It’s almost summer time, and you know what that means…movie time! Studios are going to be putting out a lot of great films this summer, but there definitely will be some stinkers in there. I care about all you Hollywire readers, and I don’t want you to waste your $10 on a film that everyone already knows should be in the crapper.

I offer you the top ten movies I (and the rest of Hollywood) am anticipating this summer. So take heed, Hollywire-ians, and choose wisely. If you need more help in deciding, go ahead and watch the trailer by clicking on the film title!

Summer blockbusters that are still being anticipated:

1. Iron Man (released in theaters May 2nd)

2. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (released in theaters May 22nd)

These two movie monsters have already been doing damage at the box office. If you haven’t seen either of these movies, you need to stop reading and go right now to the nearest theater and watch them. One at a time…a double feature, I don’t know– add some adventure to your life.

But seriously people, these movies are an absolute must. I didn’t even read the Marvel comics before seeing Iron Man and I am still as equally obsessed as a person who did. And it will make you L-O-V-E Robert Downey, Jr. again. *sigh*

And Indiana Jones!? Need I say more? You should already have your shoes on walking out the door to so see “Innnnndyyyyy!” Say it in Willie Scott’s whiny voice with me now… just a little ditty for all you Indiana Jones fans out there.

Now, onto the movies yet to be released!

For the inner nerd in you:

3. The Incredible Hulk

Release Date: June 13th.

Thought that the trailer for the newest Hulk remake felt like deja vu? I hope I am not the only one who feels that way! This film is a remake of the 2003 Ang Lee version of this superhero. It stars Ed Norton as Bruce Banner and Liv Tyler as Betty Ross. Not only is Banner battling the monster inside of him, but now he has a new adversary who has also been inflected by the same Gama radiation– The Abomination, played by Tim Roth. And he is the only creature that can truly destroy the Hulk. Chaos surely will ensue. But you don’t have to be a die hard comic book reader, or nerd for that matter, to like this movie. I for one get super excited just watching the trailer. It makes me wanna go work out… is that normal?

For the classic comedian:

4. Step Brothers

Release Date: July 25th.

From the team that brought you one of my guilty pleasures: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, is a movie about two middle age guys that each live with their single parents. Did I mention it stars Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as the two middle aged men?! Genius. Ferrell lives with his mom while Reilly lives with his father. Then, you guessed it: Ferrell and Reilly’s parents marry and they become step brothers (not that hard to deduce from the title). Their antics as new brothers turn this new family upside down as they try to get along and keep their parents together. I don’t know about you but I’m a sucker for Will Ferrell movies. Add in John C. Reilly, and heck, I might even see this twice!

For ones wanting a major scare:

5. The Happening

Release Date: (Friday) June 13th.

Since the plot has been really hush hush over M. Night Shyamalan’s latest movie, I don’t really have a lot of deets to share about this flick. But it’s about a man, who just so happens to be played by a Mr. Mark Wahlberg, who is on the run with his family as a cataclysmic natural crisis turns the world upside down. Sounds intense. I think we all remember the M. Night Shyamalan who created Lady in the Water and are quick to forget the M. Night Shyamalan who scared the living daylights out of us in Unbreakable, The Sixth Sense and Signs. Yea, you remember how freaked out you were! Rumor is this is going to another one of his great movies. Pair that up with a release date of Friday the 13th and I’m already creeped out.

For the most touching experience:

6. The Dark Knight

Release Date: July 18th.

Fresh off one of the most shocking tragedies this year, I feel that this movie would have done swimmingly even if Heath Ledger did not pass away. However, that being the case, I think some people may just come out and see this movie because it was the last complete role of his career. But I love that Warner Brothers isn’t playing that card–it gives me hope for Hollywood. That said, this is the much much much (did I mention much?!) anticipated sequel to Batman Begins. And if you didn’t know that, shame on you. This film finds our hero waging a war on dismantling all organized crime in Gotham with the help of his usual cast of characters. Their success goes unchecked until a new criminal arrives on the scene– yup, everyone’s favorite tortured clown! The Joker uses this crack down as an opportunity to steal from organized crime and to blackmail them into forming a united army to take down the Dark Knight. All cast members are coming back to play their original roles…except one. Katie Holmes chose not to reprise her role as Rachel Dawes. The reason? Scheduling conflicts. So in lieu of Katie’s mistake decline, Maggie Gyllenhaal stepped in. All the pieces are set to make this one of the most memorable blockbusters this summer. Did I mention that I have been seeing trailers for over a year now?! Now that is anticipation.

