41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

With the long-awaited return of icons like Indiana Jones, Batman and the <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/sex-and-the-city/53301/main' target='_blank'>'Sex and the City'</a> gals, and the big-screen debuts of Iron Man, Speed Racer and Hulk 2.0, this is shaping up as the hottest summer movie season in years. We counted the ways we're psyched about summer. Click through for the scoop on the season's biggest movies.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

1. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/heath-ledger/268296/main' target='_blank'>Heath Ledger's</a> Grand Finale

We were fired up to see <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/heath-ledger/268296/main' target='_blank'>Heath Ledger's</a> harrowing portrayal of the Joker in <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-dark-knight/27016/main' target='_blank'>'The Dark Knight'</a> before his untimely death. Knowing it's the last time we'll ever see him in a fully realized performance -- one that looks, by all accounts, to be iconic -- makes us appreciate it even more.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

2. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/harrison-ford/24238/main' target='_blank'>Harrison Ford's</a> Back Where He Belongs

He's 65, but judging by the trailer for <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/indiana-jones-and-the-kingdom-of-the-crystal-skull/25440/main' target='_blank'>'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,'</a> <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/harrison-ford/24238/main' target='_blank'> Harrison Ford</a>, like a fine wine (or a priceless ancient artifact), only gets better with age. Nineteen years after <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/indiana-jones-and-the-last-crusade/2401/main' target='_blank'>'The Last Crusade'</a> (apparently, it wasn't), Indy is sprier than ever, swinging from rafters, throwing punches and delivering whip-smart one-liners like a world-weary champ.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

3. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/sex-and-the-city-2008/30247/main' target='_blank'>'Sex and the City'</a> Gets BIG

The fashion and the romance, the drama and the fancy drinks and, of course, New York City -- everything you love about <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/sex-and-the-city-2008/30247/main' target='_blank'>'Sex and the City'</a> gets elevated to Manolo stiletto heights in this summer's big screen version. And with an engagement, a new baby, a marriage in trouble and a pal moving to another coast, , they're making their red carpet entrance a memorable one.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

4. Fireworks, Popcorn and <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/will-smith/66596/main' target='_blank'> Will Smith</a>

It started in 1996: Newly minted movie star Will Smith and his disaster movie <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/independence-day/2318/main' target='_blank'>'Independence Day'</a> opened to $50 million over the 4th of July weekend and eventually grossed $306 million. It became a holiday tradition with <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/men-in-black/4253/main' target='_blank'>'Men in Black'</a> (1997), <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/wild-wild-west/6300/main' target='_blank'>'Wild Wild West'</a> (1999) and <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/men-in-black-ii/10536/main' target='_blank'>'MIB II'</a> (2002). Now Smith returns to his favorite weekend with <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/hancock/24641/main' target='_blank'>'Hancock'</a> (opening July 2), a superhero comedy destined to make super-dollars.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

5. Lots of <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/robert-downey-jr/19966/main' target='_blank'> Robert Downey Jr.</a>

<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/robert-downey-jr/19966/main' target='_blank'> Robert Downey Jr.</a> kicks off the blockbuster season as billionaire inventor-turned-superhero Tony Stark in May's <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/iron-man/24396/main' target='_blank'>'Iron Man.'</a>Then he turns up in June's <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-incredible-hulk/26921/main' target='_blank'>'The Incredible Hulk'</a> as, um, Tony Stark. And he closes out summer with August's <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/tropic-thunder/29232/main' target='_blank'>'Tropic Thunder,'</a> playing an Oscar-winning Aussie who dyes his skin black for a role. Don't call it a comeback (anymore).

