THE MOVIES : SUMMER PREVIEWS...

Summertime--and screen fare is already on the light side. the just-released “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” is only the beginning. En route are ghosts (and ghostbusters), guys in bat suits, star-trekkers, underwater thrills, wise-cracking cops and perennial chill-sters named Jason and Freddy. There’s some serious and semi-serious material, too. A note of caution: The list of titles that follows is subject to change--and studio strategies.

“THE ABYSS”-- James Cameron (“The Terminator,” “Aliens”) writes/directs a mega-mega-dollar adventure-thriller set 2,000 feet below the Caribbean. All about underwater divers who encounter the mystery of “the abyss.” Publicity reps insist there’s no “creature” in this one, but we’ll bet there’s something strange down below. Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Michael Biehn star. Gale Anne Hurd produces (20th Century Fox, late summer).

“THE ADVENTURES OF MILO AND OTIS”-- All about Milo, a mischievous orange kitten, and pug-nosed doggy pal Otis--whose main concern is to keep the curious feline out of trouble. When Milo is swept away by a rushing river, it’s Otis to the rescue. Dudley Moore narrates this live-actioner (yes, a real cat and dog), which played to big ticket sales in Japan. Masanori Hata directs (Columbia Pictures, late summer).

“AMERICAN EAGLE”-- Two former Vietnam buddies reunite to rescue several women kidnaped by a vengeful third member of their wartime platoon. Robert J. Smawley directs the action. Stars Asher Brauner (who scripts), Kai Baker, Vernon Wells and Robert F. Lyons (Triax Entertainment Group, late summer).

“ARENA”-- Futuristic actioner in which there’s one government, one language and one sport: arena. Contestants--some human, some “droid”--are matched in contests of skill and brute force. Watch out for brass knuckles! Peter Manoogian directs Paul Satterfield, Hamilton Camp, Claudia Christian, Marc Alaimo (Trans World Entertainment, just opening).

“BABAR: THE MOVIE” --If you’re a former child, you know Babar. Jean de Brunhoff’s children’s books--about the beloved elephant king--are staples of children’s literature. The story finds Babar married--with children of his own. So it seems only fitting that he tells them some stories about his youth. Once upon a time, Babar had to save Elephantland from the evil clutches of Lord Rataxes and his Rhino horde . . . . Alan Bunce, who did story boards and design work on the three “Care Bears” movies, directs; Michael Hirsch (“Care Bears Movie”) co-produces (New Line Cinema, late summer).

“BACKTRACK”-- Action thriller. Dennis Hopper directs/stars, along with Jodie Foster, Fred Ward, Vincent Price, Charlie Sheen and Dean Stockwell. Foster accidentally witnesses a brutal mob murder. Now she’s on a hit list and, wouldn’t you know it, Hopper’s the hit man (Vestron Pictures, opening in June).

“BATMAN”-- It’s not a comedy--or campy, a la the ‘60s TV series. This is a “dark” rendition of the Caped Crusader’s Gotham City exploits, starring Michael Keaton as the Masked Man, Jack Nicholson as the arch-nemesis, the Joker, and Kim Basinger as the lady in Bruce Wayne’s (a.k.a. Batman) life. Tim Burton--known for quirky pics like “Beetlejuice”--directs. Holy possibilities! (Warner Bros., opening in June).

“THE BIG PICTURE”-- “Saturday Night Live” alumnus Christopher Guest directs/co-writes this comedy about a young director whose debut film is quashed by a studio when there’s a change of regime. (Familiar story, anyone?) Stars Kevin Bacon, Emily Longstreth, J.T. Walsh, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Michael McKean (Columbia Pictures, opening in L.A. in late summer).

“BLACK RAIN”-- “Fatal Attraction” producers Stanley R. Jaffe and Sherry Lansing reteam with Michael Douglas for a thriller set in Tokyo. Directed by artiste (“Blade Runner”) Ridley Scott. Douglas is a New York City police detective who works alongside Osaka copper Ken Takakura (one of Japan’s biggest stars) as they travel perilously deep into the Japanese underworld (Paramount Pictures, late summer).

