Once again, the folks in Hollywood are offering up a scrumptious palate of spectacular films fit to feed even the most bloated of ardent cinema aficionados. Full of sequels, action flicks, CGI romps and hopeful surprise hits, here is just a sampling of what to look for .

May

Must-see:

(Landon’s Pick) Spider-man 3 (May 4): Okay, let’s admit it, we’re all starting to get a little sick and tired of hearing about the highly anticipated third installment of the Spidey series, but, in all honesty, is there any “three” this summer that looks nearly as awesome? This time around, Peter Parker’s web-slinging alterego has three villains to deal with: the Sandman, new Goblin and, of course, Venom. Judging by the four different theatrical trailers and extended run time (140 minutes), this is setting up to either be the best or the worst in the series. Let’s hope, for our sake, that it’s the former.

(Kevin’s pick) 28 Weeks Later (May 11): This anticipated sequel to the British sci-fi disaster movie 28 Days Later (2002) is sure to attract anyone who saw the electrically charged film tinged with poignant social and political commentary. The eponymous title is when this story occurs-after the last of the rage-infected possessed that plagued the first film’s heroes have died off- leaving friendly American troops to partition off the remaining London hell-hole for crippled Brits attempting to start anew. Little do they know-but glaringly obvious to anyone with half a brain-the infected return, and the U.S. soldiers go gonzo trying to secure the situation (sound akin to anything happening in actual events?). Well, aside from the trailer not looking as visceral as the first film, there being a relatively unknown director this time and the fact that this is another in a long line of foreign flicks questioning U.S. integrity, the ruse of continuing this story is certainly an exciting one that should tempt anyone looking for a mad rush of adrenaline with a side of heart-pounding fear before the inevitable chokehold that Shrek the Third and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End will have on the Cineplex.

Also if you have time:

Lucky You (May 4), The Ex (May 11).

June

Must-see:

(Landon’s Pick) Knocked Up (June 1): This new comedy from writer-director Judd Apatow (The 40-Year-Old Virgin) revolves around Ben Stone, a slob who meets a career woman in a bar and has a one-night stand. The problem is, she meets up with him eight weeks later and tells him that she is pregnant. The two decide that they must make some kind of relationship work, for the baby’s sake. Starring relative unknown Seth Rogen and Grey’s Anatomy’s Katherine Heigl, it’ll be interesting to see if this movie can live up to the popularity of Virgin, especially in a box office plundered by Pirates.

(Landon’s Pick) Black Sheep (June 22): Though this New Zealand import, whose tagline reads “Get the Flock Outta Here!” may be hard to find at the local megaplex, the undeniably genius premise of blood-thirsty, killer sheep terrorizing a New Zealand farm shouldn’t be missed, even if it takes a short drive to a theater that’s showing it.

(Kevin’s Pick) Ratatouille (June 29): Although principally a family flick, this new installment to the Pixar armada of films is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for adults and kids. The film depicts the pursuit of Remy the rat, the square peg in a round hole, attempting to become a chef in a pricey French restaurant . for humans. Out of place, the rodent must prove himself as equal to his human counterparts. No stranger to upstanding, heartfelt morality tales about society, skillfully mixed with adult and adolescent humor alike, Ratatouille could be a surprise hit this summer, and the first of doubtlessly many successful pieces produced by the recently disenfranchised Pixar.

(Kevin’s Pick) Sicko (June ?): Certainly, the name Michael Moore can create reactions of both disgust and reverence in a crowded room. However, the object of his new documentary concerning the U.S. healthcare system could strike a different chord with many of the aged and aging, who previously believed Moore to be a raving, partisan Loony Tune. Sicko might even trump Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004), but, nonetheless, concerns a relatively unknown, hot-button issue that will inescapably affect the futures of college students nationwide.

Also if you have time:

Mr. Brooks (June 1), Evan Almighty (June 22), Live Free or Die Hard (June 27).

July

Must-see:

(Landon’s Pick) 1408 (July 13): Another entry in the string of horror and thriller movies starring big-name stars looks to be much better than the year’s earlier efforts. The movie deals with a man (John Cusack), who specializes in debunking paranormal occurrences, who checks into fabled room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel, despite warnings. No one who has ever stayed in room 1408 has lived to tell about it. This Stephen King adaptation could be another Shining or another Dreamcatcher. But, with Samuel L. Jackson as a disgruntled hotel manager, how could you go wrong?

(Kevin’s Pick) The Simpsons Movie (July 27): There is little to say about the anticipated Simpsons Movie, other than that it involves the Simpsons and is not a 22-minute television spot. The Simpsons is so culturally all-encompassing that this project could be relatively boring, with the show having produced almost 400 episodes and what would seem to be not much material remaining in their arsenal, but could be as successful as another prominent adult cartoon, which churned out a very clever film: South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut. Not much is being revealed as to what the movie could be about, but many veteran voice actors, producers and writers of the show participate, which is a signal to fans that it will be unexpectedly witty and genuine, as always.

Also if you have time:

Transformers (July 4), Rescue Dawn (July 4), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (July 13), Hairspray (July 20), I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (July 20).

August

Must-see:

(Landon’s Pick) The Bourne Ultimatum (Aug. 3): In what is supposedly the last movie starring everyone’s favorite amnesiac assassin, Jason Bourne returns to tie up all the loose ends in his past, while evading a government agent bent on bringing him down. This one is bound to have plenty of shootouts and car chases, like the first two, and will definitely keep its better-than-average action movie standards intact with Paul Greengrass once again helming the Bourne, fresh off of his Academy Award nomination.

(Kevin’s Pick) The Invasion (Aug. 17): Film buffs, beware! This refreshed version of the 1956 B-movie, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, should not be missed by those fans of the older version and lovers of action/sci-fi. Starring the newly minted Bond, Daniel Craig, the film was shot before this rookie took the reins as the suave secret agent.

Also if you have time:

Rush Hour 3 (Aug. 10), Stardust (Aug. 10), Superbad (Aug. 17), Halloween (2007) (Aug. 31), Mr. Bean’s Holiday (Aug. 31).

Though sequels and remakes seem to be the dominant force this summer, there are plenty of options for people not into second or third helpings of proven franchises or a retooling of a classic.

This summer may not be the best in terms of quality, but it promises to bring in record numbers at the box office, meaning we can all expect to see a Transformers 2, Die Hardest or Pirates of the Caribbean: The Planks of Darkness in the near future.