This week we start off with two sequels that I have yet to see the originals of. Not because of disinterest, just not getting around to it. When it comes to the Horror genre, I'm definitely behind on the times. I tend to avoid them in theaters unless I'm familiar with the source material. Also, the girlfriend and I agree they make for great cuddle sessions at home. I hope to have a Horror themed Trailer Tuesday soon, but had to get this one [The Conjuring 2] in under the wire!

The Conjuring 2 (6/10/2016):

At first I wasn't going to watch this trailer, thinking it was a direct sequel to the original. Okay, it is, but not in the way I thought. I was confused to hear of a second movie, then disappointed. I never saw the original, but it was of high interest to me. For some reason I felt this was beginning a new series of "real" occurrences at the Amityville Horror house, which was the focus of the first movie. Thankfully, it's based on the "true" case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren — played by Patrick Wilson (Insidious: Chapter 2, Watchmen) and Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel, The Judge) respectively — which I assume means there is an abundance of potential supernatural/horror material.

This sequel looks just as creepy as the first! James Wan (Saw, Insidious) isn't a stranger to horror, and he's already worked with some of the actors involved in this film, so I'm fairly excited to see it. Sadly, his Insidious franchise is another that I have to catch up on. That being said, despite liking Furious 7, I do kind of wish he'd stick to horror... It just seems he respects it more without going too blatantly over the top ridiculous, even if embellished.

I'm wondering if I've heard of this particular case, but just not realizing it. There are supposedly documentaries on the events surrounding the location in Enfield, North London. Naturally it's been deemed a hoax (aren't they all). All I know is that crazy nurse and gravely voice coming from that little girl is enough to give me the chills!

Now You See Me 2 (6/10/2016):

This movie sports a returning ensemble cast — Jesse Eisenberg (American Ultra, Adventureland), Mark Ruffalo (Spotlight, The Avengers), Woody Harrelson (The Hunger Games, Cheers), Dave Franco (Neighbors, Warm Bodies), Morgan Freeman (Lucy, The Shawshank Redemption), Michael Caine (Inception, The Prestige) — and is a direct continuation of Now You See Me, a movie I have yet to watch. I know, I know!

Because of that, I have actually skipped watching this trailer for now until doing so. While I have a lot of interest in seeing both movies, I've never really been in a rush (obviously) to do so. I honestly didn't expect this sequel either. I've heard a lot of good things about the original, so I'm going to have to get on it.

One thing I did notice was the absence of Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers, Rango), who suffered from an accident on set while filming one of her own stunts in the original. This could have resulted in her drowning. So, while it's a shame, it's also very understandable. Mind you, her departure may not be related to the incident...

Central Intelligence (6/17/2016):

I've net yet fallen under the spell of Kevin Hart (Get Hard, Ride Along) like many others seem to be, he is in a ton of movies recently. However, I'm always down with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (Fast Five, The Rundown)! These two seem to have a lot of comedic chemistry and I actually found a lot of the scenes to be very funny. I'm glad to see The Rock flexing more of his comedic muscles! I'm really, really hoping that all the best parts weren't spoiled.

You wouldn't know it from the trailer, but there are some supporting cast involved, including Amy Ryan (Goosebumps, Escape Plan) and Aaron Paul (Need for Speed, Breaking Bad). This first trailer definitely focuses solely on the two main stars. And I suppose that makes sense, because their comedic timing/chemistry will either make or break the movie.

Free State of Jones - Trailer 2 (6/24/2016):

I generally like period pieces, so how could I not be interested in one helmed by Matthew McConaughey (The Wolf of Wall Street, Dallas Buyers Club)? Keri Russell (The Americans, Mission: Impossible III) and Mahershala Ali (The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, Predators) also star. I picked the second trailer because I felt the first showed way too much. This gives a good buildup to the building of the small uprising comprised of small farmers and slaves, creating the Free State of Jones in Mississippi, and seceding from the Confederacy during the Civil War.

Oddly, I don't have a whole lot to say about the movie except that it looks good. I'm very familiar with McConaughey's acting and always approve. I'd imagine the drama will be emotional, action engaging, and overall, hopefully not too heart-wrenching... But it is a war movie, soooooo...

Independence Day: Resurgence (6/24/2016):

And finally we have the sequel to Independence Day! I could have sworn I already posted this trailer weeks ago, but alas. It's really a shame this movie wasn't releasing on July 4th, industry standards be damned! I was a huge fan of the original and it remains a movie I can watch countless times. I loved the actions, special effects, and the chemistry between the all the characters, especially Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park, The Fly) and Will Smith (Concussion, The Pursuit of Happyness). It's so sad Will Smith decided not to reprise his role.

A large majority of the original cast are, however, including Bill Pullman (Lost Highway, Spaceballs), Vivica A. Fox (Kill Bill: Vol 1, Batman & Robin), and the most mysterious return, Brent Spiner (Superhero Movie, Star Trek: The Next Generation). This sequel takes place in a timeline matching that of Independence Day in real life, 20 years since the first invasion event occurred. Now a new generation has been prepared (or so they thought) to defend Earth from future invasions. The most notable being Liam Hemsworth (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Empire State).

The action looks intense and the special effects are bound to be amazing, even 3D worthy! I'm not sure about the pairing of Goldblum and Hemsworth, which seems to be the case from the trailers — I think I will really miss the banter Goldblum and Smith shared — but I'll give it a shot. I love Goldblum! As long as the new recruits have the acting chops and chemistry, and the storyline isn't too outlandish, this is bound to be one great summer blockbuster! I'm really looking forward to it!

Did any of the featured movies interest you? Have you seen either the first The Conjuring or Now You See Me? If so, what were your opinions on them? Excited for the sequels? Do you think Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Kevin Hart will have the chemistry to keep Central Intelligence afloat? Are you a fan of war movies? Does Free State of Jones interest you? What's your favorite war movie? Were you a fan of the first Independence Day? Are you excited for the sequel?