“BLUE STEEL”-- Action-thriller. Rookie cop Jamie Lee Curtis finds “the perfect man” (played by Ron Silver)--only to discover that he’s a psychopathic killer. (Isn’t that always the way?) As she stalks him for murder, a deadly game of wits ensues. Directed by James Cameron protege, Kathryn Bigelow (she helmed the vampire Western, “After Dark”). Produced by Edward R. Pressman and Oliver Stone (Vestron, late summer).

“BRENDA STARR”-- Brooke Shields plays the intrepid, indefatigable, ever-fashionable ace “girl” reporter--who was first introduced in the pages of the Chicago Tribune in 1940. Directed by Robert Ellis Miller (“Reuben, Reuben”), this one’s been on the shelf for some time due to legal travails. With James Bondian Timothy Dalton as the adoring (and dashing) adventurer-sidekick (New World Pictures, late summer).

“CASUALTIES OF WAR”-- Michael J. Fox and Sean Penn go to war--in a Vietnam drama that explores the moral ambiguity of a single, brutal incident. Penn’s a battle-hardened sergeant; Fox is a new member of the squad. A war zone occurrence leaves them bitterly divided and fighting a moral battle of conscience. Brian De Palma directs. David Rabe scripts from Daniel Lang’s book (Columbia Pictures, late summer).

“CATCH ME IF YOU CAN”-- Talk about school spirit. This youth-action/romantic comedy finds high schoolers trying to save their school by betting on illegal car races. USC film school grad Stephen Sommers makes his feature debut as writer/director. With Matt Lattanzi, Loryn Locklin, M. Emmet Walsh and Geoffrey Lewis (Management Company Entertainment Group, late summer).

“CHEETAH AND FRIENDS”-- Family entertainment, set in the outlands of Africa, about an American family’s efforts to re-train their pet cheetah Spots so that she can survive in the wild after they return to the U.S. When Spots is kidnaped by a pair of baddies, the family’s two kids are off to the rescue--with the aid of their Masai friend. Their pursuit takes them across the African desert--teaching them a new respect for the different cultures they encounter. Filmed in and around Nairobi. With Keith Coogan, Lucy Deakins, Collin Mothupi. Jeff Blyth directs (Walt Disney Pictures, late summer).

“CHIEF ZABU”-- Misadventures of a mildly successful businessman (Allen Garfield), whose pursuit of the American Dream leads him to a deal with the chief of an island nation. Suddenly he becomes prominent; he’s even noticed by a movie star/political groupie (Marianna Hill). Then comes the discovery that the island nation is also the site of nuclear testing. Howard Zucker and Neil Cohen co-direct/co-write/co-produce. Co-stars Zack Norman (a.k.a. Howard Zucker), Allan Arbus, Lucianne Buchanan, Betty Karlen, Manu Tupou, Ed Lauter (International Film Marketing, late summer).

“THE DEAD POETS SOCIETY”-- Robin Williams stars in this character drama about a charismatic English teacher at a strict boys’ prep school. Directed by Peter Weir (“Mosquito Coast”), with cinematography by Weir collaborator, John Seale (Touchstone, opening in June).

“DO THE RIGHT THING”-- Spike Lee (“School Daze”) scripts/produces/directs/stars in a comedy-drama about smoldering race relations during the hottest day of the year in already-tense Brooklyn. Backdrop for the tension: the pizza parlor where Lee is a pizza delivery boy. With Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee (Universal Pictures, late summer).

“DRUGSTORE COWBOY” --Matt Dillon and Kelly Lynch star in this gritty drama about the drug culture of the ‘70s--and one young man’s efforts to shake his addiction. Gus Van Sant (an L.A. Film Critics Award-winner winner for “Mala Noche”) directs/co-writes. Based on an unpublished novel by James Fogle, an inmate at Walla Walla (Wash.) State Penitentiary. With William Burroughs, Amanda Plummer and James Remar (Avenue Pictures, late summer).

