Next week might be the end of school -- meaning months of working and boredom for everyone heading home -- but it also marks the start of the summer movie season. Forget sitting poolside and soaking up some rays, go hide in the air-conditioned theaters. Here's a look at what's coming out in the next few months.
"Spider-Man 3"\nSynopsis: Does this really need any explanation? In the third installment Spidey gets all emo and dark while fighting baddies Venom (Topher Grace) and Sandman (Thomas Haden Church). Enjoy it while it lasts, director Sam Raimi might ditch the series to make "The Hobbit," possibly causing Dunst and Maguire to take off, too. \nExpectations: (as sung to that infamous "Annie" song) "Tomorrow, tomorrow, one week from tomorrow, you're only a week away!!!" (May 4)
"28 Weeks Later"\nSynopsis: The sequel to surprise hit "28 Days Later" takes place six months after the original and focuses on London's attempt to rebuild society after the zombie disease died off. A political drama studying constructions of society? Don't worry, the zombie disease comes back.\nExpectations: The first "28" was insane, but without original director Danny Boyle and star Cillian Murphy, these zombies might lack bite. (May 11)\n"Shrek The Third"\nSynopsis: When "Shrek" is asked to become king of Far Far Away, he declines, leaving Fiona's nervous teenage cousin Artie to take the throne. Justin Timberlake, Amy Sedaris, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph and many more join the "Shrek" team.\nExpectations: Might not top the previous two, but should be a fun time nonetheless. Plus, it'll be fun watching the awkwardness between Timberlake and Diaz during the promotion blitz. (May 18)
"Pirates of the \nCaribbean: At World's End"\nSynopsis: The "Pirates" crew heads to the end of the world to save Captain Jack and make a shitload of money on its way.\nExpectations: "Dead Man's Chest" could've easily been wrapped up at the end instead of the story being dragged into another film. If the film can keep its running time down and take advantage of its abilities to create kooky new characters (rather than dragging every single one from each film to recycle the same jokes), it should succeed. If not, no question that the visual effects will be insane. (May 25)
"Knocked Up"\nSynopsis: The title says it all. In the new comedy from "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" writer/director Judd Apatow, cute working girl Alison (Katherine Heigl) and dirty slacker Ben (Seth Rogen) face the worst-case situation after a one-night stand.\nExpectations: I caught the Union Board's advanced screening of this film, and it's hilarious. Like "Virgin," expect it to be the summer's sleeper hit and deservedly so. (June 1)
"Mr. Brooks"\nSynopsis: Kevin Costner stars as a serial killer who gains an unwanted fan (Dane Cook) eager to learn his ways.\nExpectations: Can you say creepy? After "Employee of the Month," it'd be nice to see Cook star in an actual good comedy before making the switch to dramatic roles. Who knows, though, maybe this will be a good alternative to all the movies with 2 or 3 in their titles. (June 1)
"Ocean's Thirteen"\nSynopsis: After stopping in Europe last time, the Ocean's gang heads back to Vegas to ensure the failure of a new hotel run by an old enemy (Al Pacino).\nExpectations: Was anyone really screaming for No. 3? Oh well, this helps Clooney's tactics of one for the studios, one for himself, so let's hope this means he'll be getting behind the camera soon. (June 8)
"Nancy Drew"\nSynopsis: The popular teenage crime-solver finally hits the big screen for the first time in 60 years.\nExpectations: Could've easily been a youth-aimed film that older audiences can enjoy, but the preview makes it look way too childish. (June 15)
"Evan Almighty"\nSynopsis: When Jim Carrey turned down a sequel to "Bruce Almighty," the film's scene-stealer (and now famous TV star) Steve Carell stepped into reprise his role. God sends Evan on a Noah-like quest of gathering the animals before an apocalyptic flood.\nExpectations: Carell's the best choice to take over this franchise, but the trailer is only smirk-worthy. \n(June 22)
"Ratatouille"\nSynopsis: The latest Pixar outing heads to the streets of Paris, where the title character rat has a taste for fine cuisine.\nExpectations: Pixar has yet to fail and (let's hope) never will. (June 29)
"Transformers"\nSynopsis: Michael Bay. Fourth of July weekend. Giant fuckin' robots. 'Nuff said.\nExpectations: "Transformers" wasn't essential to my childhood as it was for most people, so excuse my lack of excitement. Special effects should be crazy, but I think I'll stick to watching the Beastie Boys' "Intergalactic" music video on YouTube. (July 4)
"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"\nSynopsis: Things are only getting worse at Hogwarts as Voldemort gains more power and the Ministry of Magic sends over superbitch/puppet teacher Professor Umbridge to keep an eye on Dumbledore.\nExpectations: A new Potter movie and the last book in the same week?! This is just too much to handle!! (July 13)
"1408"\nSynopsis: Based on a short story by Stephen King, the title references the number of a hotel room that turns into the personal hell of anyone who checks in. This time it's John Cusack's turn.\nExpectations: It's been a while since King's work has hit theaters, but two hours in the same hotel room? If not well-executed, this could turn into viewers' personal hell. After "Psycho" and the recent "Vacancy," you'd think characters would know not to check into sketchy hotels. Idiots. (July 13)
