A look into summer's big-screen blockbusters

By: Brian O’Malley/ Associate Verge Editor

Posted: 4/28/05

Every summer, a fountain of blockbusters raid the movie theaters and make loads and loads of money. This summer is no different. With big names like Vader, Batman, Spielberg and Wonka returning, this summer will be one of fun and excitement. This summer's theme seems to be remakes. With three television shows, two comic books, a video game and more than five classic movies being remade, this could be the summer of repetition or, simply, a summer of great movies.

May

"Kingdom of Heaven"

Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Liam Neeson, Jeremy Irons David Thewlis, Edward Norton

Directed by Ridley Scott (May 6)

During the 12th century crusades, a young blacksmith (Bloom) rises to protect his people from invaders. The director of "Alien" and "Gladiator" makes another epic movie filled with blood and battles

"Star Wars Episode III: The Revenge of the Sit"

Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Samuel L. Jackson, Ian McDiarmid

Directed by George Lucas

This is easily the most anticipated movie of the summer, maybe even year. This will be the third in the second Star Wars trilogy, making it six movies in less than 30 years. In this outing, Anakin Skywalker (Christensen) is gradually shifting to the dark side, and his fight with Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor) over molten lava is expected to be one of the movie's most climactic moments. (May 19)

"The Longest Yard"

Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Nelly and Burt Reynolds

Directed by Peter Segal

This remake of the 1974 movie about a group of prisoners who form a football team to play the guards. Sandler takes the part of Paul Crewe, the same role Reynolds had in the original. (May 27)

June

"Batman Begins"

Starring Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Katie Holmes

Directed by Christopher Nolan

This is the long awaited story of a young Bruce Wayne (Bale) on his journey to becoming the protector of Gotham City. Looks like an awesome cast. (June 17)

"War of the Worlds"

Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Tim Robbins, Miranda Otto and Justin Chatwin

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Spielberg's big-budget remake to the 1953 adaptation of H.G. Wells' 1898 novel about a family's fight for survival when martians attack Earth. The trailer, available on several Web sites, is pretty intense and looks to be quite entertaining. You really can't go wrong with Speilberg. (June 29)

July

"Fantastic Four"

Ioan Gruffudd, Michael Chiklis, Jessica Alba and Chris Evans

Directed by Tim Story

Four astronauts pick up superpowers and decide to use them stop Doctor Doom. The screenplay writer for this movie, Simon Kinberg, is also writing "X-Men 3." Fans of the comic book should be satisfied with this one. (July 8)

"Wedding Crashers"

Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn

Directed by David Dobkin

A pair of trouble-makers sneak into weddings to take advantage of the romantic twinkle in the air. (July 15)

"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"

Johnny Depp, Freddy Highmore, David Kelly, Helena Bonham Carter and Christopher Lee

Directed by Tim Burton

This movie looks to be more of a specific adaptation from the book, rather than a remake of the Gene Wilder movie. The story goes that Charlie Bucket (Highmore) wins the chance to go to Wonka's chocolate factory, but he gets more than he bargains for.

(July 15)

August

"Domino"

Mickey Rourke, Keira Knightley, Edgar Ramirez and Christopher Walken

Directed by Tony Scott

The director of 2003's "Man on Fire" takes on this dark, action comedy, which is loosely based on the life of Domino Harvey, a former Ford model who gave up modelling to try her hand in bounty hunting. (Aug. 12)

Other titles to look into:

May- "Madagascar," "Monster-in-Law"

June- "Bewitched," "Cinderella Man," "The Dukes of Hazzard," "The Honeymooners," "Mr. and Mrs. Smith"

July- "Bad News Bears," "Stealth"

August- "Doom," "The Pink Panther"