1. “The Dark Knight Rises”
The final chapter in Christopher Nolan’s epic Batman trilogy has built a lot of buzz, and the previews I’ve seen so far have left me excited about the film. Nolan hasn’t released very many details, but we do know “The Dark Knight Rises” will be set eight years after the previous film. Christian Bale will return as an older Batman, with Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman reprising their roles, along with many new faces. The July 20 release date is edging tantalizingly close, and I’ll definitely be at one of the midnight showings.
2. “Prometheus”
“Prometheus” came out of nowhere to vault all the way up to my number two spot. I’d never heard of it until about a month ago when I saw the first preview and was instantly hooked. It’s from director Ridley Scott, the creator of “Alien” and is reportedly some sort of prequel. Although Scott has confirmed there won’t be any of the famous alien creatures in the film, you can be sure there will be some type of alien causing havoc. The film stars Noomi Rapace, the actress from the Swedish version of “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” Michael Fassbender, recently seen playing a younger version of Magneto in “X-Men: First Class” and one of my favorite actresses, the stunning Charlize Theron.
3. “The Dictator”
The only comedy to make the list, partly due to the fact that there just aren’t many summer blockbuster comedies coming out this year. There were only about three to choose from, and none of the others seemed appealing. The always-hilarious Sacha Baron Cohen stars as General Aladeen, a dictator who visits the U.S. and ends up stuck here, having to adjust to a culture he doesn’t understand. The first trailer made me think it would be another “Borat” or “Bruno” faux-documentary type, but apparently, it’s more of a straightforward comedy. I’m definitely intrigued and am expecting big things as the most recent preview I saw had me doubling over in laughter.
4. “Snow White and the Huntsman”
This is the biggest question mark on my list. I feel like the darker, more adult twist the movie gives to the well-known “Snow White” fairytale could end up being remarkably successful or failing miserably. I’ve never been a big Kristen Stewart fan either so seeing her take the lead role is something I’m kind of concerned about. On the upside, Charlize Theron, making a second appearance on my list, stars as the evil queen, and Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth, plays the huntsman. From the trailer, it looks like Theron and Hemsworth are bringing their A-game to the film. It’s going to be Stewart who makes or breaks this one.
5. The Avengers
With a $207.4 million box office gross in the first weekend, I think it’s safe to say the summer movie season has arrived. “The Avengers” only comes in at number five on my list because I’ve always been a bigger fan of DC superheroes like Superman and Batman. Four of the biggest Marvel superheroes: Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and the Incredible Hulk teaming up is pretty cool though.. With rave reviews pouring in and fans loving it, “The Avengers” is the perfect movie to kick off this, sure-to-be, record breaking summer movie season.