For awesome action seekers:

7. Wanted

Release Date: June 27th.

I guess I should have added in the description “for people who love to watch Angelina Jolie DO ANYTHING.” This movie is based on the graphic novel series by Mark Millar, and the story is about a regular ho-hum guy named Wes, played by James McAvoy, who is solicited by a woman named Fox (how fitting!), played by Angelia Jolie, to join the Fraternity. But this one is not to be confused with a dirty house infested with sketchy college boys. The Fraternity is a secret organization that trains Wes as an enforcer of justice. So to sum up this movie in 4 words or less: guns, Angelina Jolie, awesomeness. Oh, and Morgan Freeman stars in it as well. I am already giving it two thumbs up in my book.

For the politically incorrect comedy supporter:

8. Tropic Thunder

Release Date: August 15th.

This movie is about a group of spoiled, high-profile actors shooting a big-budget war movie that are forced to become the soldiers they are portraying through a series of freak occurrences. Ben Stiller, who stars in and directs this movie, is long overdue to release something truly funny. He works alongside Owen Wilson, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., and Nick Nolte…just to name a few. This could be the moment when Stiller, Black, and Wilson cement their reputations as their generation’s most reliable funnymen or it could bomb horribly. But I’m putting my money on a box office blowout. And it could also prove that Robert Downey Jr. is back for good. The trailer is so over the top that it will always make me laugh, no matter how many times I see it. Plus, look out for Tom Cruise, Tobey Maguire, Mickey Rooney and Matthew McConaughey to make appearances. Yes, I did say Tom Cruise. No, I’m not lying. I bet now Tropic Thunder just got bumped up a few notches on the movies you most want to see.

For the obsessive sequel watcher:

9. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

Release Date: August 1st.

It’s okay to admit you have a problem if you’re addicted to watching sequels. Just don’t tell anybody. But this time the third installment might be able to rival the first. Brendan Fraser reprises his role as Rick O’Connell and is back battling mummies and the undead in a new adventure. This time Rick, his son Alex, his wife Evelyn, played by Maria Bello (don’t look for Rachel Weis, she bowed out), and his brother-in-law Jonathan are in China. They must face the ancient Dragon Emperor, played by Jet Li, who is resurrected with only two goals: to raise his 10,000 warriors who are suspended in animation and to take over the world. So it seems that the O’Connells have their work cut out for them. Add in some great geography like the catacombs of the Forgotten Palace and the tops of the snowy Himalayas and it will be like a mini vacation of sorts. The Mummy franchise is sticking to it’s winning equation again: eerie undead + kickass bad guy = mega hit.

For the nalstagic television turned movie lover:

10. Get Smart

Release Date: June 25th.

Based off the 1960s hit TV series of the same name, this movie follows the continued adventures of America’s ultimate secret agent. Steve Carell leads an amazing cast, playing Maxwell Smart, who is accompanied by Anne Hathaway playing his better half, Agent 99. Alan Arkin checks in as The Chief this time around. Maxwell Smart and gang battle an evil syndicate know as KAOS to try and prevent them from world domination. I really think this movie will be an enormous success for two reasons. One, because of all the fans of the TV series and two, because Steve Carell is one of the funniest guys right now. Not only will fans of The Office see this movie, but people who want to reminisce about the days of Adams and Feldon. Box office gold abound, I say! Is it bad if I didn’t even know what the TV series was about until I looked it up because of the movie? Oops.

Well, there you have it. I can only hope that you will consider my advice when you flock to the theaters to escape the high temps and even higher gas prices. Pick one, two, five, all ten…no matter what the number I’m sure you will enjoy which ever one you choose!

And if you think one deserves to be on the list, let us all know…my list is by no means the only ten movies you should consider watching this summer.

I would never admit this at any other time, but I may be going to the movies a lot more in the upcoming months.

Hollywood…you get the best of me yet again!!