THE BEACH — Thanks to “Avengers: Infinity War” the summer movie season is officially underway. Granted we have to wait a couple of weeks before we start getting some of the big releases, but that doesn’t matter because the 2018 summer movie season is here.

This list gives you an idea of some of the notable releases to look for the next few months. As I was researching the upcoming films this summer I noticed that the majority of them are sequels, which really shouldn’t be a surprise, but is also a little disappointing.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t some films to look forward to, but most are not originals, which I have a soft spot for.

Without further adieu here are small peek at the summer movie season:

May

“Deadpool 2” (May 18)

In 2016, “Deadpool” broke all kinds of records and early assessments show the sequel will likely do the same.

The foul-mouthed and very R-rated superhero is headed back to theaters on May 18 and opening night showings are already selling out. If “Deadpool 2” is anything like its predecessor, and it will be, be warned because this is a very mature movie that is not for everyone.

“Solo: A Star Wars Story” (May 25)

It seems these days if it’s not a superhero movie then it’s a "Star Wars" movie, and that’s exactly what’s happening in May.

The "Star Wars" universe is expanding once again with the origin story of one of its most beloved characters, Han Solo.

“Solo: A Star Wars Story” will arrive in theaters on May 25, and I am really curious about this one, not because I’m convinced it’s going to be a great Star Wars movie, but because it has had such a rocky road to the theater.

The original directors, Phil Lord and Chris Miller, were very publically let go from the project after the movie was nearly finished. Disney then brought in Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard to take over and do massive reshoots and change a lot of the film’s tone.

Lord and Miller became famous for directing films like “The LEGO Movie” and “21 Jump Street.” Their quirky sense of humor and style got fans excited when they were hired and then a little depressed when they were fired.

Howard seems like a solid choice, but that means a totally different tone and film than we would have received from Lord and Miller and truth be told the last really good film Howard made was all the way back in 2008 with “Frost/Nixon.”

We’re only a couple of weeks out before we find out if “Solo” is a success or not.

June

“Ocean’s 8” (June 8)

June is packed full of sequels and the first one up is “Ocean’s 8.” This is not a direct sequel to “Ocean’s 11, 12 and 13,” but it is in the same universe.

This time around it’s a team of women planning a heist with a big score. The film doesn’t star George Clooney, Brad Pitt or Matt Damon, but instead features Sandra Bullock as Danny Ocean’s (Clooney) sister with her team including Cate Blanchet, Helena Bonham Carter, Rihanna and others.

The movie looks like it could be fun, but I’m afraid it’s just trying to be “Ocean’s 11” all over again instead of reinventing itself to be fresh and a bit more original. But we’ll have to wait until June 8 to find out if my worries are founded.

“Incredibles 2” (June 15)

In 2004, Pixar and director Brad Bird gave us “The Incredibles“ and the universe has been forever grateful. The film stands as one of the greatest animated movies to date, and fans have been waiting a long time for a sequel. The wait will finally be over June 15.

I’m looking forward to the new film and think it will be fun, but I hope the trailers aren’t really going to be what the film is because that would be a disappointment. According to what we get in the trailers, it would seem we’re getting nearly the same movie as the original, but this time it’s Elastagirl fighting the bad guys and Mr. Incredible is hanging out at home with the kids.

I have faith it’s not just a role reversal from the first film, but has a lot more in store for us than what we get in the short previews.

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“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (June 22)

June wanted to make sure to cap off the month of sequels with a big one, “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.”

In 2015 “Jurassic World” dominated the box office and delighted audiences. Fans are hoping for more of the same come June 22 with the sequel. Both Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are reprising their role. Judging by trailers, the film seems to take a page from the “Jurassic Park” sequel “The Lost World” and we’ll see dinosaurs on the island and in a city metropolis.

Let’s hope if that does happen that “Fallen Kingdom” is a better movie than “Lost World.”

July

“Ant-Man and the Wasp” (July 6)

If you thought you were out of the sequel woods, I’m afraid you’re sorely mistaken.

On July 6 we'll get the first Marvel movie after “Avengers: Infinity War” and the sequel to “Ant-Man,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp.”

I really liked “Ant-Man” and thought it was a fun departure from some of Marvel’s more serious films. Plus, how do you not like Paul Rudd? Rudd is back, and it will be interesting to see how Ant-Man plays into this new post-"Infinity War" Marvel universe.

“Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation” (July 13)

Keeping the sequel train alive we will also get “Hotel Transylvania 3” on July 13. I don’t have a lot to say about this one. I actually really enjoyed the first film and laughed along with my kids the whole time. The sequel had its moments but overall was a let down for me and my kids.

You can call me the old curmudgeon or the picky critic, but this one just looks bad to me. I hope I’m wrong.

“Skyscraper” (July 13)

Here is our break from the sequel fatigue. I’d hoped it could maybe be something more exciting than the on-the-nose titled “Skyscraper,” but I bet it’s going to be some mindlessly fun entertainment.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson seems to star in roughly 400 films a year at this point and his next one features him as a security assessor for skyscrapers who is framed for the arson of the world’s tallest building. The Rock then does what The Rock does and tries to find those responsible in the inferno.

This won’t be winning any Oscars, but I’m guessing it’s going to put a smile on your face for a couple of hours.

“Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (July 27)

After “Mission: Impossible 2” I thought the franchise was dead, but then J.J. Abrams resurrected it and the last two films in the series have really been fantastic.

I am now an admitted "Mission: Impossible" fanboy and I have July 27 marked on my calendar to go see “Mission: Impossible – Fallout.”

Tom Cruise is back and so is the writer and director of the last film, “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” Christopher McQuarrie.

The movie promises more insane stunts, car and motorcycle chases and plenty of twists and turns. I have high hopes for this one and I’m crossing my fingers it delivers.

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August

“Christopher Robin” (August 3)

August actually gives us a break from all of the sequels and offers up some book adaptations or reboots of certain beloved characters like Winnie the Pooh in “Christopher Robin.”

The film stars Ewan McGregor as an adult Christopher Robin who has had life hit him like any other adult. But this adult has something the rest of us don’t: A childhood bear named Winnie the Pooh.

The movie looks like it could be a lot of fun and hopefully a great trip to the theater with your family.

“Mile 22” (August 3)

Releasing the same day as "Christopher Robin" is the action-drama “Mile 22.” This film still doesn’t have a trailer, but based on who is involved it has my interest.

The movie about an American intelligence officer trying to sneak someone out of the country stars Mark Wahlberg and is directed by Peter Berg.

This will mark the fourth time Berg and Wahlberg have worked together and their track record so far has been pretty strong. The previous films include “Lone Survivor,” “Deepwater Horizon” and “Patriot’s Day.” All three films have some issues, but they all told compelling stories and made for entertaining films.

The one thing that could be an issue for “Mile 22” is the fact that this will be the first movie Berg and Wahlberg have done together not based on a true story, which could be good or bad. We’ll have to wait and see.

“The Meg” (August 10)

You should know two things about me: One is that “Jaws” is one of my all-time favorite movies, and the second is that I love a great B movie sometimes.

For those who don’t know, a B movie is one that isn’t really high quality but also knows it’s ridiculous and makes for a fantastic time at the movies.

It’s because of these two reasons that I’m kind of looking forward to “The Meg.” I don’t think the movie will be very good and I’m likely ruining any credibility I had, but I don’t care. This is a movie about a giant shark and how Jason Statham is going to take him down.

The trailer is fairly absurd, and to me that’s perfect. “The Meg” swims into theaters on August 10th.

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