As the trees finally start to bloom, final grades are dished out and everyone starts to go their separate ways, Hollywood provides yet again a way for students to entertain themselves when not frantically searching for jobs or patching together monthly rent: summer blockbusters. To save some time, here is a conveniently compiled list of the biggest flicks prepared to hit the big screen in the next month. Some will make you laugh, cry or pray to God that filmmakers give up and end the series with the third, but all in all they are certain to take your mind off of what terrifying hindrances the "real world" has to offer.
7. "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," May 25
Once again, the films that made pirates sexy are back, this time with new cast of entertaining yet unusual characters, showcasing actors such as Chow Yun-Fat and even Keith Richards. Of course, they are all complemented by the ever-so-endearing antics of the hysterical and beloved Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. Oh wait, didn't he die? While it might not come as much of a surprise, the whole motley crew - Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom and Geoffrey Rush - are back, proving once again that someone who dies in these films is never actually dead. This time they prepare to risk their lives not only to save Jack, whom they all have tried to kill personally at some time or another, but the culture and practice of piracy itself.
6. "Knocked Up," June 1
From the makers of "40 Year-Old Virgin" (2005) comes a film concerning a hot young up-and-coming broadcast journalist, Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl) who goes out to a bar after receiving her promotion only to have one too many alcoholic beverages and find herself lying next to Ben Stone (Seth Rogen). Let's just say he has a great sense of humor. Eight weeks later, however, what should have been an innocent hook-up (the kind we all know and love), turns into something more: a child to-be.
The most exciting part about the release of this film is that it stars two beloved actors that we have, as of yet, only seen on TV or in minor roles. Katherine Heigl, often known as Dr. Izzie Stevens from "Grey's Anatomy," is a brilliant actress. Unfortunately, being placed in a medical melodrama doesn't allow her to show off her comedic side, but her character is as endearing as she is relatable, ensuring that "Knocked Up" is certain to please. Seth Rogen, known as Cal from "The 40 Year-Old Virgin," is the perfect choice for the role as well. Against Katherine Heigl, he is the fumblingly hilarious idiot who is now preparing to be a father. Now that alone should be interesting.
5. "Mr. Brooks," June 1
Starring Kevin Costner as Mr. Brooks comes a psychological thriller about a serial killer who has a good side sweeter than Dr. Jekyll. Mr. Brooks leads an ideal life: he is a loving father and husband, runs a successful business and is chosen to be Portland Chamber of Commerce's man of the year. But behind the scenes he is one of the most skillful, precise, brutal serial killers of our time.
He leaves no trace and is never suspected, until photographer Mr. Smith, ironically played by comedian Dane Cook, captures one of his massacres on film. Complications arise as Detective Tracy Atwood (Demi Moore) gets on the case, countering his murderous precision in her search to find the city's most renowned serial killer. It seems that the talented cast is what is certain to set "Mr. Brooks" apart from this decade's usual cookie-cutter action thriller.
4. "Ocean's 13," June 8
The gang, from George Clooney to Matt Damon, is back for a third time. While 'Ocean's 12" (2004), wasn't nearly as good as the first in the series, it's safe to say that if "Ocean's 11" (2001) didn't exist, it would have been a pretty well-respected film. Thus, there is just a little bit of hope that the third one could be something worth watching. At least you can be sure that the acting won't be sub-par; that's what happens when every single talented or at least brutally attractive Hollywood actor bands together for a film. This time around not too much has changed; it's set in Las Vegas, revolves around casinos, and the bad guy is a powerful, out-for-blood, bazillionare. But here's the twist: this "guy" is no longer Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia), but Willie Banks, played by none other than Al Pacino, which means it must be good, right?
3. "Live Free or Die Hard," June 27
Detective John McLane (Bruce Willis) returns in a race to stop a terrorist organization from toppling US technological communication systems. Think two hours of "24," except more gore, special effects and overall intensity, complemented by the typical "Die Hard" flare. 18-wheelers fly into helicopters, destroy highways and create general mayhem as Willis teams up with Justin Long in the role of Matt Foster. They fight to the death to stop the terrorists and recover McLane's daughter Lucy (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) in what looks to be the most brutal, entertaining "Die Hard" yet to hit theatres.
2. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," July 13
When the books finally come to their conclusion this summer, readers will be able to take comfort in knowing that Harry will at least have two more movies after "Order of the Phoenix." Some might worry that new "Potter" director David Yates doesn't have the art house appeal of "Prisoner of Azkaban" director Alfonso Cuar??n or the past blockbuster success of Chris Columbus, director of the first two "Potter" movies. With Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson reprising their roles as Harry, Ron and Hermione, fans should be assured that the series will continue to match their expectations. "Phoenix" continues the series' turn to more adult themes, with a PG-13 rating, Harry's first kiss, and a dark ending that says goodbye to one of the series' most beloved characters.
1. "The Simpsons Movie," July 27
This has been anticipated for about the past 10 years, but now that it is almost here, you can almost feel the nervous excitement from the show's fans. It is safe to say that this movie will be funny, but the expectations are so high it is unlikely that the real life Comic Store Guys will hold off from their vicious "Worst Movie Ever" blog posts after being disappointed. For those who doubt that a half-hour animated show can fill up a full length feature, look no further than "South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut" (1999), which was nominated for an Oscar. Can we expect to see Homer accepting next year?