“EDDIE AND THE CRUISERS II: EDDIE LIVES”-- Michael Pare returns as enigmatic rock star Eddie Wilson in the sequel to “Eddie and the Cruisers” (1983). Jean-Claude Lord (“Visiting Hours”) directs. The mysterious Eddie is alive and well and working a day gig in Montreal under an alias when his music suddenly makes a big national splash. Will he come out of hiding? With more music by John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band--and location filming in Montreal and New Jersey (Scotti Bros., late summer).

“ERIK THE VIKING”-- Monty Pythoner Terry Jones writes/directs. Tim Robbins (“Bull Durham”) is Erik, a Viking warrior who decides there has to be more to life than raping and pillaging. So off he goes on a quest . . . . The supporting cast includes Jones himself, Mickey Rooney, Eartha Kitt, John Cleese, Antony Sher, Freddie Jones, Imogen Stubbs and “Brazil” co-writer Charles McKeown. As for character names to mull over, consider: Sven the Berserk, Thorfinn Skull Splitter and Halfdan the Black (Orion Pictures, late summer).

“FAR OUT MAN!”-- Tommy Chong gets the whole family into the action as he directs /scripts this offbeat story of himself as an aged ‘60s burnout victim who decides to drop in on his family after 14 years. Constructing his own version of Disneyland called “Hippyland,” Chong and folk cash in. Stars wife Shelby, kiddies Rae Dawn, Robbi, Paris and Gilbraun. C. Thomas Howell, Judd Nelson, Paul Bartel, Michael Winslow and ex-porn thesp Ginger Allen also appear (CineTel, late summer).

“FRIDAY THE 13TH, PART VIII”-- He’s baaaaack . Jason, that is. This time, the action’s not set at ill-fated Crystal Lake (where kids return, sequel after sequel, despite its bloody past). This time Jason hits the streets of NYC. Look out, Big Apple! (Paramount, late summer).

“GHOSTBUSTERS II”-- Principals from the 1984 blockbuster return to this sequel whose release may spell r-e-l-i-e-f to Columbia, with Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis reteaming as New York’s finest (ghostbusters, that is). This time the goings-on involve the maddening spirit of one Vigo the Carpathian. It’s been five years since the first and the spooknukers have been prohibited from practicing, but when Sigourney’s bathtub comes alive . . . will they save her? With familiar faces: Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts (Rick and Annie have a fling!) and Ernie Hudson. Ivan Reitman again produces/directs (Columbia, opening in June).

“GREAT BALLS OF FIRE”-- A blond Dennis Quaid plays volcanic rocker Jerry Lee Lewis, whose tumultuous early stardom was damaged by his marriage to his 13-year-old cousin Myra (Winona Ryder). Goodness, gracious! Alec Baldwin does the bad boy’s cousin, Jimmy Lee Swaggart--yes, the Jimmy Lee. Jim McBride (who directed Quaid in “The Big Easy”) directs/co-writes (with Jack Baran) (Orion, opening in June).

“HARD RAIN”-- Tom Selleck goes serious, playing Jimmie Rainman, an innocent victim of circumstance who is framed and sent to prison. After his release, he’s determined to resume a normal life with his wife. But, first, he’s got to clear his name--and see justice realized. Peter Yates (“Bullitt”) directs. (Touchstone, late summer).

“THE HEART OF DIXIE”-- Coming of age story, set in the 1957 South--on the eve of the civil rights movement. Three college-age daughters of Dixie discover that their upbringing is in conflict with the changing times. Stars Ally Sheedy, Virginia Madsen, Phoebe Cates, Don Michael Paul and Treat Williams. Martin Davidson (“Eddie and the Cruisers”) directs/exec produces. Steve Tisch (“Risky Business”) produces. Based on Anne Rivers Siddons’ novel, “Heartbreak Hotel” (Orion, late summer).

