As the 3 readers of this site know, I’m both a comic book nerd and a movie buff. So the fact that there are several comic book related movies coming out this summer has got me really excited. Here are the movies I’m looking forward to this summer.

Iron Man

When I heard that Robert Downey, Jr. was playing Tony Stark in the upcoming Iron Man movie, I was a little disappointed. Now that I’ve seen the trailer though, I’m changing my tune. He pulls off the demeanor and arrogance of Tony Stark very well, and I’m eager to see more. While it may seem like a no-brainer, kudos to whoever decided to use Black Sabbath’s Iron Man in the trailer.

The Incredible Hulk

When Ang Lee’s Hulk came out in 2003, it didn’t get a good response. I, for one, enjoyed this movie. It was more of a drama than the standard action-packed super hero movie and focused on the origin story of the Hulk. Sure, it took a hour and a ½ for the Hulk to show, but it was worth the wait. The new movie, however, is supposed to jump right into the action. Now Edward Norton takes the helm as Bruce Banner and Liv Tyler will play Betty Ross. I wasn’t too convinced about the choice of casting, but once again the trailer has successfully done its job. I’m keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best.

The Dark Knight

I’ve got nothing but high hopes for The Dark Knight. Christopher Nolan, director of Memento, The Prestige, and Batman Begins, returns to direct another installment of the Batman franchise. Nolan’s Batman is what Timothy Burton and Joel Schumacher’s Batman movies should have been. It’s grounded in reality and still a recognizable comic book world. Timothy Burton’s Batman was dark and gritty, but I just couldn’t take it seriously. Joel Schumacher’s Batman was too campy and over the top.

So there it is. I’m pleased to see that Marvel and DC have returned to the theaters with what looks to be an exciting movie going experience.