Memorial Day Weekend blockbuster madness is in full swing

Ah, it's Memorial Day weekend, and while for many of us that means taking time to remember the brave men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military, it also marks the unofficial kickoff of the summer season, too. Oh, and also? It means another Hangover movie opening. Yes, this time two years ago we were all flocking to theaters to see The Hangover Part II. Will this year be any different?

Possibly, yes, it will be. Why? Because The Hangover Part III has some serious box office competition this year, in the form of yet another Fast & Furious movie (the sixth in the never ending series). Not only that, but Iron Man 3 and Star Trek are still going strong. The Great Gatsby also has a nice little niche carved out. Top all of this off with a big animated movie opening, Epic from Blue Sky Studios (Ice Age, Rio) and you've got to think that a lot of people are going to pour into movie theaters this weekend.

I have to be honest, I think it's safe to say that many of us found The Hangover Part II disappointing, especially compared to the original. I didn't think it was awful, but it sure didn't seem nearly as funny. I think part of my problem with it was my own lofty expectations. The Hangover came out of nowhere for me. I remember seeing great reviews and thinking really? For a comedy? I had to see it, and it was a delightfully hilarious surprise. Not so with the second installment. Everything seemed too forced. Sequels so rarely live up to the originals, and sadly, The Hangover Part II was no exception.

Nevertheless, The Hangover Part II took in a whopping $135 million over its long Memorial Day weekend debut. Can Hangover III match that? Highly unlikely, given that the first night numbers don't even come close to those of the second film.

As for The Hangover Part III, I fear it might be even less funny that the second movie. A quick glance at some of the major reviews tells me a great deal (and none of what it tells me is good). Supposedly, this is the end of the Hangover franchise. Personally, I wish it had ended after The Hangover. I hate seeing a great original tainted by follow-ups that are less than stellar.

With The Hangover Part III, I think a lot of us don't exactly know what to expect. We know Alan will be his goofy self, we know the gang will be involved in some sort of mischief (involving Mr. Chow, no doubt), but what we don't know is whether all of this will be amusing enough to make us feel like we've gotten our money's worth. At least with the Fast & Furious 6 film, we know exactly what we'll get: car chases, and plenty of action. This is not my cup of tea, but I can't ignore the decent reviews Fast & Furious 6 is getting. I suspect the general public won't ignore the good reviews, either.  Despite what some in Hollywood might think, regular movie goers are definitely not easily duped these days.

And I have to drop a name now: Paul Walker. Why? Because after a tornado ripped through my city two years ago last month, Paul Walker showed up with his disaster relief organization and quietly went to work, helping to clear massive trees in my dad's hard-hit neighborhood. Neighbors were like, "Y'all, I swear to GAWD I think that cute guy from Fast & Furious is in my yard right now come look come looooooook!"

It was true, and you know what else? He didn't give media interviews or want any kind of attention for his efforts, aside from a few tweets to promote his aid group, Reach Out Worldwide (or ROWW).

Given what happened in Oklahoma this past week, I thought I'd share this story as a reminder that people are amazing. They do amazing things, and tragedy brings out the best in so many of us, even big time actors who don't want anything more than a simple, heartfelt "thanks" for their efforts.  

Now, enough seriousness, let's go escape to the movies. Happy Memorial Day, everyone! I hope that whatever you're seeing over this nice long weekend is fantastic. Be sure to report back here to let me know what you loved/hated about the movie you saw.

Photos courtesy of Film.com and ROWW @ Work