By Scott Weinberg

Well, movie fans, it's May again, which can mean only one thing: it's summertime! Well, maybe not according to your calendar or your vacation schedule, but as far as the Hollywood Movie Machine is concerned, the pool is open, the hot dogs are sizzling, and the big, flashy movies are about to cascade into your local multiplexes. Most hardcore movie freaks have a love/hate relationship with the Summer Movie Season: love because we all want to see and enjoy the big, bulging spectacles; and hate because, well, let's just say that most summer movies are a whole lot of hot air wrapped up in a particularly pretty balloon. Each summer has its share of Guaranteed Blockbusters, Potential Breakouts, and Train-Wrecks-Waiting-to-Happen, and 2005 certainly doesn't look to be an exception. So sit back, relax and prepare for your annual four-month onslaught of sequels, remakes, explosions, and brain corrosions -- with a little help from your old pals here at Rotten Tomatoes. (Please note that release dates are subject to change with little notice or explanation.)

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith May 19, 2005

You've seen the trailers, the Happy Meals, the toys, and the posters. You've probably complained about Chapters 1 and 2 till you turned blue in the face, and frankly, you're probably sick to death of the whole thing already. But you'll still go see "Revenge of the Sith," and you know it! Early word is that this final installment is darker and more dangerous than its predecessors, so perhaps Mr. Lucas has taken some of the more vocal complaints to heart. But you'll only know for sure if you buy a ticket for yourself. Keep your fingers crossed and try to have a good time! Starring: Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen Directed by: George Lucas More Info: Reviews, Posters, 45 Photos, Trailer, About, Credits, News, Forum

 

The Longest Yard May 27, 2005

A rough, raucous, and generally well-admired Burt Reynolds flick from 1974 gets tossed into the Remake Machine, and out pops your next Adam Sandler vehicle. It's prison guards vs. prison inmates in a vicious game of football, and you'll get a pretty expansive ensemble for your $8.50. Co-starring alongside Mr. Sandler are Chris Rock, James Cromwell, Nicholas Turturro, Cloris Leachman, Tracy Morgan, Courteney Cox, William Fichtner, Nelly, Rob Schneider and, back for a second trip through the yard, Burt Reynolds himself. Starring: Burt Reynolds, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler Directed by: Peter Segal More Info: Reviews, 15 Photos, Trailer, About, Credits, News, Forum

 

Madagascar May 27, 2005

Fresh from the cartoon gurus at DreamWorks animation comes a CG tale of domesticated zoo creatures forced to contend with the dangers of real-life Mother Nature. Borrowing the successful formula from their smash hit "Shark Tale," the DreamWorks wizards snagged Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, and Jada Pinkett Smith to provide voices for their computer-generated menagerie. And since there are no other animated films within Madagascar's striking distance, you can expect this one to rake in a lot of buffalo chips. Starring: Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Sacha Baron Cohen Directed by: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, More Info: Reviews, 28 Photos, Trailer, About, Credits, News, Forum

 

Cinderella Man June 03, 2005

Five, count 'em, five big-time Oscar winners -- director Ron Howard, producer Brian Grazer, screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, and actors Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger -- combine to bring you what promises to be this year's "Seabiscuit." Crowe stars as real-life, Depression-era boxer Jim Braddock, a noble-but-destitute fellow who desperately clings to a life within the boxing ring... if only to provide his family's next meal. Hey, grown-ups like going to the movies, too! Starring: Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti Directed by: Ron Howard More Info: Reviews, 25 Photos, Trailer, About, Credits, News, Forum

 

Mr. and Mrs. Smith June 10, 2005

This sleek-looking action thriller starring the controversial combination of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie was inspired by the short-lived television series of the same name (and seemingly borrows a few extra pages from "Prizzi's Honor"). The photogenic pair star as husband-and-wife assassins who, inconveniently, are contracted to murder each other. The deft directorial touch of Doug ("The Bourne Identity") Liman inspires a bit more confidence than the trailer does. Starring: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Kerry Washington Directed by: Doug Liman More Info: Reviews, 19 Photos, Trailer, About, Credits, News, Forum

 

