When I was growing up, summer movies were always about escapism for me. Jaws, E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, Alien, the Star Wars flicks, Mad Max movies—you get the drill.
As a longtime comic-book nerd, I'm certain I've already seen my big summer of 2019 movie (and judging from the box office, everyone else has, too). Avengers: Endgame is a fitting wrap to this phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has been my favorite movie franchise of all time. Most of these 22 movies—and especially the ones in recent years—have hit me right in my nostalgia bone. They take me back to staying up late on summer nights with my best friends from Vail Middle School and sinking deep into the mythos of Spidey, the Avengers and the X-Men. To see so many of those characters and stories reimagined on the big screen has been a thrill—and never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be the biggest movie phenomenon of all time. Nerds Rule!
There are a lot of movies yet to come this year, though. Our beloved critic Bob Grimm brings us his usual snarky look ahead to the rest of this summer movie season. Stay tuned: In a few weeks, we'll share all the local fun movie programs that are happening this summer, from the Loft Film Fest to the movies in the park.
Elsewhere in this issue: Associate editor Jeff Gardner looks at how innovative local schools are offering hands-on training in biotech and other fields; columnist Tom Danehy picks a fight with Chris Brown fans (so watch our Twitter feed!); arts writer Margaret Regan previews Artifact Dance Project's upcoming performance of Monologue of a Muted Man; theater contributor Leticia Gonzalez of Taming of the Review says you'll be entranced by Rogue Theater's performance of The Crucible; Chow writer Mark Whittaker has a bite of Indian food at Aqua Vita; music contributor Eric Swedlund talks with Jenny Lewis ahead of her show at downtown's Rialto Theatre on Monday, May 13; Cannabis 520 columnist Nick Meyers looks at recent power plays by Big Weed; and there's plenty more to help you figure how to have some fun in this town over the next seven days.
See you at the movies!
—Jim Nintzel
Executive Editor
Hear Nintz talk about what's happening in Tucson's entertainment scene Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. during The Frank Show on KLPX, 96.1 FM. Zona Politics with Jim Nintzel airs at 4 p.m. Sunday on KXCI, 91.3 FM.