"Talk to Me"\nSynopsis: Set during the civil rights days of the '60s, this true story focuses on the relationship between liberal radio personality Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene (Don Cheadle) and his station's stuffy management (led by Chiwetel Ejiofor).\nExpectations: Sounds interesting so let's just hope it avoids the usual biopic mistake of idolizing its hero just a little too much. (July 20)
"Hairspray "\nSynopsis: John Water's campy classic about an overweight teen struggling with self-image problems and racial harmony in 1960s Baltimore hits theaters for a second round, this time based on the immensely popular Broadway musical.\nExpectations: It's nice to see a musical being released like a regular film not screaming Oscar prestige. If it sticks close to the source material and maintains the show's bubblegum tone, it should be big fun, even if John Travolta probably isn't the best choice to play mother hen Edna Turnblad. (July 20)
"I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry"\nSynopsis: This one's been shopped around Hollywood for years, but nobody dared touch it until now. Adam Sandler and Kevin James play two straight firefighters who get married to receive domestic-partner benefits.\nExpectations: The homophobic joke probably won't last long, and the movie will have to play it safe if it doesn't want to receive too much criticism or controversy. (July 20)
"Goya's Ghost"\nSynopsis: This is not a biopic of legendary 18th-century painter Fransico Goya, we repeat, not a biopic. Instead Goya's life is used as a narrative for a story about truth manipulation.\nExpectations: Sounds a lot like one of director Milos Foreman's previous works, "Amadeus," where the musician's life helped tell a fictional story about ineptitude. It's one of the best movies of all time. Can lightning strike twice? (July 20)
"The Simpsons' Movie"\nSynopsis: Springfield's resident family is about to look 20 times bigger now that they've left the small screen.\nExpectations: Was 18 years too long to wait? The show's been back to its high standard lately, so let's hope that answer is no. (July 27)
"I Know Who Killed Me"\nSynopsis: Lindsay Lohan's first real dramatic role (the previous two were supporting roles in indies "A Prairie Home Companion" and "Bobby") finds her as an abduction victim suffering from split personalities.\nExpectations: Playing two characters is nothing new for Lohan, who rocked it in the awesome "Parent Trap" and "Freaky Friday." Don't expect this to be as fun as those films, what with rape and violence a-plenty. One request: Can we get a new title? (July 27)
"No Reservations"\nSynopsis: Catherine Zeta-Jones stars as a chef who recently became the guardian of her young niece in a remake of the popular German film, "Mostly Martha."\nExpectations: Truthfully, I never saw the original. I'll Netflix it and get back to you on that. (July 27)
"El Cantante"\nSynopsis: Married couple Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony star in this biopic of Puerto Rican salsa singer Hector Lavoe.\nExpectations: All signs point to suck. Anthony is creepy and last time Lopez worked on-screen with a significant early the results were "Gigli" and "Jersey Girl." Who knows. Maybe they'll have the last laugh when it opens to critical success. (Aug. 1)
"Becoming Jane"\nSynopsis: Think "Shakespeare in Love" for Jane Austen as the famous novelist (Anne Hathaway) pens "Pride and Prejudice."\nExpectations: The film opened to critical acclaim in England a few months back. Expect it to do the same on this side of the pond. (Aug. 3)
"Hot Rod"\nSynopsis: "South Park" staffer Pam Brady wrote this comedy about a stuntman planning a charity event to raise money for his sick stepfather … so that he can beat him up once he's healthy.\nExpectations: "Wedding Crashers" scene-stealer Isla Fischer co-stars, and it's about damn time she became as famous as her "Borat" husband. (Aug. 3)
"Stardust"\nSynopsis: A $70 million project based on the novel of the same name about a man's quest to save a fallen star (not a movie star, like one of those actual shiny things in the sky), played by Claire Danes. Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert Deniro show up as a fountain of youth-seeking witch and gay cross-dressing pirate, set on putting a stop to the mission.\nExpectations: Sounds pretty damn crazy but intriguing. My only question is how did they get a studio to agree to this one? (Aug. 10)
"Wedding Daze"\nSynopsis: After the heartbreak of yet another failed relationship, Anderson (Jason Biggs) decides to propose to a random girl on the street (Isla Fischer), who surprisingly says yes. Michael Ian Black directs.\nExpectations: "Wedding Crashers" scene-stealer Isla Fischer co-stars, and it's about damn time she became as famous as her "Borat" husband. Oh, wait. Did we say that already? (Aug. 17)
"The Invaders"\nSynopsis: How convenient this "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" remake was pushed back now that everyone actually knows who Daniel Craig is. Nicole Kidman plays his scientist partner stuck with the job of warning the world about an alien attack.\nExpectations: The film's ending was reshot a few months ago and several new fight scenes were added to amp up the action. Reshoots aren't always a bad thing, but they're usually not good. You're probably better off renting Kidman's ex's "War of the Worlds." (Aug. 17)
\nMore from the sequel department:\n"Hostel: Part II" (June 8)\n"Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" (June 15)\n"Live Free or Die Hard" (June 29)\n"The Bourne Ulitmatum" (Aug. 3)\n"Rush Hour 3" (Aug. 10)
