Watch for These Movies

Watch for These Movies

Summer movie-going season is in full swing. We’ve already had monsters like “Revenge of the Sith” and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” But more are on the way. Here are a few to keep your eye on:

“Batman Begins” (June 17), starring Christian Bale and Michael Cane. It’s directed by Christopher Nolan (“Memento”), and I believe it will put the film franchise back on firm footage. I have high expectations for this darker version.

“War of the Worlds” (June 29), starring Tom Cruise and directed by Steven Spielberg. Based on the H.G. Wells novel. Spielberg and Cruise last teamed for “Minority Report,” which I thought was outstanding. And now Spielberg is back with more aliens—this time, unfriendly ones. Again, high expectations.

“Fantastic Four” (July 8), starring Jessica Alba and Michael Chiklis. Previews for this one look good, but the studio might be blowing its wad. I wish this one would be good, but I’m reserved in my expectations.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (July 15), starring Johnny Depp and directed by Tim Burton. Depp and Burton are together again, so adjust your sense of normalcy. Depp is sure to deliver another singular performance.