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

6. Fewer Sequels!

After last year's summer of sequels (and way too many three-quels), movies are ditching the monotony for something new this season instead. If <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-mummy-tomb-of-the-dragon-emperor/29233/main' target='_blank'>'The Mummy 3'</font></a> and <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/hellboy-ii-the-golden-army/27059/main' target='_blank'>'Hellboy II'</a> aren't your thing, you can enjoy more from the mind of <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/seth-rogen/297862/main' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Seth Rogen</font></a> (<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-pineapple-express/28358/main' target='_blank'>'The Pineapple Express'</a>), an animated martial arts bear (<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/kung-fu-panda/24474/main' target='_blank'>'Kung Fu Panda'</a>) and even a non-sequel sequel (<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/hamlet-2/32650/main' target='_blank'>'Hamlet 2'</a>) instead.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

7. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/angelina-jolie/36009/main' target='_blank'>Angelina's</a> Returns to Butt-Kicking

Her portrayal of Marianne Pearl in last summer's <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/a-mighty-heart/26838/main' target='_blank'>'A Mighty Heart'</a> was reputable, and her animated villainess in <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/beowulf-an-imax-3d-experience/30588/main' target='_blank'>'Beowulf'</a> gave fanboys pleasant dreams. But we've missed the sexy AND violent <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/angelina-jolie/36009/main' target='_blank'>Angelina Jolie</a> of years past. She's back with a vengeance in the stylish actioner <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/wanted/28120/main' target='_blank'>'Wanted,'</a> playing the fittingly named "Fox," who recruits <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/james-mcavoy/357725/main' target='_blank'>James McAvoy</a> into a secret society of assassins.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

8. Another Big Pixar Gamble

Disney's CG animation wing doesn't just have an unblemished record, they also seem particularly bent on increasingly risky endeavors (see talking cars, culinary rats). Next up: <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/wall-e/28116/main' target='_blank'>'Wall-E,'</a> the "touching" tale of a robot living in solitude on a post-apocalyptic Earth. Oh, and there's next-to-no dialogue. Another critically acclaimed box office hit? That's a safe bet.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

9. The Wachowskis Escape the <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-matrix/5827/main' target='_blank'>'Matrix'</a>

So the <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-matrix/5827/main' target='_blank'>'Matrix'</a> sequels didn't exactly live up to the brilliance of the original -- there's no denying the innovative vision of <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/larry-wachowski/203463/main' target='_blank'>Larry</a> and <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/andy-wachowski/203462/main' target='_blank'>Andy Wachowski</a>. Their first proper release since (they produced <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/v-for-vendetta/21798/main' target='_blank'>'V for Vendetta'</a>), <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/speed-racer-2008/28066/main' target='_blank'>'Speed Racer'</a> looks like it could be one of the most colorful, dizzying action films of all time -- which could be extremely good news, or exactly the opposite.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

10. TV Shows That Actually Might Make Good Movies

Making the leap from small screen success to big screen blockbuster isn't always easy, but this summer's crop of TV-shows-to-movies might set a new standard. Buzz around <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/get-smart/27152/main' target='_blank'>'Get Smart,'</a> <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/sex-and-the-city-2008/30247/main' target='_blank'>'Sex and the City,</a> the new <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-x-files-2008/31906/main' target='_blank'>'X-Files'</a> flick and a live-action <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/speed-racer-2008/28066/main' target='_blank'>'Speed Racer'</a> means people are actually excited to trade in the remote for some popcorn in a packed theater.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

11. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-chronicles-of-narnia-prince-caspian/24862/main' target='_blank'>Prince Caspian'</a> Brings Sexy Back

Yeah, <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe/19417/main' target='_blank'>'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'</a> was good ... but where was the eye candy? (No offense, Pevensie boys, but you're a little young for us.) <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/ben-barnes/504098/main' target='_blank'>Ben Barnes</a>, however, as Narnia's rightful heir in <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-chronicles-of-narnia-prince-caspian/24862/main' target='_blank'>'The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,'</a> sports a head of Aragorn-like hair and is so yummy, we think this sequel will fit more than one definition of fantasy.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

12. A <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/freaks-and-geeks/264267/main' target='_blank'>'Freaks and Geeks'</a> Reunion

