Patch Summer Blockbuster Showdown: Batman vs. Spiderman

As of Wednesday, summer is officially here.

And while the pool at the is a great way to cool off, so is heading to an air-conditioned movie theater to chillax.

Fortunately for entertainment seekers, summer is one of the biggest seasons for blockbusters.

For guidance on the best coming attractions, we turned to the folks at . Here’s what’s sure to be hot at the box office in the next few months.

The Dark Knight Rises

Thanks to megahits Harry Potter and Twilight, the summer of 2011 was all about wizards and vampires. This year, get ready for a showdown between two misunderstood superheroes.

“It’s going to be the summer of Spiderman versus Batman,” said Caroline Hudacsek, assistant manager at Cranberry Cinemas.

While both are sure to be box office smashes, Hudacsek thinks The Dark Knight Rises, which opens July 20, may have an edge over The Amazing Spiderman simply because of its local connections. In case you live under a rock, the Batman flick—which stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne and Anne Hathaway as Catwoman—

“Some of the people from the Cranberry area were extras,” Hudacsek said. “They, of course, are going to show up to see the movie.”

The Amazing Spiderman

The popular movie franchise from the 2000s gets a reboot with The Amazing Spiderman. Andrew Garfield replaces Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker, who goes on a troubling search to discover why his father abandoned him.

“They’re starting this one from the beginning,” Hudacsek said.

Also starring Emma Stone as Spidey’s girlfriend, Gwen Stacy, The Amazing Spiderman debuts in 3D July 3.

Brave

Another 3D feature, Brave is the latest computer-animated film from Pixar and Disney. The kid-friendly flick—which also is sure to entertain adults—centers on Scottish Princess Merida, a skilled archer determined to make her own path in life. When she refuses an ancient marriage custom, it causes chaos in the kingdom. Brave opens in theaters Friday. If you catch it this weekend, feel free write a review in the comment section for Patch readers!

Magic Mike

OK, so threw in this one after catching a trailer of the upcoming film online. Magic Mike also is getting a ton of buzz on social media sites—particularly after a preview of the movie was show at the MTV Movie Awards earlier this month.

The film stars hunky Channing Tatum as a male stripper who works at a club owned by Matthew McConaughey. Pittsburgh native Joe Manganiello and Alex Pettyfer also show off their six-packs as fellow dancers. The film hits theaters June 29—unfortunately, this one isn’t in 3D.

Already in Theaters

Here are some certified blockbusters already playing in theaters. Each also boasts a “fresh” rating with movie critics on the Rotten Tomatoes site: Madagascar 3, Prometheus, The Avengers, Men in Black III.

Have you seen any of these films? Is there a movie you’re particularly interested in seeing? Write a review in the comment section below or tell us which movie you’re most looking forward to viewing.