By Joshua Herring

This summer of 2014 will showcase week after week of jam-packed action, violence and sci-fi thrillers. Most feature blockbusters will be remakes and sequels, similar to last summer, as there are over twenty to be released.

Coming up at the beginning of May, two films start off the end of classes with a justified bang. First, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”, scheduled for premiere on May 2, continues to follow young Peter Parker as he takes down villains and faces three new enemies, Electro, played by Jamie Foxx, Rino, played by Paul Giamatti and the reoccurring Harry Osborn, played by Dane DeHaan.

Another sci-fi tale set in a city-scape, the remake “Godzilla”, opens on May 16. Centered around the story of a young marine, this rendition offers a contemporary take on the sci-fi classic. “I’m excited to see one of my favorite sci-fi movies redone with less of a Japanese perspective, and more of a modern-day twist,” says Kristina Frederick.

Next, the theatres clinch May with the long anticipated “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” Jennifer Lawrence stars as Mystique, a part of an all new, and younger cast. The story is set in a world hostile to mutants, and older characters must join their younger selves in order to save the future. The release date is on May 23.

In June, one film has enough buzz to occupy theatres for the entire month: “Transformers 4: Age of Extinction.” The film will premiere on June 27, with returning Director Michael Bay, but an otherwise completely new cast, with Mark Wahlberg starring in the lead. “I think a lot of people will miss Shia Labeouf, but Wahlberg is as great of a replacement as any,” says KU graduate Max Auker.

The film is set in a time when the transformers seem to have vanished, and scientists failingly attempt to tinker with technology they do not understand. The sequel will be held to high expectations since the last installment ended up as the fifth highest grossing film of all time.

At the heat of summer in July, two prominent films will be released. First, “Earth to Echo”, on July 2, steps back from the action and kicks up the adventure, as a group of teens find that an investigation into a cryptic message turns into them struggling to help an out-of-this-world creature.

Then, on July 11, “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” resumes the story setup in 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” as a group of genetically evolved apes is threatened by humans who survived for 15 years after an apocalypse.

A few curious productions conclude the summer vacation. Two films, “What If” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” will premiere August 8. It stars Danielle Radcliffe, from the Harry Potter series, in a noted romantic comedy that tests the question: can you be in love with your best friend?

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” is a Paramount Pictures film to feature characters that many of us grew up with as live action heroes. The movie stars actors such as Megan Fox, William Fitchner, Alan Ritchson and Whoopi Goldberg.

Finally, adapted from Lois Lowry’s award winning novel, “The Giver” opens on August 15. Jeff Bridges stars alongside esteemed cast members Meryl Streep, Katie Holmes, and even Taylor Swift. The story famously tests the line between humanity and social stability, showcasing the truth of pain and pleasure in the “real” world.