Seasonal fare

The arrival of Van Helsing and Troy in theaters signals the start of the summer movie season. Here's a brief look at some of the other event films in store for theatergoers this summer:

Self-proclaimed blockbusters

The Day After Tomorrow (PG-13): Disaster flick about the dawn of a new ice age brought on by global warming. Already being co-opted by Democrats as an "issue movie." May 28 King Arthur (not yet rated): Like Troy, a demystified take on a legend, eliminating Merlin's magic but adding producer Jerry Bruckheimer's attention to historical detail. July 7

I, Robot (not yet rated): Will Smith's latest mid-summer vehicle is "inspired" by the stories of Isaac Asimov, following a detective's hunt for a robot that may or may not have committed a crime in the year 2035. July 16

Safe sequels

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (PG): J.K. Rowling's series is back in theaters, this time directed by talented Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron. Gary Oldman joins the kids as prison-escapee Sirius Black. June 4

Spider-Man 2 (PG-13): Tobey Maguire returns as the conflicted superhero, with a new nemesis in Dr. Octopus. July 2

Brains and brawn?

The Terminal (not yet rated): Steven Spielberg re-teams with Tom Hanks for a third time for this story of an immigrant who spends a year in an NYC airport when his home government collapses. June 18

The Village (not yet rated): Promises to be another quietly creepy film from director M. Night Shyamalan, about 19th century villagers and some mysterious woodland creatures. July 30

The Clearing (not yet rated): Perhaps the most promising film for adults this summer, this kidnap thriller stars Robert Redford, Willem Dafoe, and Helen Mirren. July 2