<A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/freaks-and-geeks/264267/main' target='_blank'>'Freaks and Geeks'</a> fans rejoice! No, they're not bringing the show back (quit begging), but two geeks and the geek-master are re-teaming almost a decade after the cult show's demise. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/james-franco/299361/main' target='_blank'>James Franco</a> and <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/seth-rogen/297862/main' target='_blank'>Seth Rogen</a>co-star in the <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/judd-apatow/188203/main' target='_blank'>Judd Apatow</a>-produced <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-pineapple-express/28358/main' target='_blank'>'Pineapple Express,'</a> which has more pot, some action sequences and a lot less high school awkwardness.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

13. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/gwyneth-paltrow/54871/main' target='_blank'>Gwyneth Paltrow</a> Does a Blockbuster

Sure, the dedicated mom of two has been around these past few years, taking bit parts in <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/infamous/24585/main' target='_blank'>'Infamous,'</a> <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/running-with-scissors/23755/main' target='_blank'>'Running with Scissors'</a> and <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-good-night/23953/main' target='_blank'>'The Good Night.'</a> But at last she's back in something people are actually going to see, playing Tony Stark's long-suffering assistant Virginia "Pepper" Potts in <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/iron-man/24396/main' target='_blank'>'Iron Man.'</a> Pepper has never been so appetizing.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

14. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/shia-labeouf/350236/main' target='_blank'>Shia</a> Becomes a Full-Fledged Action Star

With his star rising exponentially over the last year (you know you've made it when you get arrested in a Walgreens), <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/shia-labeouf/350236/main' target='_blank'>Shia LaBeouf</a> will finally see his dream role realized when <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/indiana-jones-and-the-kingdom-of-the-crystal-skull/25440/main' target='_blank'>'Kingdom of the Crystal Skull'</a> opens. No offense to Optimus Prime, but <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/transformers-2007/21801/main' target='_blank'>'Transformers'</a> is child's play next to the legend that is Indiana Jones.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

15. 'Hamlet' Gets a Sequel

At last, Shakespeare's drama gets a musical rewrite that isn't <i>quite</i> so gloomy -- thanks to the Sundance hit <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/hamlet-2/32650/main' target='_blank'>'Hamlet 2,'</a> in which a talentless drama teacher (<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/steve-coogan/134980/main' target='_blank'>Steve Coogan</a>) tries to save his career with a so-bad-it's-bad 'Hamlet' sequel that features time travel, a light-saber duel and the number 'Rock Me, Sexy Jesus.' And those are just the printable parts.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

16. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/will-ferrell/224449/main' target='_blank'>Will Ferrell</a> ISN'T Playing Sports

He does "play" a lot, though. As a man-child who becomes <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/step-brothers/27060/main' target='_blank'>'Step Brothers'</a> with fellow man-child <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/john-c-reilly/59476/main' target='_blank'>John C. Reilly</a>, the <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/talladega-nights-the-ballad-of-ricky-bobby/22041/main' target='_blank'>'Talladega Nights'</a> co-stars appear to be doing their best impressions of 7-year-olds ... and it looks utterly hilarious. It also beats the hell out of a comedy about badminton.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

17. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-x-files-2008/31906/main' target='_blank'>'The X-Files'</a> Is Out There -- At Last

Some fans were a tad disappointed in the first <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-x-files/1120119/main' target='_blank'>'The X-Files'</a> movie, which played like a two-hour episode of the TV show. But it's been 10 years since that movie and six years since the show ended; we're so starved for Mulder and Scully and <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/chris-carter/240986/main' target='_blank'>Chris Carter's</a> mad genius, we'll be all over <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-x-files-i-want-to-believe/31906/main' target='_blank'>'The X-Files: I Want to Believe'</a> (yes, we hate the title, too) like black goo over Krichek's eyes.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

18. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-dark-knight/27016/main' target='_blank'>'Dark Knight'</a> Re-Teams <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/christian-bale/3538/main' target='_blank'>Bale</a> and <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/christopher-nolan/240025/main' target='_blank'>Nolan</a>

