Spider-Man, Shrek, Pirates Duking It Out in May

May is a movie-goers' delight as three blockbuster franchises roll out their respective tri-quels with just 21 days separating the three flicks' first showings.

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few weeks, you pretty much know that Spider-Man 3 is in theatres May 4. The trailer looks pretty exciting and what appears to be doom for The Webbed One (but somehow I think I know how it turns out). The last Spider-Man (part deux) came out in 2004 and grossed $374 million, a drop from the $403 million reaped in 2002's original film.

Not far behind Spidey is the much-anticipated Shrek the Third on May 18 as Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz once again join forces along with some new voices, including Justin Timberlake as Artie, a king-in-waiting. Shrek 2, out in 2004, did $441 million in sales, a sizable jump from the original ($268 million) in 2001.

Pirates of the Caribbean, At World's End will close out the month by hitting screens on May 25. Didn't it just seem like the last Pirates movie just came out? Oh, wait, it did. What you won't be seeing is Rolling Stones' guitarist Keith Richards promoting the Pirates movie, in which he plays Captain Jack Sparrow's (Johnny Depp) father. Apparently Disney execs see Richards as a beast of burden considering his recent comments about a recent "tribute" to his late father, later described as a joke. Nonetheless, last year's Dead Man's Chest grossed $423 million in box offices, up from $305 million in 2003 (Black Pearl).

So, parents, be prepared for your next few visits to the store. Junior will undoubtedly be pawing for those Spider-Man pajamas, Puss 'n Boots doll or Pirates Halloween costume. If they ask for the Keith Richards action figure, make sure you read the label.


Tags: Spider-Man, Shrek, Pirates of the Caribbean