“HEAVY PETTING”-- Remember those warnings back in the ‘50s--via newsreels and “educational” and feature films--about the dangers of sex? (“The next step is . . . ruination of Innocent Girls!”) This docu-comedy about teen-age passion during America’s past makes use of that archival footage--with observations from modern-day guest stars (including musician David Byrne, comedienne Sandra Bernhard and poet Allen Ginsberg), who discuss their own teen-age sexual experiences. You want more? How about anti-Communist propaganda, newsreels in which little girls are pushed into beauty contests (for little boys, it’s the boxing ring), and shots from a “best legs” contest. Psst--you can look, but, don’t touch! Obie Benz (production consultant on “The Atomic Cafe”) directs (Skouras Pictures, late summer).

“HIDER IN THE HOUSE”-- In this chiller finished just weeks before Gary Busey took his motorcycle spill, he’s happily holed up in the attic of a vacant home--and then the purchasing couple shows up and moves in. The hider is perturbed but quickly changes his tune when he sees the wife (Mimi Rogers). Matthew Patrick directs (Vestron, opening in June).

“HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS”-- Physicist Rick Moranis develops an electronic shrinking machine that inadvertently zaps his kids and renders them bite-size. They long to be big again . . . but meanwhile, must deal with rocks that loom as large as mountains and puddles that might as well be lakes. Co-starring Jared Rushton (Tom Hanks’ little buddy in “Big”). Joe Johnston directs; gore-meister Stuart Gordon co-wrote the story (Touchstone Pictures, opening in June).

“INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE”-- The further exploits of daring archeologist-adventurer Indiana Jones. Harrison Ford stars--of course. So does Sean Connery, as Dr. Henry Jones--Indy’s dad. Steven Spielberg directs. George Lucas co-exec produces. With Denholm Elliott, Alison Doody, John Rhys-Davies, River Phoenix and Julian Glover (Paramount, just opening).

“THE KARATE KID PART III”-- They’re baaaaack! That is, producer Jerry Weintraub, director John G. Avildsen and stars Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. This time, Daniel and his mentor have a parting of the ways (Morita doesn’t approve of Macchio’s newfound training methods). Will they reunite before the big competition? C’mon! Robert Mark Kamen (who wrote the original) scripts (Columbia, opening in June).

“KUNG FU MASTER”-- Though named after a video game, it’s a bittersweet story of the romance between a 40-year-old woman (Jane Birkin) and a 15-year-old whippersnapper played by Mathieu Demy (son of Agnes Varda and Jacques Demy). It sorts out the travails of not only video games, but also the complicated games of the heart. Written and directed by “Vagabond’s” Varda, from an idea by Birkin. Also stars Charlotte Gainsbourg, Birkin’s daughter (Expanded Ent., opening in June).

“LETHAL WEAPON 2”-- Director Richard Donner co-produces--with action meister Joel Silver--and directs. Mel Gibson’s back as the impetuous Riggs; Danny Glover returns as his pension-bound partner. Their relationship is less contentious but still they’re chagrined as they must protect (read: baby-sit) an accountant-turned-federal witness (Joe Pesci). Complicating matters: the discovery that a drug kingpin is also a South African diplomat, who’s protected by the immunity attached to his title (Warner Bros., late summer).

“LICENSE TO KILL”-- The indefatigable James Bond (now Timothy Dalton) is back for his umpteenth (actually the 16th) official 007 extravaganza. This time it’s a personal mission: International drug czar, and jerk, Franz Sanches (played by Robert Davi). As usual, exotic locales, specialized weapons, gorgeous women. Bond-meister Albert R. Broccoli produces; John Glen directs his fifth Bond (MGM/UA, late summer).

“LITTLE MONSTERS”-- Remember when you were little and knew there were these monsters living under your bed? It’s happened to 12-year-old Fred Savage (he’s also the star of TV’s “Wonder Years”). Only his monster happens to be totally hip, and named Maurice (Howie Mandel). Through Maurice, our young hero is indoctrinated into the secret, underground world of monsters who gleefully wreak havoc on unsuspecting sleeping children. Special effects meister Richard Greenberg (“Predator”) makes his directorial debut. With Daniel Stern, Margaret Whitton and Fred’s little brother, Ben Savage (Vestron, late summer).