<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/heath-ledger/268296/main' target='_blank'> Heath Ledger's</a> turn as the Joker is getting most of the attention these days, but it was the <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/batman-begins/18647/main' target='_blank'>'Batman Begins'</a> dynamic duo of <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/christian-bale/3538/main' target='_blank'>Christian Bale</a> and <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/christopher-nolan/240025/main' target='_blank'>Christopher Nolan</a> that erased (almost) all memories of <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/george-clooney/13722/main' target='_blank'>George Clooney's</a> pepperoni-sized Bat nipples. With Nolan at the helm and Bale as the tortured Caped Crusader, this promises to be one dark <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-dark-knight/27016/main' target='_blank'>'Knight'</a> indeed.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

19. There's a Lot for the Ladies

Don't get us wrong; women dig Indy and Batman, too. But this summer, there are plenty of big movies that run a little lighter on the testosterone -- like <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/sex-and-the-city-2008/30247/main' target='_blank'>'Sex and the City,'</a> <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-sisterhood-of-the-traveling-pants-2/30372/main' target='_blank'>'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2,'</a> <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/mamma-mia/25931/main' target='_blank'>'Mamma Mia!'</a> and <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/made-of-honor/28433/main' target='_blank'>'Made of Honor'</a> -- meaning that for once at the summer box office, female film fans won't have to feel like second-class citizens to teenage boys.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

20. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/james-mcavoy/357725/main' target='_blank'>James McAvoy</a> Gets a Breakout Role

He's captured the attention of women (<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/atonement/26636/main' target='_blank'>'Atonement,'</a>) families (<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe/19417/main' target='_blank'>'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,'</a>) and critics (<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-last-king-of-scotland/26292/main' target='_blank'>'The Last King of Scotland,'</a>) but with the <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-matrix/5827/main' target='_blank'>'The Matrix'</a>-esque thriller <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/wanted/28120/main' target='_blank'>'Wanted,'</a> <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/james-mcavoy/357725/main' target='_blank'>James McAvoy</a> moves on to a rabid new market: fanboys. We sense the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

21. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/steve-carell/10850/main' target='_blank'>Steve Carell</a> Seeks Redemption

There's no need to mince words: Last summer's <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/evan-almighty/23571/main' target='_blank'>'Evan Almighty'</a> was God-awful. But it was <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/steve-carell/10850/main' target='_blank'>Steve Carell's</a> first major career misstep, and you'd be a fool to think one of Hollywood's most likable A-listers would falter again. Carell looks like a "shoe-in" with his role as Maxwell Smart in the action-comedy <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/get-smart/27152/main' target='_blank'>'Get Smart.'</a>

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/tom-cruise/86295/main' target='_blank'>Tom Cruise</a> Is Funny ... on Purpose

World-famous Scientologist plus fat suit and bald cap equals the stuff of comic genius. At least that's the early word on the Cruisinator's cameo -- as an obese, hairline-challenged, epically foulmouthed studio head -- in <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/ben-stiller/112816/main' target='_blank'>Ben Stiller's</a> <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/tropic-thunder/29232/main' target='_blank'>'Tropic Thunder.'</a> If it's half as entertaining as the <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/matt-lauer/302904' target='_blank'>Matt Lauer</a> interview, everyone's in for a treat.

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

23. A Double Dose of <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/brendan-fraser/24843/main' target='_blank'>Brendan Fraser</a>

<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/brendan-fraser/24843/main' target='_blank'>Brendan Fraser</a> hasn't done a major studio film since 2001, but he's got two big-budget movies on the horizon this summer: <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/journey-to-the-center-of-the-earth-3d/24700/main' target='_blank'>'Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D'</a> and <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-mummy-tomb-of-the-dragon-emperor/29233/main' target='_blank'>'The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.'</a>

41 Reasons We're Psyched About Summer

24. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/fight-club/6690/main' target='_blank'>'Fight Club'</a> Author Strikes Again

If you thought Tyler Durden was messed up, wait till you get a load of the hero in novelist Chuck Palahniuk's latest adaptation, <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/choke-2008/12950/main' target='_blank'>'Choke.'</a> <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/sam-rockwell/60946/main' target='_blank'>Sam Rockwell</a> stars as a colonial theme park attendant who prowls sex-addict meetings for women, masquerades as a choking victim to earn money for his ailing mom, and believes he's the second coming of Christ.

