar lyricism, is sure to give an energetic, if not also perplexing set. The group will be touring in support of its new record, Ten$ion, which has received some rather mixed reviews. One thing is universally acknowledged, though: The album is an ear-splitting, borderline psychotic affair that will likely translate well into a sweaty, alcohol-infused live setting. Worth checking out for the kitsch value alone, consider putting Die Antwoord on your list of must-see summer shows. ($26.50)

Passion Pit & Justice @ Red Rocks – Tuesday, August 7

Two of indie’s most beloved groups will be unlikely co-headliners at an August 7th show at Red Rocks this summer. Passion Pit, whose 2009 album Manners received a great deal of critical and commercial acclaim, will be touring in support of its upcoming album, Gossamer, which will be released on July 24. Both Justice and Passion Pit are known for their energetic live performances, and the different flavors of electro the two groups will bring to the stage are sure to make it an eclectic and thoroughly enjoyable night. Moreover, the rather low price point of just around $50 for a general admission ticket is a steal given the stature of these two groups. So don’t delay and get your ticket today, because while there are still some seats available, they won’t be around forever. (Reserved $49.50-$55.65, GA $49.50)

Jack White @ Red Rocks – Wednesday, August 8

The elusive Jack White will make a stop this summer at Red Rocks in support of his first solo album, Blunderbuss (reviewed in the Clarion last week), which is a thoroughly enjoyable mix of lo-fi indie, garage rock and blues. And while White has performed at Red Rocks before with his monumental group, The White Stripes, this summer show will give audiences the chance to experience White in a more intimate setting. Jack White is a consummate performer, and he will undoubtedly have some fantastic musicians backing him up, so you would be wise to take advantage of the chance to experience one of the new millennium’s most esteemed rock musicians at one of the best concert venues in the world. (Reserved $50.70-$55.85, GA $50.70)

New Albums:

Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeroes – May 29

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are set to return this summer with new LP Here. The group hasn’t released any singles from the upcoming album, but have been widely touring and preparing for the late May release. For everyone who loved “Home,” “40 Day Dream” and “Janglin” there is plenty more of the upbeat folky goodness that embodies the fictional Edward Sharpe and his Magnetic Zeros. It’s likely that this new album will promise another sweet and simple love, life and pursuit of peace ballad such as “Home” and become the perfect summer anthem for the upcoming lazy, sun-kissed afternoons.

Regina Spektor – May 29

Spektor’s new album What We Saw from the Cheap Seats will feature both new songs and some that are almost 10 years old. This album is her follow-up to 2009’s Far. As always, Spektor brings about fun, interesting and ever innovative vocals, melodies and brash poetic lyrics to her new album. The Russian beauty is a spectacular performer and is constantly releasing and touring, so keep your eyes out for a U.S. tour to be announced later this summer. Varying from heartbreaking and sparse to poppy and quirky, Spektor covers the range of musical creativity with each and every album she has recorded to date. Spektor brings an ever inventive and fresh voice to the white noise that is pop music and is inspirational for female vocalists and musicians trying to find their way in music today. Don’t miss Spektor’s new album on May 29, sure to be as witty, beautiful and delightful, as always.

The Temper Trap – June 5

Australian quintet The Temper Trap hit indie stardom when its almost unbelievably catchy and emotive single, “Sweet Disposition,” was featured in “500 Days of Summer,” as well as a slew of other media (not to mention the airwaves). Moreover, the rest of the album was lauded as equally solid, effortlessly exploring a wide variety of sonic and lyrical tones and demonstrating a surprisingly solid level of musicianship. Three years later, the group is set to release the follow-up to its much-loved debut, with an eponymous sophomore effort. While the first official single “Need Your Love” was a little lackluster, teaser track “Rabbit Hole” saw the band exemplifying a new found intensity. The song is not only one of the best tracks the group has ever made, but it’s one of the best songs of the year, period. In response to this track’s brilliance, both longtime fans and new listeners have a lot to be excited for when The Temper Trap sees its U.S. release.

Metric – June 18

The Canadian indie rock band that hit mainstream consciousness with 2009’s catchy, but uneven, Fantasies is set to release a new record, Synthetica, this summer. Why should you be excited? Metric has always been best when exploring the more dancey and electronic side of its music, and judging by the synth-heavy teaser videos posted on Metric’s website, Synthetica is sure to be an electronic-infused affair. The first single, “Youth Without Youth,” was released today, so be sure to check it out, and if you like what you hear, consider pre-ordering the new album from this fantastic group.