65 Movies I’m Looking Forward to in 2011

How is 2011 faring so far in the movie department? I haven’t been all that crazy about most of the movies so far, but there are a few standouts.

harry-potter-deathly-hallows-part-2-posterThe Company Men’ gets my “favorite movie of the year” award so far, with ‘Unknown’ a close second, despite the predictable ending. Surprisingly, I also liked ‘Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.’ Who doesn’t love the talented-teen-makes-good kind of movie? Of course, the movie came out before he flipped off photographers during his birthday celebration. Hey, I guess everyone has a breaking point.

The worst movies so far? ‘Just Go With It’ and ‘The Dilemma.’ Yeah, already fading into the dark recesses of my memory.

Follow me after the jump to check out 65 movies I’m super-excited to see in 2011. Ok, maybe not super-excited, but at least mildly-excited.

Then tell me your favorites in the comments below. Any movies you’re absolutely stoked to see this year?

MARCH

‘The Adjustment Bureau

Release Date: Mar. 4
Starring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Anthony Mackie, Shohreh Aghdashloo, John Slattery
What It’s About: A congressman (Damon) meets and falls for a ballet dancer (Blunt). But a mysterious group of men in suits and fedoras tries to keep them apart, claiming that our fate ultimately isn’t in our own hands.
Reel Buzz: Based loosely on the Philip K. Dick story ‘Adjustment Team,’ this sci-fi thriller reminds me a little of Damon’s ‘Bourne Identity’ role. The trailer looks sleek and stylish, even though with that fedora, I can’t help but think of Slattery’s Roger Sterling character from ‘Mad Men.’ Damon and Blunt look like a good pair.
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Rango

Release Date: Mar. 4
Starring: Johnny Depp, Abigail Breslin, Isla Fisher
What It’s About: Depp voices a chameleon with an identity crisis who ends up as the sheriff of an Old West town.
Reel Buzz: Depp’s character is reportedly based on gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, whom he played in ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.’ Who knows whether the blend of wayfaring druggie and eccentric lizard will make for family movie gold, but based on the hilarity of the ‘Rango’ trailer, I say yes.
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Jane Eyre

Release Date: Mar. 11
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench
What It’s About: Adapted from the classic novel by Charlotte Bronte, the story follows a meek governness who slowly falls in love with her employer, despite her knowledge of his awful secret.
Reel Buzz: I love a good period film, and this modern adaption boasts a stellar cast. Director Cary Fukunaga has said he plans to focus on the darker elements of the novel.
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red-riding-hood-posterRed Riding Hood

Release Date: Mar. 11
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Shiloh Fernandez, Julie Christie, Gary Oldman, Lukas Haas
What It’s About: A dark re-imagining of the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale in which a young girl falls for a woodcutter who turns deadly when the moon is full.
Reel Buzz: Directed by Catherine Hardwicke, who helmed the first ‘Twilight’ movie and coming-of-age film ‘Thirteen,’ this is no cute fairy tale for kids. Could the fairy tale genre be the next teen film franchise?
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The Lincoln Lawyer

Release Date: Mar. 18
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe
What It’s About: Based on the novel by Michael Connelly, the story follows an L.A. defense lawyer (McConaughey) who practices out of his Lincoln Town Car. Things get interesting when he takes on the high-profile case of a wealthy playboy (Phillippe) whose guilt or innocence may not be as cut-and-dried as it seems.
Reel Life Buzz: I’m looking forward to seeing McConaughey return to the courtroom a la his role in ‘A Time To Kill.’ That and Phillippe’s turn to the dark side make this a must-see thriller.
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Paul

Release Date: Mar. 18
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig
What It’s About: British geeks on a cross-country trip across America encounter a real-life alien named Paul outside Area 51. The guys find romance, avoid dark government agents, and have a jolly good time with the wise-cracking extraterrestrial.
Reel Buzz: Featuring talents from ‘Saturday Night Live,’ ‘Shaun of the Dead’ and the Judd Apatow team, this movie looks to bring the funny in a big way.
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Sucker Punch

Release Date: Mar. 25
Starring: Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, Jena Malone
What It’s About: A disturbed young woman must defeat her captors by escaping to a fantasy world full of threats, allies and crazy weapons.
Reel Buzz: Director Zack Snyder has a fan base with ‘300’ and ‘Watchmen’ audiences, and it’s always fun seeing a kick-ass female character.
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Also in Theaters: ‘Take Me Home Tonight’ (Mar. 4); ‘Battle: Los Angeles’ (Mar. 11); ‘Mars Needs Moms’ (Mar. 11); ‘Beastly’ (Mar. 18); ‘Limitless’ (Mar. 18); ‘Miral’ (Mar. 25)
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hop-poster APRIL