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

25. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/guillermo-del-toro/166461/main' target='_blank'>Del Toro</a> Returns to 'Hell'

Riding high after <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/pans-labyrinth/25436/main' target='_blank'>'Pan's Labyrinth,'</a> <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/guillermo-del-toro/166461/main' target='_blank'>Guillermo Del Toro</a> reunites with unlikely action hero <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/ron-perlman/56093/main' target='_blank'>Ron Perlman</a> for <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/hellboy-ii-the-golden-army/27059/main' target='_blank'>'Hellboy II: The Golden Army,'</a> opening July 11. 'Hell' worshippers should be happy: The director reportedly turned down offers to helm <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/i-am-legend-2007/23760/main' target='_blank'>'I Am Legend,'</a> <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/one-missed-call-2008/26080/main' target='_blank'>'One Missed Call,'</a> <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/harry-potter-and-the-half-blood-prince/27063/main' target='_blank'>'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'</a> and <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/halo/23951/main' target='_blank'>'Halo'</a> to work on it.

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

26. A Kinder, Gentler Hulk

Debate has surrounded <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-incredible-hulk/26921/main' target='_blank'>'The Incredible Hulk'</a> since its inception: Would it be better received than <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/ang-lee/166472/main' target='_blank'>Ang Lee's</a> <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-hulk/12581/main' target='_blank'>'Hulk'</a>? And what was up with casting wiry <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/edward-norton/215904/main' target='_blank'>Edward Norton</a> as the not-so-jolly green giant? But Norton may be an inspired choice to play brainy scientist Bruce Banner, grappling with inner and outer conflict ... and we can't wait to see his take on the line "HULK SMASH!"

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

27. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/bill-maher/44630/main' target='_blank'>Bill Maher</a> vs. Religion

He may only be in <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/real-time-with-bill-maher/1342076/main' target='_blank'>'Real Time'</a> now, but political pundit <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/bill-maher/44630/main' target='_blank'>Bill Maher</a> is still as socially and politically incorrect as they get. He's forsaking the poll talk in his new documentary, choosing to skewer religion instead with the aptly named <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/religulous/31191/main' target='_blank'>'Religulous.'</a> And he has another controversial name on board -- <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/larry-charles/266743/main' target='_blank'>Larry Charles</a> (of <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/borat-cultural-learnings-of-america-for-make-benefit-glorious-nation-of-kazakhstan/25645/main' target='_blank'>'Borat'</a> infamy) directed.

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

28. A Hot 'Mamma'

Sing-along stories often alienate a chunk of the population, but <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/mamma-mia/25931/main' target='_blank'>'Mamma Mia!'</a> has something most musicals don't: a built-in audience. Start with catchy Swedish pop music, throw in some major stars (<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/meryl-streep/68676/main' target='_blank'>Meryl Streep!</a> <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/pierce-brosnan/8836/main' target='_blank'>Pierce Brosnan</a>) and inspire people to dance in the aisles like they do for the Broadway show -- oh, how can anyone resist?

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/patrick-dempsey/18549/main' target='_blank'>Patrick Dempsey's</a> Big Fat Wedding Movie

<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/patrick-dempsey/18549/main' target='_blank'>Patrick Dempsey's</a> latest flick has him ditching the fairytale plot and animated co-stars for his first romantic comedy since stealing our McDreamy-loving hearts as Seattle Grace's hottest doc. Sort of like <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/my-best-friends-wedding/4123/main' target='_blank'>'My Best Friend's Wedding,'</a> in reverse, <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/made-of-honor/28433/main' target='_blank'>'Made of Honor'</a> has us sayin' a little prayer that we'll see more of Dempsey on the big screen soon.

