There are a lot of exciting movies coming out this spring and while I have to admit that I would willingly watching Maggie Smith grouch it out in “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” or enjoy laughing hysterically at a 3D hand high-fiving the car window in “Titanic”, I think I’ll leave them out of it. I’m also going to pull “The Hunger Games” from this list, because it has already been released and most devout fans have probably already seen it. So with that, here is my list of what you should look out for this spring, in order of release.

1- “The Raven” – April 27

A serial killer takes inspiration from the stories of Edgar Allen Poe and uses them to commit gruesome murders. To stop these horrific crimes, Detective Fields and Poe must work together to determine the killer’s next move before he claims his next victim.

I enjoy murder mysteries and I have a special place in my heart for John Cusack, who plays Poe, so this sounds intriguing. Before any Poe enthusiasts let the pendulum cross their heart however, my advice is to take this movie as strict entertainment and not for any historical accuracy.

2- “The Avengers” – May 4

To save the world, Nick Fury, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., brings together Iron Man, Thor, The Hulk, Captain America, Hawkeye, and Black Widow.

Who isn’t looking forward to this?; isn’t it on everyone’s list next to “The Dark Knight Rises”? Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk sounds a bit odd, but seeing as no actor seems to be able to keep the title of The Hulk, I suppose it’s not unusual. To fill the shoes of Edward Norton however, may be a bit difficult. In all honesty, I’m more there for Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark anyways.

3- “Last Call at the Oasis” – May 4

A documentary brought to you by the makers of “An Inconvenient Truth”, “Food Inc.”, and “Waiting for Superman” to educate the public on the world’s very real water crisis.

While this isn’t going to get a good box office with “The Avengers” coming out the same weekend, I think people should make an effort to at least learn about this film. I recently saw “Thirst” and got introduced to some of the issues people face concerning water and how in some communities they began charging for it. It’s heavy stuff, but it’s important for everyone to be aware.

4- “Dark Shadows” – May 11

After a witch curses Barnabas Collins, turns him into a vampire, and locks him in a coffin for almost 200 years, he not only has to adapt to a new life and blend in, but also protect his descendants from the same witch that destroyed his life.

The main draw here, for those not in the know that “Dark Shadows” is actually an old television show that ran five seasons in the 70s, is that this is another Tim Burton/Johnny Depp film. Vampires haven’t been terrifying recently, but Johnny Depp isn’t going to change that, in a good way.

5- “Moonrise Kingdom” – May 16

Two children with the hearts of lovers run away together, causing all sorts of turmoil amongst the children’s friends and families as they go out to look for them.

I was introduced to the whimsical wonder that is Wes Anderson only recently through “Rushmore” and “The Darjeeling Limited” (both excellent), which is what makes me so excited for this. The story sounds ridiculous on its own, but imagine Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman,and Bruce Willis altogether and your curiosity gets going. Let it carry you to the trailer and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.