By Kevin Brosnan, News Correspondent 

Movie fans rejoice – 2012 should be a great year of summer blockbusters. All genres, styles and plot lines will be on display this summer, with a few films that we will certainly hear about come time for the Oscars. Without further adieu, here are some movies we’ll all be looking forward to:
“The Dark Knight Rises”
Release Date: July 20th

Fans have been waiting for this film since about halfway through the second installment of the Batman series, “The Dark Night.” From Christopher Nolan to Christian Bale, the major players are all back to finish the trilogy with new villain Bane, played by Tom Hardy. Judging by the previews, “The Dark Knight Rises” will be as action-packed as the previous films and
gives no indication that fans should expect any less than they got four years ago in
“The Dark Knight.” If you were to see only one movie this summer, this is it.

“Prometheus”
Release Date: June 1st

Fans of director Ridley Scott will be eagerly awaiting his first step back into the sci-
fi genre since “Alien.” “Prometheus” details the crew of a spaceship that follows a star map found in the drawings of several early civilizations of mankind – “an invitation” as one of the crew calls it. The crew believes that it may find the answers to the very existence of life on Earth. They are, however, in for a rude awakening when they discover they were horribly wrong. The mystery and suspense involved in the previews alone is enough reason to go see “Prometheus.”

“Ted”
Release Date: July 13th

Boston native Mark Wahlberg hopes to leave audiences rolling on the floor laughing
in “Ted,” a story of a man and his teddy bear, and if the previews are any indication he’s going to be outrageously successful. “Family Guy” creator and voice-
specialist Seth MacFarlane makes his big screen debut as the animated teddy bear, Ted,
Wahlberg’s best friend and sidekick. The trailer for this film went viral quickly,
and anticipation for the movie quickly followed. Marky Mark’s acting pedigree and MacFarlane’s comedic genius will be enough to draw people in by itself, but Mila Kunis’ combination of beauty and talent could push “Ted” to blockbuster status.

“The Dictator”
Release Date: May 11th

Sacha Baron Cohen comes back with another film in the same vein as his hit
“Borat,” in which his character, the Dictator of a fictional country named the Republic of Wadiya, becomes displaced in NYC and must live and work among common people. Although his last movie, “Bruno,” was not as funny as some thought it would be, expectations are rising for “The Dictator.” The trailer has its funny moments as well as its contrived ones, but this premise is just too good for this movie to not be funny, right? Well, that’s the hope. The formula for this movie will most likely be similar to the last two Sacha Baron Cohen movies.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
Release Date: June 19th

Yes, you read that title right. This is an actual movie that is coming out. Honest Abe seeks
to defend America from being taken over by vampires? Yes, please and thank you
kindly. Is this going to be an Oscar winner? Doubtful – strike that – absolutely not.
However, as much as this will be no piece of cinematic genius, it could potentially
be an action-packed, borderline hilarious and entertaining movie. Maybe not
something to spend $10 on, but for a student discount or $6 Tuesday night?
Hell yes.