Su miner pleasures oviegoers have many choices this sum- mer, ranging from a friendly ghost to a Native American princess to some powerful rangers. Many best-selling novels and children's stories are head- ed for the big screen as well. Con- 11111 sumers can brace themselves for the promotions of the movies and expect to see some of these characters as figurines and dolls and on lunch boxes. Here is a list of some of the movies to be released this summer. Apollo 13: This is a riveting action-packed drama based on the true experiences of the lunar mission Apol- lo 13. With power systems down and a diminished oxy- gen supply, the crew and Mission Control try to guide the capsule safely back to earth. Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon and Bill Paxton are among the cast. Ron Howard is the director. Babe, The Gallant Pig: When Farmer Hogget won Babe as a raffle prize, he never dreamed how much fun it would be. This delightful comedy is perfect for the entire family, and by the way, Babe plays himself The movie is based on the Dick King-Smith's children's book Babe, the Gallant Pig. The Bridges of Madison County: Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood star in this romance based on the best-seller. Casper: Remember Casper the Friendly Ghost? He never could scare anybody. Well, two visitors visit his haunted house and manage to deliver chills to the au- dience. The cast includes Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman, Cathy Moriarty and Eric Idle. Executive Producer Steven Spielberg provides outstanding visual effects and ghostly fun for the entire family. Congo: This film is based on Michael Crichton's best- selling novel. Suspense and adventure mount when an expedition party in the African jungle discovers it is in danger. . Die Hard With a Vengeance: Bruce Willis is back as the New York street cop John McClane. After re- jecting several scripts with this character, Mr. Willis was intrigued With this story which he believes has the excitement and surprises of the original film. Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde: This classic tale is re- done with a bit of gender-bending and lots of humor. Tim Daly is the scientist, while Sean Young is his alter- ego. Double Happiness: A Chinese woman tries to keep her life in bal- ance by pleasing her parents and agreeing to marry a Chinese lawyer, but she falls in love with a non-Asian university student. This movie won an award at the 1994 Toronto Film Festival. Jeffrey: This film is based on Paul Rudnick's play about gay love in the midst of the AIDS crisis. Waterworkl: Kevin Costner plays the solitary hero. Above: The Indian in the Cupboard: An Indian figurine comes to life. Right: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie: New powers and new monsters. Apollo 13: Action-packed drama based on an actual lunar mission stars Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon and Tom Hanks. Steven Weber and Michael Weiss play the main characters, while Sigourney Weaver, Olympia Duka- sis and Robert Klein are part of the supporting cast. Judge Dredd: Sylvester Stallone is Judge Dredd, a futuristic lawman known for his iron-fisted style. This film is based upon the British comic book and transports moviegoers into a fantasy world in space filled with action and special effects. The Indian in the Cupboard: This film is based on Lynne Reid Banks' award-winning children's novel about the tale of a miniature Indian figurine who comes to life. Learning Curves: This comedy combines teen fan- tasy and true friendship with actor Jason London and actress Tia Carrere. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie: The Power Rangers are coming to the silver screen with new powers and new monsters. A slimy, new foe, Ivan Ooze, is unveiled. Look for state-of-the-art special ef- fects and mind-boggling stunts. Mystery of Rampo: A controversial Japanese film about the life of Japanese author Edogawa Rampo. A bizarre murder exists in Rampo's imagination. Ram- po is drawn to the real crime that is committed in the same manner as one of his books. Nine Months: Actor Hugh Grant plays an expectant father who knows an overbearing couple with unruly children and a single artist friend who gives him confusing advice. Jeff Goldblum plays the friend, while Robin Williams plays the substitute obstetrician. Ju- lianne Moore is the lead female character, and Tom Arnold is the comical half of the over- bearing couple. Pig's Tale: The adventures of a shy, 13- year-old stuck at Kamp Kipperman for his sum- mer vacation. Pocahontas: An animated Disney film cer- tain to rival the Lion King. The Fox Theatre will have an exclusive one-week engagement, June 16-23, before the movie's general release. This is the fascinating tale about the Native American princess Pocahontas and her romance with the English settler John Smith. The movie is set in 1607 in Jamestown. The blend of his- torical fact and animated fantasy will delight moviegoers of all ages. Tales From The Hood: Director Spike Lee creates a new genre with this horror film backed up by a soundtrack of hot rap artists. The film is narrated by Clarence Williams LEI, of the "Mod Squad." The Tenderfoot: Daniel Stern portrays Max Gra- belski, who loves animals and kids and is falsely ac- BLOCKBUSTERS page 53 STYLE • SUMMER 1995 •41