Batman Begins June 15, 2005

Ask your average Bat-fan how they would have re-ignited this franchise and the response would probably be "good cast, great director, no bat-nipples." And it seems like WB has cobbled together one heck of a crew for Batman's new beginning. The director of "Memento," the writer of "Dark City," and the lead actor of "American Psycho" will do what they can to breathe some dark new life into a somewhat damaged franchise. And based only on the first few trailers, the fans seem to really like what they see. Toss in a phenomenal cast that includes Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman, Liam Neeson, Rutger Hauer, and Ken Watanabe... and you're looking at one of the summer's hottest tickets. Starring: Christian Bale, Katie Holmes, Cillian Murphy Directed by: Christopher Nolan More Info: Reviews, Posters, 59 Photos, Trailer, About, Credits, News, Forum

 

War of the Worlds June 29, 2005

The last time Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise got together they gave us the mind-bending treat known as "Minority Report." Here the world-renowned duo set their sights on H.G. Wells' classic tale of alien invasion... and if you think these visitors have anything in common with their "Close Encounters" cousins, well, then you probably haven't seen the "War of the Worlds" trailer yet! To those who've always wondered what "Independence Day" would look like through Steven Spielberg's eyes, you just might want to get in line right now. Starring: Tom Cruise, Miranda Otto, Dakota Fanning Directed by: Steven Spielberg More Info: Reviews, 152 Photos, Trailer, About, Credits, News, Forum

 

Fantastic Four July 08, 2005

Pegged by many to be this summer's Big Misstep... but how often are we right about this kind of thing? The beloved family of marvelous Marvel superheroes takes to the screen to do battle with the steel-plated Dr. Doom. Eschewing high-end matinee idols for extra doses of CGI fireworks, director Tim ("Barbershop") Story hopes to deliver this year's "Daredevil" -- and not this year's "LXG." Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans Directed by: Tim Story More Info: Reviews, 25 Photos, Trailer, About, Credits, News, Forum

 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory July 15, 2005

Less a remake of the classic 1971 family film and more of a "loyal" adaptation of Roald Dahl's original story, this eagerly-anticipated release marks the fourth collaboration between director Tim Burton and actor Johnny Depp. So far the marketing material has the fans scratching their heads in bemused curiosity, while those who still adore the old Gene Wilder version are probably pretty psyched as well. Starring: Johnny Depp, David Kelly, Freddie Highmore Directed by: Tim Burton More Info: Reviews, Posters, 43 Photos, Trailer, About, Credits, News, Forum

 

Wedding Crashers July 15, 2005

Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn star as a pair of leering lotharios who love nothing more than crashing weddings and bedding bridesmaids. But things get a little sticky when an unfamiliar concept like "love" gets involved. Featuring turns by Christopher Walken, Will Ferrell, and Rachel McAdams, this flick looks like it could be this summer's "Dodgeball." Starring: Christopher Walken, Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn Directed by: David Dobkin More Info: Reviews, 13 Photos, Trailer, About, Credits, News, Forum

 

The Island July 22, 2005

The oft-derided yet resoundingly successful director Michael Bay reaches down into his bag of pyrotechnical tricks and comes up with an offering that looks pretty darn cool. Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, Djimon Hounsou, and Sean Bean star in this futuristic tale of cloning run amok. If Bay can balance some thought-provoking sci-fi concepts with his patented brand of hyperkinetic action sequences, "The Island" looks to be a dark horse winner in the Summertime Sweepstakes. Starring: Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, Djimon Hounsou Directed by: Michael Bay More Info: Reviews, 33 Photos, Trailer, About, Credits, News, Forum

 

The Dukes of Hazzard August 05, 2005

Probably #1 on the "I can't believe they made this, but I'll see it anyway" list, this big-screen adaptation of the cult classic TV series stars Seann William Scott, Johnny Knoxville, Burt Reynolds, Willie Nelson, and Jessica Simpson as Daisy! Expect lots of car chases, broad yuks, and, hopefully, Ms. Simpson in those cut-off jeans! Starring: Seann William Scott, Johnny Knoxville, Jessica Simpson Directed by: Jay Chandrasekhar More Info: Reviews, Posters, 42 Photos, Trailer, About, Credits, News, Forum

 

Pink Panther February 10, 2006
	Starring: Steve Martin, Jean Reno, Beyonce Knowles Directed by: Shawn Levy More Info: Reviews, 20 Photos, Trailer, About, Credits, News, Forum