Scoping summer cinema

“The Amazing Spider-Man” — July 3

Just before the Fourth of July, one of the most successful superhero franchises of all time will get a fresh start. “The Amazing Spider-Man” stars Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker, Emma Stone as his love interest Gwen and Martin Sheen as his Uncle Ben.

The story shows Parker’s quest to find out what happened to his parents. Fans of the series starring Tobey Maguire will have to see if the new Spidey can live up to the hype.

“The Dark Knight Rises” — July 20

Christopher Nolan has his work cut out for him in his final Batman movie. Part three of the series starring Christian Bale as the caped crusader follows a highly successful sequel in “The Dark Knight.”

The old faces return, with newcomers Anne Hathaway as Catwoman and Tom Hardy as the villain Bane. Hardy’s role might be judged the hardest, as he must fill the large villainous shoes of Heath Ledger as the Joker.