Tantalizing movie releases loom as summer approaches

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (June 22)

Poignant and full of character, the preview for “Seeking a Friend” features Steve Carell donning his trademarked sensitive, pushover persona in the last three weeks before the world ends. Looking to make meaning out of his dwindling life, he teams up with an alternatively stylish Keira Knightley to embark on a final road trip in search of companionship and acceptance. If the full film contains even an iota of the humor and sensitivity displayed in the trailer, this unlikely couple may anchor the summer’s most moving romantic comedy.

Magic Mike (June 29)

As if the summer weren’t hot enough, Hollywood has brought us a film about male stripping. “Magic Mike” deals with a man (played by Channing Tatum) who moonlights as a male stripper. This film does hit pretty close to home for Tatum, who got his start earlier on stripping under the pseudonym Chan Crawford. The end of the trailer showed off Matthew McConaughey as a fellow macho man. Yum.

Savages (July 6)

A far cry from “Pineapple Express” (2008), Oliver Stone’s “Savages” delves into the dark underbelly of the marijuana industry. When cannabis-growing entrepreneurs (played by Aaron Johnson and Taylor Kitsch) refuse a deal from a competitor, the femme fatale and drug cartel lord (Salma Hayek) decides to kidnap their shared companion (Blake Lively). The trailer is a whirlwind of sadomasochism and graphic action sequences that ensure this movie will either stun critics or flop miserably — stereotypical Stone, to say the least.

Ted (July 13)

Picture Seth MacFarlane’s hysterical mind permitted to run wild without the interference of heavy-handed television executives. Well, MacFarlane’s newest endeavor, “Ted,” is essentially an uncensored gag reel following Mark Wahlberg and his anthropomorphic, childhood teddy bear with a tendency to swear profusely and engage in repulsive (yet adorable) debauchery. The comedy is sure to reproduce the “Family Guy” gems deemed unfit for national television due to its R-rating. Oh, and we recommend you opt to watch the red band trailer. The teddy bear is so raucously vulgar in every scene.

Ruby Sparks (July 25)

Remember Paul Dano? This promising star broke into the mainstream with “The Girl Next Door” (2004) and found critical acclaim in “There Will Be Blood” (2007). Since finding his remarkable performance in “There Will Be Blood,” Dano has receded from the spotlight, making middling films such as “Taking Woodstock” (2009) and “Cowboys & Aliens” (2011). Now, he has again teamed with the directors of “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006) to tell the tale of a writer who invents a female character with whom he falls in love. The story takes on a fantastical element when the eponymous character comes to life. The trailer hints at some physical comedy, which is fitting for Dano, whose lanky frame and energetic presence recall the antics of Buster Keaton. 

Lawless (Aug. 31)