Must-See Summer Movies of 2010

Summer is a great time of year to head out to the theater and watch that must-see, gotta-see, have-to-see movie you have been waiting patiently for since studio's announced their plans for production. Come on. Admit it. You've been counting down the months and days until they are in theaters.

Some of the best movies have been released during in previous summers and this year is no different. Regardless of your favorite genre, there will be something for everyone.

I am always up for a good movie and I'm right there with you in anticipation for the best summer movies. Like most, I've been counting down the days until those movies are released. The good news is that these summer movies are finally within sight as we approach the summer months and the waiting is almost over.

The Best Summer Movies of the Year:

Iron Man 2 (May 7):

The world now knows Tony Stark is Iron Man. The government wants him to hand over the Iron Man suit and with the help of Stark's rival, Justin Hammer, they attempt to duplicate the suit.

Meanwhile, Ivan Vanko (Stark's foe) becomes Whiplash and wants revenge on the Stark family. He teams up with Justin Hammer to destroy Iron Man.

Will Iron Man come out of top? Or will he be destroyed?

Iron Man 2 stars: Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark), Gwyneth Paltrow (Pepper Potts), Don Cheadle (Lt. James "Rhodey" Rhodes), Mickey Rourke (Ivan Vanko), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Scarlett Johansson (Natalie Rushman/Natasha Romanoff), and Sam Rockwell (Justin Hammer).

Robin Hood (May 14):

Yes, there are men in tights in this movie, but don't expect any slapstick comedy out of this one. This movie is about the origins of Robin Hood and how he came about robbing from the rich to give to the poor.

When King Richard dies, Robin goes to Nottingham where he falls for the beautiful Lady Marian. Nottingham is a town whose sheriff is corrupt and the taxes crippling. In an attempt to win the hand of Lady Marian and save the village, Robin assembles a gang of men with mercenary skills to make right the injustices under the sheriff of Nottingham.

Robin Hood stars: Russell Crowe (Robin Hood), Mark Strong (Sir Godfrey), Cate Blanchett (Lady Marian), Matthew McFadyen (Sheriff of Notthingham).

Shrek Forever After (May 21):

I'm sure there are some of you who don't care for Shrek, but this is one cool ogre!

In Shrek Forever After, Shrek makes a pact with Rumpelstilskin because he's feeling a bit domesticated and is feeling less than ogre-ish, but Rumpelstilskin has other plans. He sends Shrek to a twisted version of Far Far Away where ogres are hunted, Rumpelstilskin is king, and Shrek and Fiona have never met. Shrek sets out to restore the world and
reclaim his one true love.

Shrek Forever After stars: Mike Myers (Shrek), Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots), Walt Dohrn (Rumpelstilskin), and Julie Andrews (Queen Lillian).

Jonah Hex (June 18):

Jonah Hex is an action-horror-thriller-western based on the DC Comic book character of the same name.

In return for his freedom, Jonah must track down terrorist Quentin Turnbull.

Jonah Hex stars: Josh Brolin (Jonah Hex), John Malkovich (Quentin Turnbull), Megan Fox (Leila).

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (June 30):

If you are a diehard Twilight fan like my girls, you have been anticipating this movie since the first one came out in theaters (it's all I hear in my house). Relax and breathe a sigh of relief. The movie is a hop, skip, and jump away from being released.

In the midst of mysterious killings and a vampire, Victoria, bent on revenge, Bella and Edward's relationship is threatened. Bella must choose between the love of her life, vampire Edward Cullen, or her friendship with Jacob, a werewolf.

Eclipse stars: Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan), Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen), Taylor Lautner (Jacob Black), Bryce Dallas Howard (Victoria), Dakota Fanning (Jane).

The Sorcerer's Apprentice (July 16):

This film is a live action comedy-adventure (try saying that three times fast!) loosely based on Disney's Fantasia.Balthazar Blake is a master sorcerer in modern day Manhatten. He must try and save the city from Maxim Horvath, an evil wizard who wants to claim the Big Apple for evil purposes and enlists the help of an Illusionist. Balthazar seeks out Dave Stutler who becomes his apprentice after some convincing. What ensues is a battle between good and evil.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice stars: Nicolas Cage (Balthazar Blake), Jay Baruchel (Dave Stutler), Alfred Molina (Maxim Horvath).

What Summer Movies Am I Anticipating?

There are two movies coming out this summer that are on my personal "really want to see" list. The Shrek movies have always been feel-good movies for me and Jonah Hex has appeal because of the time period it is set in and because it will be jam-packed full of action, something I really love in a movie.

So put down the fishing pole for a little while and head to theaters for an awesome movie experience this summer. Regardless of your interests, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Sources:
Robin Hood - In Theaters May 14th
Disney, The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Shrek the Final Chapter - In Theaters May 2010
IMdB, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010) - Plot Summary
Kenzy England, A Look at the Best Movies of the Year - Associated Content