“THE LITTLE THIEF” --The late Francois Truffaut’s last script (he’d intended to direct), directed by his longtime assistant director Claude Miller. A film that’s been described as “sexy and funny and sad,” it’s about an orphaned and rebellious 16-year-old French girl (Charlotte Gainsbourg) who goes to live with her aunt and uncle. Her coming of age story includes an affair with a married man and an encounter with a young man who’s a lot like she is (Miramax, late summer).

“MARTIANS!!!”-- It’s Halloween night and some battle-hungry aliens are cruising the Earth’s skies when they intercept a 50th-anniversary broadcast of Orson Welles’ “War of the Worlds” and decide to take advantage of the occasion by invading Big Bean, Ill. A zany sci-fi high-jinks affair, obviously. Special effects designer Patrick Read Johnson directs and co-writes; Doug Barr (whom we saw as Lee Majors’ sidekick in “The Fall Guy”) stars (Smart Egg, late summer).

“MILLENNIUM” --Kris Kristofferson and Cheryl Ladd star in this time-travel adventure based on John Varley’s novel about a chain of events that follow a disastrous mid-air jetliner collision. Michael Anderson (“Logan’s Run”) directs. Exec producers include Freddie Fields and John Foreman. Co-stars Daniel J. Travanti and Robert Joy (Fox, opening later this summer).

“MIRACLE MILE” --Anthony Edwards is supposed to meet waitress Mare Winningham when her shift ends. He sleeps late, gets to the diner in the wee hours, and chances to answer a ringing pay phone. The caller--who’s dialed the wrong number--is calling from a missle silo in the Midwest to report that a nuclear war is imminent. Turns out, it’s no prank call. Edwards has just a little over an hour to find Winningham so that they can try to reach safety. Steve DeJarnatt (he did the little-seen Melanie Griffith pic, “Cherry 2000”) writes/directs (Hemdale, just opening).

“NIGHT GAME”-- Peter Masterson, director of the Oscar-winning “A Trip to Bountiful,” directs this taut thriller starring Roy Scheider. Scheider portrays a maverick cop who uses his law enforcement savvy to nab a psychotic killer of young blonde girls who uses Santa Cruz as his base. Co-stars Anthony Palmer and Karen Young (Trans World Ent., opening in June).

“A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 5: THE DREAM CHILD”-- Freddy Krueger returns. This time, he’s in the family way. That is, he’s after the soul of an unborn child. Is that mean--or what! Robert Englund has a stranglehold on the role of Freddy. Australia’s Stephen Hopkins (“The Dangerous Game”) directs (New Line, late summer).

“NO HOLDS BARRED”-- Action adventure yarn about revenge, greed, hand-to-hand combat and even romance. Starring rassler Hulk Hogan. The hulk is a TV star who gets entangled in a network war, only to find himself in a “no holds barred” fight with a human murder machine. TV man Thomas J. Wright (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Max Headroom”) directs. (New Line, opening in June).

“PARENTHOOD”-- Director Ron Howard’s own experiences with his four children inspired this comedy, about family life in the ‘80s. Steve Martin is an overly conscientious father of four who’s determined that his kids will not have a lousy father like his (Jason Robards). Complicating matters: the family lives of Martin’s sisters and brothers. (Rick Moranis, who’s married to sister Harley Kozak, has got their daughter involved with karate lessons, Spanish lessons, a vegetarian diet and reading Kafka. And the kid’s only 3!) Scripted by Lowell Ganz (father of four) and Babaloo Mandel (six kids). Co-stars Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Martha Plimpton, Leaf Phoenix, Keanu Reeves and Tom Hulce (Universal, late summer).

“PERSONAL CHOICE” (working title)--Drama. Christian Slater is a teen-ager with strong aspirations of some day becoming an astronaut. He meets a former moonwalking astronaut whom he’s long admired (Martin Sheen)--only to learn that his idol is now a hard-drinking, bitter man. So the boy tries to soften him up. Directed by “Cocoon” author David Saperstein. Co-stars Robert Foxworth (Moviestore Ent., late summer).

“PETER PAN”-- Re-release of Disney’s 1952 classic based on Sir James M. Barrie’s timeless tale of the boy who’s determined to remain timeless himself. Eternally young, that is. With his three charges--the lovely Wendy, the studious Michael and the little John--Peter flies off to Never-Never Land. Prepare yourself for encounters with Tinker Bell ( psst , she’s the jealous type), Princess Tiger Lily, the Lost Boys, a persistent alligator and Captain Hook. And for songs by Sammy Cahn and Sammy Fain (Late summer).

“PINK CADILLAC”-- Clint Eastwood is a modern-day bounty hunter, in pursuit of a fugitive. He literally takes the fugitive’s wife--Bernadette Peters--along for the ride. Buddy Van Horn directs (Warner Bros., just opening).

“THE PUNISHER”-- He-man action-adventure. Dolph Lundgren is Marvel Comic’s popular anti-hero. As our story begins, Lundgren’s a cop who, teamed with Lou Gossett Jr., is out to nail a Mafia boss (Jeroen Crabbe, who menaced James Bond in “The Living Daylights”). Plans go awry when Crabbe wipes out Lundgren’s family. A distraught Lundgren goes underground--and resurfaces as the black leather-clad, super-vengeful one-man death squad. Mark Goldblatt (“Dead Heat”) directs (New World, late summer).

“RENEGADES”-- Renegade cop Kiefer Sutherland and Lakota Indian Lou Diamond Phillips form an unlikely alliance on the streets of Philadelphia. They’re bonded by a joint quest: they’re seeking the same savage murderer (who’s stolen a tribal relic). Jack Sholder (“The Hidden”) directs (Universal, opening in June).

“THE RETURN OF THE MUSKETEERS”-- Cast and crew of “The Three”/”The Four Musketeers” return for more swashbuckling. But it’s 20 years later. D’Artagnan (Michael York) is no longer an idealistic innocent. Aramis (Richard Chamberlain) is still torn between religion and romance. Porthos (Frank Finlay) seeks social success. And Athos (Oliver Reed) is a drunk and disorderly recluse. It takes some new blood--C. Thomas Howell as Raoul, adopted son of Athos, and Kim Cattrall as Justine, illegitimate daughter of Milady--to get things going again. Then it’s “one for all and all for one!” Richard Lester (again) directs. Pierre Spengler (again) produces. With historic Spanish locations (Universal, late summer).

“ROAD HOUSE”-- Patrick Swayze is Dalton--”a cool, calm loner with a legendary reputation for turning chaos into order.” He also happens to be a professional bouncer--so watch out for those moves! Rowdy Herrington (“Jack’s Back”) directs; action king Joel Silver produces. Co-stars Ben Gazzara, Sam Elliott and Kelly Lynch (MGM/UA, just opening).

“RUDE AWAKENING”-- Social comedy, with a far-out scenario. See, Cheech Marin has spent two decades hiding out in Central America. He returns to the U.S. and reunites with his ‘60s pal Eric Roberts for an idealistic mission--only to learn that all their old hippy friends have become narcissistic money grubbers. Disgusted, the duo attempts to use some old, familiar tactics (remember sit-ins?) to revitalize things. Aaron Russo (“The Rose”) produces--and makes his directorial debut (Orion, late summer).

“SCENES FROM THE CLASS STRUGGLE IN BEVERLY HILLS”-- This “bawdy comedy” from Paul Bartel (who directed the bawdy “Eating Raoul”) focuses on the amorous high jinks of two wealthy Beverly Hills households. Scenario: Mary Woronov stays at Jacqueline Bissett’s house as she hires a fumigator to rid her home of any traces of ex-hubby Wallace Shawn. While there, Bissett and Woronov’s housemen (Ray Sharkey and Robert Beltran) lay down a wager to see who can bed whose employer first. Cameos by Ed Begley Jr., Paul Mazursky, Bartel and Arnetia Walker (Cinecom, just opening).