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

30. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/star-wars-the-clone-wars/32885/main' target='_blank'>'Star Wars'</a> Storms Back

Thought you'd seen the last of Anakin Skywalker? Not so much. Set to hit theaters August 15, <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/star-wars-the-clone-wars/32885/main' target='_blank'>'Star Wars: The Clone Wars'</a> will serve as a primer for a new animated series that fills in the gaps between <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/star-wars-episode-ii-attack-of-the-clones/10533/main' target='_blank'>'Episode II'</a> and <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/star-wars-episode-iii-revenge-of-the-sith/17722/main' target='_blank'>'III,'</a> following a pre-Vader Anakin, Obi-Wan and various new Jedi as they battle the evil separatists. Jar Jar Binks (hopefully) not included.

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

31. Goodbye Katie, Hello Maggie

Indie darling <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/maggie-gyllenhaal/29409/main' target='_blank'>Maggie Gyllenhaal</a> may finally reach mega-star status with her first big blockbuster role, playing Rachel Dawes in the Batman sequel <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-dark-knight/27016/main' target='_blank'>'The Dark Knight.'</a> Some fans were hoping she'd play a new love interest, but everyone seems to agree on one thing: Gyllenhaal's Dawes will be better received than <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/katie-holmes/225994/main' target='_blank'>Katie Holmes'</a>. Not that that's saying much.

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

32. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/mike-myers/51621/main' target='_blank'>Mike Myers</a> Brings the Funny in Live Action

<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/mike-myers/51621/main' target='_blank'>Mike Myers</a> has been having such a good time as the voice of the animated <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/shrek/9560/main' target='_blank'>Shrek</a>, you'd have to go back to the <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/austin-powers-international-man-of-mystery/3933/main' target='_blank'>'Austin Powers'</a> movies to find the last time he played an actual human being. But he's back to his old self in <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-love-guru/29105/main' target='_blank'>'Love Guru,'</a> as a groovy Maharishi-wannabe. Of course, his co-star is <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/jessica-alba/268078/main' target='_blank'>Jessica Alba</a> -- that'd make anybody get out of his PJs and come to work.

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

33. All Hail the Women of <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/indiana-jones-and-the-kingdom-of-the-crystal-skull/25440/main' target='_blank'>'Indy'</a>

Behind every butt-kicking sexagenarian archaeologist, there's a woman -- and in <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/indiana-jones-and-the-kingdom-of-the-crystal-skull/25440/main' target='_blank'>'Crystal Skull'</a> it's <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/karen-allen/1033/main' target='_blank'>Karen Allen</a>, reprising her role as Indiana's feisty flame (and possible baby mama?) Marion Ravenwood. As if that weren't awesome enough, <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/cate-blanchett/215038/main' target='_blank'>Cate Blanchett</a> joins the party as a villainous Russian dominatrix whose haircut alone scares the bejesus out of us.

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

34. Can <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/matthew-fox/208451/main' target='_blank'>Matthew Fox</a> Pull Off Racer X?

It's no secret that Fox can play the brooding, selfless heroic type (see every episode of <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/lost/113094/main' target='_blank'>'Lost'</a> for examples of this), but can he do the same thing while wearing skintight leather and busting out sweet martial arts moves? We'll get our answer when he takes on the role of enigmatic badass Racer X in the <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/andy-wachowski/203462/main' target='_blank'>Wachowski</a> brothers' live-action <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/speed-racer-2008/28066/main' target='_blank'>'Speed Racer.'</a>

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

35. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/ben-kingsley/38383/main' target='_blank'>Sir Ben Kingsley</a>: Stoner

There's no doubt Kingsley is getting wackier with age, at least so far as his film roles are concerned (how else to explain the so-bad-it's-good <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/bloodrayne/23557/main' target='_blank'>'BloodRayne'</a>?). But who ever expected to see <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/gandhi/11810/main' target='_blank'>Gandhi</a> taking hits from the bong? He does that and more (i.e. making out with <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/mary-kate-olsen/126307/main' target='_blank'>Mary-Kate Olsen</a>) as a shrink falling off his rocker in the buzzworthy indie <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-wackness/30935/main' target='_blank'>'The Wackness.'</a>

