Blockbuster Season Begins

May 19: The Da Vinci CodeThe Ron Howard-Tom Hanks thriller based on the book of the same name is already drawing worldwide controversy for its plot, which includes the conspiracy theory that Jesus had children with Mary Magdalene. It is expected to draw audiences well and challenge the lead "Mission Impossible III" has had in the box office. But will viewers forgive Tom Hanks for that hair?

In 2005: "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" - Domestic Gross: $380 millionLucas' heavily anticipated finale to the epic he started almost 30 years ago will likely remain important for its most devoted fans, helping Revenge of the Sith age better than the average summer blockbuster.

May 26: X-Men: The Last Stand"The Last Stand" is the third installment in the popular X-Men series. It has a new director but the same all-star cast. While fanboys and critics alike question the decision to allow Brett Ratner (Rush Hour) to direct X3, the film expects to have a big draw at the box office - and at least Jackie Chan won't be making an appearance.

In 2005: "The Longest Yard" - Domestic Gross: $158 millionPoorly received by critics, Adam Sandler doesn't have the draw he once did.

June 16 Kip: Napoleon, are you going to go see the new Jack Black film, "Nacho Libre"? Napoleon: Maybe I will, GOSH! Kip: It's directed by Jared Hess, who directed our movie. Napoleon: GOSH! That was pretty much the worst freaking movie ever! Besides I'll be in Alaska hunting wolverines ... with a freaking 12 gauge. GOSH! Kip: You're just jealous because Jack Black talks with babes, like, all day. I heard Jack Black's like a freaking cage fighter in this movie. He's got the strength of a grizzly and the reflexes of a puma! Napoleon: What the heck! GOSH!

In 2005: "Batman Begins" - $205 millionBatman was received well by both the public and critics, making it a successful summer flick.

June 30: Superman ReturnsSuperman returns to Earth after some R-and-R on his home planet to find out that Lois Lane is pregnant, Lex Luthor is up to his usual antics, and life on Earth isn't quite the same. Taking place after the events of "Superman II," "Superman Returns" should have a big box office draw. Brandon Routh dons a cape and tights and attempts to do what no ordinary man can do: Make people forget about "Superman III" and "Superman IV."

In 2005: "War of the Worlds" - $234 millionThis film didn't even double its budget in domestic growth and was met with lukewarm reaction.

July 7: Pirates of Caribbean: Dead Man's ChestWhen the original was released in 2003, Johnny Depp was critically adored actor but, despite his talent, failed to generate box office leads. How things have changed. "Pirates of the Caribbean" was a box office smash and a genuine surprise, and this sequel looks to do the same.

In 2005: "Fantastic Four" - $155 millionNot one of the best superhero films in film history, "Fantastic Four" did well in the box office considering its God-awfulness.

July 28: Miami ViceIn this remake of the cheesy '80s TV show, Michael Mann takes the pastel aesthetic of the original and creates a grittier look at the streets through the eyes of narcotics officers. Mann ("Heat" and "Collateral") is the master of the crime drama, and "Miami Vice" reportedly has a shoot out scene that rivals the bank robbery in "Heat." That being said, will Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell be enough to carry this film to box office glory? Foxx's 2005 vehicle, "Stealth," failed to meet expectations, and Farrell's last big summer blockbuster, "Alexander," was also a disappointment.

In 2005: "Stealth" - $32 million"Stealth" was the kind of box office failure that caused studio heads to lose sleep. It rivals "Booty Call" in embarrassing Jamie Foxx moments.


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