We’ve reached that time of year again.

When grinning studio execs are weighed down by the bank notes lining their pockets.

When poor cinema ushers have to deal with inhumane levels of leftover popcorn and chocolate wrappers.

When darkened, talk-restricted screening rooms become increasingly popular despite the glowing rays of sunshine outside – hopefully.

It’s summer blockbuster season and 2015 promises an enticing mix of the familiar (Avengers: Age of Ultron, Jurassic Park) and the fresh (Tomorrowland, Ant-Man).

Last year offered more hits than misses; Marvel exceeded expectations with their retro-infused wit-fest Guardians of the Galaxy, while director Matt Reeves upped the ante with his Apes sequel.

Perhaps it is fitting that this summer season should kick-off with one of the most recognisable movie series going, relaying a film apparently etched with inventiveness and high-energy: Fast & Furious 7.

Despite initially revving its engines all the way back in 2001, each new release has signified a growth in popularity for the car-based franchise with this latest outing well on its way to grossing $1billion worldwide.

It stars an ensemble cast boasting the likes of Vin Diesel, Paul Walker (this his last film after the actor’s tragic death in November 2013), Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham and Jordana Brewster.

Early reviews have sung its praises, describing the movie as both a blisteringly ridiculous stunt show and a fitting tribute to Walker. Modern horror connoisseur James Wan is at the helm, a risky decision that seems to have paid off.

By many accounts, Fast & Furious 7 is a superb beginning to a highly anticipated summer blockbuster season that brims with potential.

However, the commencement of sunshine doesn’t mean Goliath movies are our only available cinematic thirst-quenchers.

Also out this week is While We’re Young, from indie devotee Noah Baumbach.

It stars Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts as a married couple going through a collective mid-life crisis who are reinvigorated by their younger counterparts, Adam Driver and Amanda Seyfried.

Plaudits have been forthcoming for this, a piece that sounds like a mellower independent reimagining of 2014’s Bad Neighbours. Russell Crowe is back on the big screen in The Water Diviner, this also the actor’s first foray behind the camera. Crowe directs himself as a man searching for his three sons who left to fight in the Battle of Gallipoli.

Set shortly after the conclusion of WWI, The Water Diviner bears a story unsurprisingly epic in content and with fairly clear cut morals.

Finally, released on Easter Monday to presumably maximise audience numbers, The Duff has been coined this decade’s Mean Girls.

Mae Whitman assumes the role of Lindsay Lohan – the teenager striving to conform socially – while Robbie Amell and Bella Thorne are also on hand in likely equally recognisable roles.

Whether or not the teen comedy will manage to capture the intricacies of contemporary high school life scrutinised so well in Mean Girls remains to be seen.

Let’s just hope The Duff doesn’t live up to its name.