May may have been the 'official' start of the summer movie season, but this week really feels like the true opening blast of fun, popcorn, 100% caffeinated entertainment. From last Wednesday to today, three good ol’ bona fide “popcorn movies" – Ratatouille, Live Free or Die Hard and Transformers - are delivering the goods for moviegoers and critics everywhere.

According to a Fandango survey from this past weekend:

  • 77% said that these summer movies have either met or exceeded expectations;
  • 98% of those who saw Live Free or Die Hard said that the latest actioner either met or exceeded expectations.
  • On Fandango.com, Ratatouille, Die Hard and Transformers are all meriting the user-generated "Must-Go" rating.





    Movie fans will have no trouble finding something good to watch this holiday and beyond. The word of mouth for all three flicks will give the box office a lift and legs. Plus, it's just nice to see three movies that live up to the hype.

    So if you were waiting for summer to really begin at the cineplex, now's the time (and it's not nearly over, Harry Potter 5 is up next, with Bourne 3 and others on deck). The latest releases are big, action-packed, funny, well-cast, and perfectly tuned for mass consumption. It's Pixar being Pixar. It's Bruce exactly the way you want to see Bruce. It's Transformers...transforming...and blowing things up real good...the perfect, no-frills side dish for a fireworks fiesta. Happy 4th!