Memorial Day weekend is looming on the horizon and the latest crop of summer movies is poised to fill up the screens at the local cineplex. The following is what looks like the most promising films of the summer.

1. 'The Truman Show' (June 5)

It might not be the box office champ of the summer, but it sure looks like an interesting film. Jim Carrey stars as a man who gradually realizes that his whole life is a television show. If done well, the movie will comment on reality by suspending it, and that can be difficult to do in the mainstream.

Hollywood hasn't always been known for its sharp satire, and hopefully it won't soften the edges to what could be a very good movie. Still, the film's high concept stands head and shoulders above the summer competition, and for that alone it deserves special notice.

2. 'Armageddon' (July 1)

This will probably be the money maker of the summer with its cozy July 4th weekend release date. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Michael Bay (both of "The Rock") knows how stir up adrenaline, and this time they're dealing with a global scale. Expect a considerable amount of action, a throbbing score and probably lots of patriotism which all in all should translate to a good time. This film could even bring back repeat business. Plus, it will be fun to see this movie and compare it with that other comet flick, "Deep Impact."

3. 'Godzilla' (Now playing)

Right now, it's the rage, but in four weeks, I'm not so sure. Many critics have declared that the film doesn't have the heart to lure in people for multiple viewings. Still, the Memorial Day weekend is a great spot, and even weak blockbusters like "The Lost World" can pull off large grosses. But whether or not it does well is secondary.

What matters is can it pass the new test of disaster movies and destroy New York City in an enjoyable and dazzling way? This movie promises an eyeful, and it at least delivers on that promise.

4. '6 Days, 7 Nights' (June 12)

Will America buy a romance between Anne Heche and Harrison Ford? I think it will. This movie is offering something that not many have in a long while. An exotic adventure with a dash of romance. With Ivan Reitman ("Twins") in charge, this picture promises full-fledged escapism along the lines of many vintage 1980s adventures like "Romancing the Stone" or even the Indiana Jones series. It could be a great sleeper hit.

5. 'Saving Private Ryan' (July 24)

With Tom Hanks in the lead role, "Saving Private Ryan" could very well be that wholesome feel-good movie that "Apollo 13" and "Forest Gump" were a few years ago, and that could mean a box office hit. Plus, it's always interesting to see what director Steven Spielberg has up his sleeve, hopefully nothing too sentimental.

6. 'Snake Eyes' (August 7)

Nicolas Cage is a great actor. Brian De Palma is a great director. And "Snake Eyes," which has the talents of both those men, looks like a pretty great movie as well. The plot--a government official is assassinated amidst chaos at a boxing match--seems tight and commanding, and considering that the movie opens during dismal August fare, it could be summer's last hurrah.

7. 'X-Files' (June 19)

I wouldn't say that I'm a big fan of the show, but "X-Files: Fight the Future" looks like it could be a pretty good and scary movie. Even the coming attractions are a little unsettling. Still, non-loyalists like me might feel a bit alienated. Since it begins where the season finale left off, there's a sense that one has to do homework for this movie, and it might just be easier to see something else.

8. 'Bulworth' (May 22)

"Bulworth" has been raising a lot of hubbub with its controversial trailers featuring Warren Beatty spouting very politically incorrect ideas. The reviews have been strong, and this movie seems like it has to be seen, only to find out how far it will go. The political humor might kill part of its success, but when people find themselves sealed out of "Godzilla" theaters, they might head for "Bulworth" instead.

9. '54' (August 7)

"54" will inevitably draw comparisons to "Boogie Nights" for its depiction of an arguably seedy culture during the late seventies and early eighties. Even so, the cast is pretty strong with Mike Myers, Salma Hayek and Neve Campbell in tow. Plus, it is always fun to see how well these movies can recreate that time period. "54" will surely get many people talking -- it already is trying to dodge an NC-17 rating. I'd like to see Mike Myers in his first dramatic role.

10. 'Can't Hardly Wait' (June 12)

So where's "Lethal Weapon 4" on this list? No where. That movie looks like it'll be a disappointment. Instead, I'm more interested in seeing "Can't Hardly Wait." It looks totally cheesy and lacking in plot and quality, but high school wasn't that far away, and it should be fun watching this with friends while trying to identify who the characters resemble in real life.

Honorary Mention to "Small Soldiers" for an inventive premise, and "Jane Austen's MAFIA" for a great title.