Sure, we’re just getting excited about this summer’s big movies, but the first Friday in May 2010 will be the opening for “Iron Man 2″.

This is the first official photo from the set, released yesterday, of Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark aka Iron Man.   Shooting started a few weeks ago and the movie is set for a May 7, 2010 release.

Director John Favreau and the crew are trying to keep a lid on the movie so far, but we know ths much: other than Downey, Jr. who returns as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Samuel L. Jackson is apparently returning as Nick Fury, and Gwyneth Paltrow is back as Pepper Potts.   After a very public disagreement, Terrence Howard was cut and Don Cheadle is his replacement as Col. James Rhodes.  Also new to the cast are Mickey Rourke as one of the villians, plus Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, and Kate Mara.

Possible spoiler:

The story apparently revolves around the fact that Tony Stark revealed his identity as Iron Man to the world in the first movie… and now he and his team has to deal with the consequences that come with that revelation.

Cast list so far:
Robert Downey Jr. – Tony Stark / Iron Man
Mickey Rourke – Ivan / Whiplash
Scarlett Johansson – Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow
Don Cheadle – Col. James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes
Samuel L. Jackson – Nick Fury
Gwyneth Paltrow – Pepper Potts
Sam Rockwell – Justin Hammer
Kate Mara – unknown
Clark Gregg - Agent Coulson

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The summer’s second best movie “Iron Man” and second best comedy “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” are available on DVD this week…. there’s also Jared Leto in a movie about the days leading up to the murder of John Lennon… and a couple of straight-to-video horror movies….

“Iron Man”

I gave it a very solid 8.0 out of 10: Read My Review of “Iron Man”

It also became my 3rd favorite Superhero movie of all time: Check out “Laff’s Lists”

(2008) (rated: PG-13 for some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and brief suggestive content)

Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Leslie Bibb, Shaun Toub, Faran Thair

Genre: Action/Adventure/Superhero

The Plot: When wealthy industrialist Tony Stark is forced to build an armored suit after a life-threatening incident, he ultimately decides to use its technology to fight against evil.

Big Hit at the Box Office: $318.22 million in 20 weeks, 2nd only to “The Dark Knight” this year!

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“Forgetting Sarah Marshall”

I gave it 6.9 out of 10: Read My Review of “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”

(2008) (rated: R for sexual content, language and some graphic nudity)

Starring: Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand, Bill Hader, Liz Cackowski, Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd, Jack McBrayer

Genre: Romantic Comedy

The Plot: Devastated Peter takes a Hawaii vacation in order to deal with recent break-up with his TV star girlfriend, Sarah. Little does he know Sarah’s traveling to the same resort as her ex … and she’s bringing along her new boyfriend.

Not Forgotten at the Box Office: $62.87 million in 12 weeks

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“Chapter 27″

(2008) (rated: R for language and some sexual content)

Starring: Jared Leto, Lindsay Lohan, Judah Friedlander

Genre: Crime/Drama

The Plot: A film about Mark David Chapman in the days leading up to the infamous murder of Beatle John Lennon.

Chapter 11 at the Box Office: $0.05 million in 4 weeks of very limited release (2-5 screens)

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“Pulse 2 Afterlife”

(2008) (rated: R for violence, disturbing images, some sexuality, nudity and language)

Starring: Jamie Bamber, Noureen DeWulf, David Pitt, David Jensen, Courtney Shay Young

Genre: Horror

The Plot: Sequel that picks up where the original Pulse left off. The dead have found a way back to our world – through cell phones and WiFi – and the human survivors have taken to remote areas to escape.

Not at the Box Office: straight to video

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“Rest Stop: Don’t Look Back”

(2008) (NOT RATED)

Starring: Diane Salinger, Gary Entin, Richard Tillman, Edmund Entin, Jesse Ward 

Genre: Horror

The Plot: No rest for the wicked! One year ago, the mysterious Rest Stop killer drilled, ripped and splattered young road trippers Jesse and Nicole. Now three more unsuspecting travelers come looking for the missing duo.

Not at the Box Office: straight to video

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NEW TO RENT/BUY NEXT WEEK: “The Happening”, “Joy Ride 2: Dead Ahead”, “Paranoid Park”, “Sleeping Beauty” (Platinum Edition DVD/Blue Ray Platinum), “The Visitor”, “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan”