With school coming to a close, the weather getting warmer, and an increasing amount of free time, comes the usual bombardment of blockbuster films at the movie theater. In Dartmouth’s renovated AMC, it’ll be tempting to unwind for two and half hours to indulge in fiction that transcends the reality around us now. Most of the movies emerging in pop culture cover the expected genres of horror, action, and animation. From award-winning actors like Diane Lane, to newcomers like Chris Pratt, the selections seem promising.

For the summer of 2015, there appears to be a burgeoning number of sequels flooding in, one family classic in particular. Replacing the quick wit of director Steven Spielberg’s 1993 classic, Jurassic Park, comes a clearer, more menacing creature in Jurassic World which came out on June 12. In a Seaworld-esque theme park, genetically modified dinosaurs have the potential to roam in the midst of mankind behind spotless glass, similar to Shamu’s orca show. However, with the creation of the vicious Indominus Rex, leading man and animal trainer, Owen Grady (Chris Pratt), must save the Park before the hybrid manages to dismantle the crowds person by person. With Spielberg taking on the role of executive producer as he did for the third movie in the Jurassic series, it’ll be interesting to see if it’ll be as much of a commercial success as the debut film. With actors such as Emmy nominated Vincent D’Onofrio and Golden Globe nominee Bryce Dallas Howard, it has high expectations.

Another of Spielberg’s work is hitting the limelight this summer, refreshing the 1982 horror classic, Poltergeist, with a modernized rendition holding the same title which opened May 22. Director Gil Kenan is replacing the seven-time Academy Award nominee and is taking on the story of the Bowen (opposed to the original Freeling) family as they become acclimated to their new home. In the trailer, the effects have evolved in order to produce more chills and thrills for the audience. Also noticeable in the trailer is a remake of the iconic moment in the original, where the middle child must defend himself from a possessed toy, an ominous snippet that pays homage to Spielberg’s creation. It may be hard to imagine that newcomer Madison Bowen (Kennedi Clements) could compete with the remarkable Carol Anne Freeling (Heather O’Rourke) as she is sucked away to the world of the paranormal, though with the special effects, the movie may do the classic some justice.

Aside from Spielberg, Marvel Studios is releasing another Marvel Cinematic Universe film on August 7. Rebooting the Fantastic Four franchise, director Josh Trank is taking up the characters of the original comic and going through their origin story once again. In this new edition, Trank is revamping the cast, storyline, and effects from the 2005 version which had been directed by Tim Story. As four ordinary people are placed in a mission that will send them to an alternate universe, their earthly qualities are altered beyond their control. In the wreckage of their trip comes the notable characters such as Mister Fantastic (Miles Teller), Susan Storm (Kate Mara), the Human Torch (Michael B. Jordan), and Thing (Jamie Bell). They all are graced with individual powers and weaknesses that will lead them to defending the world against malevolent forces. As superhero movies have dominated the box office for the past years, it will only be expected for such an impressive cast to portray a story mixing action with expertise.

Pixar will be making another dip into summer flicks as well with their new animated feature, Inside Out, which will air June 19. Directed by Pete Docter, the story centers on the life of Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) and her struggle with moving to San Francisco away from her old home. Her personified emotions play a role in how she copes, though as the plot progresses, the emotions have to deal with Riley only paying attention to Anger, Disgust, and Fear. There are notable performances taking place in Walt Disney Productions’ film, some of which include Amy Poehler as Joy, Diane Lane as Mom, and Mindy Kaling as Disgust. The story is progressive for teaching small children how emotions help us interact with the world, and can serve as a refreshing reminder for adults that animation is not just for kids. High expectations seem to be blossoming around this awaited release.

The summer of 2015 will be filled with laughs, action, and suspense from each film. With the new releases, each story is a unique rendition of past ideas, viewpoints on altering topics, and for a moment, an escape from reality. With every movie during the vacation comes a moment to sit back and enjoy another person’s art, and the one nearing is no different.