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

36. M. Night Makes With the Scary

When <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/lady-in-the-water/22124/main' target='_blank'>'Lady in the Water'</a> tanked in '06, critics and fans pronounced Shyamalan washed up, dead in the water, etc. But two years later, he's making waves with the spooky-as-hell trailer for <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-happening/29354/main' target='_blank'>'The Happening.'</a> We're not exactly sure what it's about (<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/mark-wahlberg/198251/main' target='_blank'>Mark Wahlberg</a> seems to be fleeing an airborne toxin that makes people commit suicide), but we can't wait to find out.

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

37. Now It Can Be Said: <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/anne-hathaway/292630/main' target='_blank'>Anne Hathaway</a> Is Hot

We've always known Hathaway was sexy, but something was so wrong about saying that about her in movies like <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-princess-diaries/9838/main' target='_blank'>'The Princess Diaries'</a> and <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/ella-enchanted/14892/main' target='_blank'>'Ella Enchanted,'</a> and apparently she was "overweight" in <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-devil-wears-prada/23758/main' target='_blank'>'The Devil Wears Prada.'</a> But after a peek at Hathaway's Agent 99 in <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/get-smart/27152/main' target='_blank'>'Get Smart,'</a> it appears the files on her sex appeal are no longer top secret.

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

38. There's a New Rambo(w) in Town

Remember <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/sylvester-stallone/112464/main' target='_blank'>Stallone's</a> <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/rambo/29696/main' target='_blank'>'Rambo,'</a> which came out in January? Uh, we don't, either. But what DOES get our adrenaline flowing is the buzzed-about <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/son-of-rambow/28980/main' target='_blank'>'Son of Rambow,'</a> a quirky, flat-out adorable indie about a sheltered Amish kid who bonds with the class bully as they make their own Rambo film. When it comes to potential breakout indies of '08, this charmer draws first blood.

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

39. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/abigail-breslin/328341/main' target='_blank'>Abigail Breslin</a>: An 'American' Good Girl

<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/jamie-lynn-spears/377470/main' target='_blank'>Jamie Lynn Spears</a> is 16 and pregnant, <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/lindsay-lohan/241579/main' target='_blank'>Lindsay Lohan's</a> rehab didn't take, <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/vanessa-hudgens/355254/main' target='_blank'>Vanessa Hudgens</a> got naked on the Web, and even <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/miley-cyrus/474330/main' target='_blank'>Miley Cyrus</a> is flashing her underwear. Is there no decent role model for tween girls? Look no further than 12-year-old Oscar nominee <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/abigail-breslin/328341/main' target='_blank'>Abigail Breslin</a> (<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/little-miss-sunshine/24997/main' target='_blank'>'Little Miss Sunshine'</a>), who this summer plays the title character in <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/kit-kittredge-an-american-girl/29979/main' target='_blank'>'Kit Kittredge: An American Girl.'</a>

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

40. Fresh Blood for 'The Mummy'

<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/stephen-sommers/112124/main' target='_blank'>Stephen Sommers</a> knows how to make a successful popcorn movie -- just look at the combined $357 million his first two <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-mummy/6067/main' target='_blank'>'Mummy'</a> movies reeled in. But it's nice to see some new blood (<A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/rob-cohen/85434/main' target='_blank'>Rob Cohen</a>) taking over for <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-mummy-tomb-of-the-dragon-emperor/29233/main' target='_blank'>'Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,'</a> as Sommers prepares to make more green with 2009's <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/gi-joe/30887/main' target='_blank'>'G.I. Joe.'</a>

41 Reasons Why We're Psyched About Summer

41. <A HREF='http://movies.aol.com/movie/space-chimps/25879/main' target='_blank'>'Space Chimps'</a>

It's got chimps. In space. 'Nuff said.