With all the free time where classes used to be, chances are you'll be going to the movies a lot more often this summer than during the school year. Here is a list of some of the most anticipated movies and a few possible dark-horse hits.
Mission Impossible III - May 5
Tom Cruise returns as super spy Ethan Hunt in the third installment of the series. Despite the fact that John Woo won't be directing, or that Cruise has lost half his fan base with his Scientology rants, the addition of Phillip Seymour Hoffman as the main villain gives this addition to the series a new draw.
The Da Vinci Code - May 19
Dan Brown's national phenomenon is adapted for the big screen with the help of Tom Hanks. It will be interesting to be able to see Da Vinci's clues on film instead of having to visualize them. Still, there's little hope for the movie being better than the book.
X-Men 3: The Last Stand - May 26
The X-Men are back with an enormous cast of heroes and villains. This time around there will be more mutants (Kelsey Grammer as Beast), but the departure of director Bryan Singer might take some of the edge away from one of the most successful superhero franchises.
Strangers With Candy - June 28
The Comedy Central TV series is being brought back in feature-length form. Serving as the prequel to the original show, the origin of 47-year-old high school freshman Jerri Blank is finally revealed. Blank spent most of her teenage years as a crack-addicted prostitute, a self-described "user, abuser and a loser." And now she's going back to relive the best years of her life, and do it right.
Superman Returns - June 30
X-Men's Bryan Singer reprises a 20-year-old franchise with "Superman IV." Christopher Reeves' famous role will be played by newcomer Brandon Routh, but the real character to watch in this one will be Kevin Spacey's version of Lex Luthor.
A Scanner Darkly - July 7
Believe it or not, Robert Downey Jr. stars as a drug addict! Alongside Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder, the film will tackle the issue of drug abuse with a touch of dark comedy. Director Richard Linklater ("Waking Life") had animators paint over every frame, creating a unique and interesting visual effect.
Lady in the Water - July 21
M. Night Shyamalan's follow-up to the somewhat predictable "The Village" stars Paul Giamatti as a super of an apartment complex who discovers a mythical creature in the swimming pool. Hopefully, Shyamalan will be able to get back to doing what he does best and shock audiences with the twists for which he's known.
Miami Vice - July 28
Director Michael Mann returns to the series that he created for television in the '80s. Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx star as Miami narcotics officers Crockett and Tubs. Unlike many of the retro television shows that have recently been reincarnated for the big screen, Miami Vice will not parody itself; instead, Mann is said to be bringing a fresh, modern look to the show.
Talladega Nights - August 4
Will Ferrell stars as Southern NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby, a role he wrote for himself. As if Ferrell alone isn't funny enough, his gay French rival will by played by Sacha Baron Cohen, best known for his character Ali G. This could be a great combination.
Clerks II - August 18
Just when you thought they were gone, Director Kevin Smith adds yet another installment to his Jay and Silent Bob series, a sequel to "Clerks." Dante and Randal return to their minimum-wage careers, this time to work at Mooby Burger.
Beerfest - August 25
The Broken Lizard comedy team that brought you "Super Troopers" and "Club Dread" is back. This time the group travels to Germany for Oktoberfest, where one can expect plenty of boozing. At least these guys know their audience.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