“SEX, LIES AND VIDEOTAPE” --Darkly comic drama set in contemporary Louisiana, dealing with sublimated feelings and hidden identities. Newcomer Steve Soderbergh writes/directs. With James Spader, Peter Gallagher, Andie MacDowell and Laura San Giacomo (Miramax, late summer).

“THE SHAFT”-- T.L. Lankford, heretofore screenwriter of “Armed Response” and others, makes his directorial debut (scripting too) as he tackles this tense actioner that takes place shortly after a global nuclear holocaust. It focuses on our President as he conducts U.S. policy two miles below the Earth’s surface when it’s learned that there is a quartet of troublemakers in his midst. Sort of like an underground “Die Hard.” Kathy Brett appears (American Panther, late summer).

“SHAG”-- Phoebe Cates and Bridget Fonda (Peter’s little girl) star in a coming-of-age story set in 1963 Myrtle Beach. You’ll see dancing, good-looking dudes and four gal pals who run away for a weekend of pleasure that changes their lives. Zelda Barron directs. Annabeth Gish, Page Hannah, Tyrone Power Jr. and Scott Coffey co-star (Hemdale, late summer).

“A SOLDIER’S TALE”-- Romantic drama set shortly after the Allied invasion of France, in which an experienced British soldier and his wide-eyed compatriot stumble upon a young French girl living in an isolated Normandy farmhouse. Members of the French Resistance claim she’s an informer. Ah, but one of the soldiers has such sexual desire for her--and curiosity about her--that he’s compelled to feel differently . . . New Zealand’s Larry Parr writes/directs. Stars Gabriel Byrne, Marianne Basler and Judge Reinhold (Atlantic Releasing, opening in June).

“SNAKEEATER”-- Action-adventure with Lorenzo Lamas as a tough city cop known as Soldier, a moniker harking from his former membership in an elite Marine squad known as the “SnakeEaters.” When dishonorably discharged from the force for his unorthodox methods, Soldier heads undercover to stymie a major drug-smuggling operation. George Erschbamer directs (Moviestore Ent., opening in California area in June).

“STAYING TOGETHER”-- Actress Lee Grant takes a directing turn as she tackles a dramatic comedy concerning three brothers who intend to pursue careers in the family business. When their father suddenly sells said business, it affects the boys’ relationship with him and the town they live in. Stars Tim Quill, Dermot Mulroney, Sean Astin (John’s son), Stockard Channing and Daphne Zuniga (Hemdale, late summer).

“STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER”-- More intergalactic goings-on, this time directed by Captain Kirk--a.k.a. William Shatner. (Following in the steps of Spock, a.k.a. Leonard Nimoy.) The story finds our intrepid heroes on a planet that’s way out west. There are horses, saloon-type hang-outs, shoot-outs . . . . There’s also insurrection among the planet’s workers (there’s this rabble-rouser among the populace) and a mysterious alien. Harve Bennett again produces. Stars DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols and George Takei. But then you knew that. As for the non-regulars: Laurence Luckinbill and David Warner (Paramount, opening in June).

“TURNER & HOOCH”-- Action-comedy with Tom Hanks as Turner, a meticulous, by-the-book cop whose well-ordered world is shaken up when a murder investigation forces him to depend on an unkempt key witness--Hooch. A breed apart from Turner, Hooch is also a dog. (Maybe Turner could win him over with some kibbles?) Co-stars Mare Winningham. Roger Spottiswode directs. (Touchstone, opening in late summer).

“UHF”-- Weird Al Yankovic stars in what’s dubbed “a cross between ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ and ‘Purple Rain.’ ” Well, OK . . . Al’s a Walter Mitty-type who finds himself made manager of a small UHF-TV station on the brink of bankruptcy. Now he can finally put some of those dreams to work! With Victoria Jackson (“Saturday Night Live”) as the all-American dental hygienist who loves Weird Al. Also features Kevin McCarthy, David Bowie (not the pop star) and Michael Richards. Jay Levey makes his directorial debut (Orion Pictures, late summer).

