Sneak Preview: May

1. The Avengers 

Release date: April 25, 2012 (Philippines) / Directed by Joss Whedon / Featuring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner 

Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) brings together an elite group of superheroes in an attempt to fend off Loki, a deranged Asgardian sorcerer. Egos collide as Iron Man (Tony Stark), Captain America (Steve Rogers) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) suit up and go mano-a-mano with Thor's errant half-brother. There's too much testosterone in this movie you can almost smell it.

2. First Position 

Directed by Bess Kargman / Featuring Aran Bell, Gaya Bommer Yemini, Michaela Deprine and Julues Jarvis Foarty     

It's Billy Elliot (2000) meets "So You Think You Can Dance." Documentary filmmaker Bess Kargman follows six aspiring dancers ages 9-19 as they prepare for the Youth America Grand Prix: an international ballet competition. Good buzz from the festival circuit makes this kiddie treat the must-see documentary of the season.

3. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 
Release date: May 4, 2012 (US)  / Directed by John Madden / Featuring Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith and Tom Wilkinson 

A group of British retirees moves to an elderly home in India only to realize that the place is not as good as they thought it would be. Director John Madden rebounds after a string of disappointments (Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Proof, Killshot), giving us what could possibly be this year's best British ensemble. 

4. Dark Shadows  
Release date: May 11, 2012 (US) / Directed by Tim Burton / Featuring Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Eva Green and Helena Bonham Carter 

Director Tim Burton and writer Seth Grahame-Smith (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter) remake Dan Curtis' 1960s horror/sci-fi TV series, "Dark Shadows," for 2012. Johnny Depp, a fan of the series, is Barnabas Collins, an 18th century playboy who, after ditching a witch (Eva Green), is turned into a vampire. 

Keep your eyes peeled for Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Lee and Helena Bonham Carter.

5. Moonrise Kingdom 
Release date: May 25, 2012 (US) / Directed by Wes Anderson / Featuring Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward, Bruce Willis and Bill Murray

Wes Anderson steers clear from his usual fare with Moonrise Kingdom: a period drama set to open this year's Cannes festival. Two lovers elope (Kara Hayward and Jared Gilman), prompting the girl's parents (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand) and the local sheriff (Bruce Willis) to organize a search party. I don't get it. If people don't want to be found, why bother?