Big movies are back

Iron Man might fly, and the Hulk might cause a temblor with every step, but it's an archaeologist with a bullwhip who's really being put to the test this summer.

The box office for "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" will tell us whether more old-fashioned, less pyrotechnic storytelling still can win the day – whether young people who have seen the 1980s-made "Indiana Jones" series only on TV or DVD will line up to see the fourth film on the big screen.

My guess is yes, they will – either of their own volition or because their parents bring them along. The ticket price is the same either way.

Here's a look at 20 movies to watch for this summer, conveniently separated into "blockbuster" category, for Indy, the Hulk, Batman and their ilk; and the "other" category, for films that probably won't be racing each other to the $300 million mark.

THE BLOCKBUSTERS

1. "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian": In this second film based on the C.S. Lewis books, the Pevensie siblings return to Narnia, now being ruled by an evil king. There's also somebody else with a rightful claim to the throne: the dreamy Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes). The year the kids spent away from Narnia, it seems, amounted to 1,300 years in magical-realm time.

But the White Witch (Tilda Swinton) doesn't look a day over 1,250. (Friday)

2. "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull": In making their fourth Indiana Jones film and first since 1989, director Steven Spielberg and creator- producer George Lucas ensured Indy's latest adventure would touch most demographics. For the youngsters, there's "Transformers" star Shia LaBeouf as Indy and Marion's maybe-maybe not love child. For arthouse fans, there's Cate Blanchett as a Soviet agent trying to foil Indy's latest quest, and for the now-grown men whose first crush was on Karen Allen, there's Karen Allen! Oh, and there's also the contingent who want to see Harrison Ford running around in his 60s. That would be everyone. (May 22)

3. "Sex and the City": It won't yield the box-office numbers of "Iron Man" or "Indiana Jones," but for a select group of women and, yes, even men, it's the summer film of the decade. Judging from the trailer, the film heightens the production values, the fashion and the drama from the HBO series. As Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) might say (with an exaggerated wink), there appears to be a hitch in Carrie's plans to marry Mr. Big (Chris Noth). Can't wait to see what happens. Can't wait to see how it turns out. (May 30)

4. "Kung Fu Panda": It's that rare occasion when voice actor and part match each other so beautifully that it almost brings tears to one's eyes. Always cuddly until you cross him, Jack Black voices the role of a black-and-white charmer with a high kick in this animated film. (June 6) .

5. "The Incredible Hulk": It's almost as if Ang Lee's 2003 "Hulk" never existed. Marvel Comics has made a new version starring Edward Norton, who also co-wrote the script (and reportedly sought a different final cut of the film).

Norton should bring the same smart-guy appeal to Bruce Banner that Robert Downey Jr. does to Tony Stark in "Iron Man," if less of the verve. Judging from the trailer, the film makes ample use of modern computer technology. But to those of us who grew up with the TV series, all CGI-generated, post-Lou Ferrigno Hulks look alike: monstrously blown up. (June 13)

6. "Get Smart": Steve Carell seems a perfect choice to revive Don Adams' buttoned-up yet hapless Agent Maxwell Smart from the old TV series. Anne Hathaway is iffier as Agent 99. Whereas the stylish Barbara Feldon appeared on the series as a full-fledged grown-up, Hathaway still seems like a youngster, especially when paired with a co-star two decades her senior. (June 20)

7. "Wanted": The idea of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" star Angelina Jolie playing another assassin doesn't exactly excite. But "Wanted" offers more than Jolie's Blue Steel stare. Morgan Freeman and James McAvoy also star as, respectively, the leader of an elite group of killers and the regular shmo recruited to join the troupe. Russian director Timur Bekmambetov, who made the "Night Watch" and "Day Watch" vampire films, always brings a visually inventive approach to his movies. (June 27)