Summer of the movie sequels

As the semester comes to a close, theater doors open with an onslaught of sequels this summer.

Personally, I do not think that this year's list of cinematic experiences will top what 2009 had to offer, but nonetheless there are some potential hits ahead.

The movie I'm most looking forward to is Toy Story 3 (June 18). Normally I'd be worried for the quality of a sequel that's coming out over a decade after its predecessor, but this is from Pixar so I'm sure it'll be just as good if not better than expected in their capable hands. Plus, we get to see what happens to toys when their owners grow up - I sense a sorrowful feel of nostalgia.

Then of course there's Shrek Forever After (May 21), the fourth installment in the pop culture phenomenon known as Shrek. I can't say I expect much from this one as a film, but as a family popcorn flick it should do well financially.

Now, this may come as a shock, but the next entry into the Twilight Saga, Eclipse (June 30), is slated for release in June. I wasn't expecting the vampire romance to come around again until November, but the folks at Summit Entertainment are wasting no time with their cash cow just months after the release of New Moon onto DVD. I know that many people dislike the Twilight film adaptations, but I honestly enjoy them as fun fantasy romance stories and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to letting my brain cells rot in front of Eclipse.

The attack of the sequels continues with the upcoming release of Iron Man 2 (May 7). The first Iron Man rejuvenated Robert Downey Jr's career, and the sequel looks like it will be a box office hit as well as a critically acclaimed superhero flick.

Although critical acclaim is not what one has in mind when thinking of yet another sequel due this summer, Sex and the City 2 (May 27). I didn't see the first one and I don't plan on seeing this one, but if you're into HBO on the big screen and Sarah Jessica Parker's antics it should be an enjoyable experience.

Of course, what would a summer be without a remake or big screen version of a retro television series? The A-Team (June 11) will round out this summer 2010's arsenal of big name movies. Don't you love it when a plan comes together?