“UNCLE BUCK”-- Jolly John Candy’s a ne’er-do-well and fun-loving bachelor who finds himself left in charge of a nephew and nieces--ages 6 to 15. He does his best to keep things running smoothly, but, since this is a comedy . . . . John Hughes (who worked with Candy on “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”) writes/directs/produces. Co-stars Amy Madigan and Jean Kelly. (Universal, late summer).

“VALENTINO RETURNS”-- The sexual mores and car culture of ‘50s-era small-town America are explored in a comedy-drama about two estranged couples who set out to find passion on a Saturday night. Those in search of fulfillment: Frederic Forrest, whose roving eye is causing problems in his marriage to Veronica Cartwright, and their son, played by Barry Tubbs, whose quest for Jenny Wright--the daughter of an evangelical egg farmer--leads to the purchase of a brand new 1958 flamingo pink Caddy. Peter Hoffman makes his directorial debut. Leonard Gardner (author of the novel “Fat City”) scripts, from his short story, “Christ Has Returned to Earth and Preaches Here Nightly” (Skouras Pictures, late summer).

“VAMPIRE’S KISS” --Nicolas Cage stars as Peter Lowe, a young Manhattan literary agent frustrated by his inability to find love. Troubled by the superficiality of his relationships, his alienation takes on comic and tragic (and weird) proportions when he becomes convinced that he’s turning into a vampire. Co-stars Maria Conchita Alonso and Jennifer Beals. Robert Bierman (the HBO TV-movie “Apology”) makes his feature directorial debut (Hemdale, late summer).

“WEEKEND AT BERNIE’S”-- Comedy farce with Andrew McCarthy and Jonathan Silverman as two young insurance company trainees whose discovery of an elaborate embezzlement scheme leads to a weekend of murder and mayhem. But, hey, these guys are determined to make the best of things . . . Ted Kotcheff (“North Dallas 40”) directs. Victor Drai (“The Man With One Red Shoe”) produces. Co-stars Catherine Mary Stewart (Fox, late summer).

“WHEN HARRY MET SALLY . . . “ --Rob Reiner directs this comedy about romance, ‘80s-style. When Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) first meet, they don’t exactly hit it off. But over the course of some years, a strong and unique relationship develops. Could this be love? Nora Ephron (“Silkwood”) scripts. With cinematography by Barry Sonnenfeld--who did the swooping, dizzying camera work on “Raising Arizona.” Co-stars Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby (Columbia, late summer).

“WHY ME”-- Comedy gone out of control. Christopher Lambert, the French star of such disparate fare as “Subway,” and “The Sicilian,” is a burglar who accidentally steals the world’s largest ruby--which is so hot that it could start WWIII. Gene Quintano directs, Kim Griest and Christopher Lloyd also star (Trans World Ent., late summer).

“WORTH WINNING”-- Dashing Mark Harmon as a dashing TV weatherman who sports stylish suits, tools around in a BMW and womanizes to the max. Then one of his buddies bets him he can’t get engaged to three women in three months time. The women (who are to be chosen by Harmon’s pal): Lesley Ann Warren (she happens to be married); Madeleine Stowe (an eccentric concert pianist); and Maria Halvoe (a beauty who works for a pro football team). Harmon’s got his work cut out for him. TV director Will Mackenzie (“Moonlighting”) makes his feature debut (Fox, late summer).

“YOUNG EINSTEIN”-- Australia’s Yahoo Serious (seriously) directs/co-produces/co-writes/stars in this farce which purports to reveal the real, down-under lowdown on the greatest mind (and hair style) of the 20th Century--Albert Einstein! This off-beat film, which also involves rock ‘n’ roll, has proved hotter than “E.T.” and even “Crocodile Dundee” down Aussie way (Warners, late summer).

“ UNTITLED SYLVESTER STALLONE” --Psychological drama, with Our Hero--Sylvester Stallone--as a prison inmate who’s got to outwit ruthless, vengeful warden Donald Sutherland. May end up being titled “Lock-Up.” Yo! John Flynn (“Best-Seller”) directs. Lawrence Gordon and Charles Gordon produce (Tri-Star, late summer).