Which summer movie will emerge triumphant?

7. “The Bourne Ultimatum” (Aug. 3): Having Paul Greengrass back behind the camera guarantees this will be a first-class action film, and it’s those amazing chase scenes that have made “Bourne” a bonafide crowd pleaser. Both with women, who like to watch some Matt Damon eye candy, and to guys who get to live through his international free-wheeling exploits.

The August date doesn’t do it any favors, though. It has less of a chance to rack up dollars through Labor Day, when the kids go back to school, and if summer movies have been bad up to that point, the public might start to feel cheated and not willing to head back to the theaters, spending their spare cash on something else.

Summer projection: $200 million

8. “Ratatouille” (June 29): Two rules of summer: Wear plenty of sunscreen and never bet against Pixar. The animation giant knows a thing or two about how to produce a ’toon that entertains not only junior, but makes mom and dad laugh as well.

With a resume that starts with “Toy Story” 12 years ago — and includes such winners as “Monsters, Inc.,” “Finding Nemo,” The Incredibles” and “Cars” — the Pixar brand has become synonymous with quality. Don’t expect that to change with the rat-infested “Ratatouille.”

Summer projection: $195 million

9.  “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry” (July 20): Give Adam Sandler credit for trying to stretch his acting wings into more serious fare but, hey, the man’s gotta eat. A Sandler comedy means a big paycheck for Adam and a box office guarantee.

“Click” earned $137 million last summer, “The Longest Yard” $158 million before that and even a February release of “50 First Dates” captured $120 million of the public’s money. The Cal Ripken Jr. of film, give the guy props for consistency. And imagine if this one’s actually funny? “Chuck” will earn a buck.

Summer projection: $190 million

10. “Knocked Up” (June 1): I’ve actually seen this one already but have a hard time remembering certain scenes since I was wiping the tears from my face. It’s that funny. Slobbish Seth Rogan has a one-night stand with “Grey's Anatomy” star Katherine Heigl and neither are ready for parenthood.

Writer-director Judd Apatow, who had the same duties on “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” might be the hottest comic property in Hollywood. He’s got eight projects in the works right now and knows as well as anyone how to blend sincerity with hilarity.

Summer projection: $175 million

Stuart Levine is a senior editor at Variety. He can be reached at .

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