Hop

Release Date: Apr. 1
Starring: Russell Brand, James Marsden, Kaley Cuoco, Elizabeth Perkins, Hugh Laurie
What It’s About: This animated comedy follows Fred (Marsden), a slacker whose life gets interesting when an accident results in him acquiring an odd, furry roommate. That would be the Easter Bunny (Brand).
Reel Buzz: Not always a fan of Brand here, but this movie looks adorable. It also looks to appeal to all ages, which always makes for good family viewing.
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Arthur

Release Date: Apr. 8
Starring: Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Greta Gerwig, Jennifer Garner, Nick Nolte
What It’s About: Dudley Moore may be gone, but his iconic role in the original film will go down in cinematic history. In this remake, Russell Brand takes on the role of a billionaire who risks losing his inheritance when he falls in love with a shoplifting waitress (Gerwig).
Reel Buzz: Brand should do well with the loud-mouthed character, though I’m guessing he probably won’t score an Oscar nomination like Moore did with the original. I’m mostly looking forward to seeing Mirren play his no-nonsense butler.
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Your Highness

Release Date: Apr. 8
Starring: Danny McBride, James Franco, Natalie Portman, Zooey Deschanel, Justin Theroux
What It’s About: This R-rated comedy involves a quest, a villain, and two princes (McBride, Franco) trying to save their kingdom.
Reel Buzz: I must admit, this movie doesn’t look as good as director David Gordon Green’s ‘Pineapple Express.’ But I’m still a fan of the cast and will definitely check it out.
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Rio

Release Date: Apr. 15
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, George Lopez
What It’s About: This animated adventure follows a sheltered, lonely bird from Minnesota who travels to the exotic jungles of Brazil to find what he believes to be the only other bird of his kind.
Reel Buzz: This is from the creators of the ‘Ice Age’ trilogy, and while the third film lacked something – well, almost everything — maybe this one will fare better as a fun family flick.
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Scream 4

Release Date: Apr. 15
Starring: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere
What It’s About: The Ghost Face killer returns to Woodsboro for another round of thrills and chills.
Reel Buzz: Fans of the ‘Scream’ franchise will show up in droves, especially since Neve Campbell is reprising her role as Sidney Prescott. But with Emma Roberts, Kristen Bell and other newbies, the movie should attract new fans, as well.
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Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family

Release Date: Apr. 22
Starring: Loretta Devine, Tyler Perry
What It’s About: After receiving bad news about her health, a woman (Devine) calls upon Madea (Perry) to bring her family together.
Reel Buzz: I admit I’ve never really glommed onto the Madea franchise like some moviegoers, but I’m still hoping one of them will grab me. Ok, probably not, but you never know.
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water-for-elephants-poster-2 ‘Water for Elephants’

Release Date: Apr. 22
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon
What It’s About: After his parents are killed, a veterinary student (Pattinson) joins a traveling circus as their animal vet.
Reel Buzz: While I thought Pattinson and Witherspoon seemed like an odd pairing, perhaps this movie will help him to move beyond the ‘Twilight’ series.
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‘Fast Five

Release Date: Apr. 29
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Joaquim de Almeida, Jordana Brewster
What It’s About: The final chapter (or so they say) of the ‘Fast and Furious’ series reunites every star from every installment to pull off one last gigantic job in Brazil — all while being chased by a muscular federal agent (Johnson).
Reel Buzz: It’s a thrill ride a minute complete with fast cars, crashes, explosions and fun.
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Also in Theaters: ‘Born to Be Wild’ (Apr. 8); ‘Hanna’ (Apr. 8) ‘Soul Surfer’ (Apr. 15); ‘Source Code’ (Apr. 15) ‘African Cats’ (Apr. 22); ‘Born to Be a Star’ (Apr. 22); ‘Prom’ (Apr. 29); ‘What’s Your Number?’ (Apr. 29)
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MAY

thor-posterThor

Release Date: May 6
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Jaimie Alexander, Anthony Hopkins
What It’s About: A disgraced deity (Hemsworth) must redeem himself on Earth.
Reel Buzz: Marvel fans will flock to theaters to see this comic-based movie, and the rest might go to see Portman and Hopkins.
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Bridesmaids

Release Date: May 13
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph
What It’s About: Two women fight over planning their friend’s wedding party.
Reel Buzz: Sounds like a lot of romantic comedies revolving around nuptials. The difference is that this one is directed by Paul Feig, produced by ‘Knocked Up’s’ Judd Apatow and stars/is written by ‘Saturday Night Live’ comedian Wiig. For some reason, I’m not a huge fan of hers, but we’ll see how she does with this film.
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Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Release Date: May 20
Starring: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, Astrid Bergés-Frisbey, Geoffrey Rush
What It’s About: Captain Jack Sparrow returns to search for the legendary Fountain of Youth with some old friends, a new love interest, and Blackbeard in hot pursuit.
Reel Buzz: I’m not sure about Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley missing from the cast, but the additions of Cruz and McShane should be interesting.
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‘The Beaver’

Release Date: May 20
Starring: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence, Cherry Jones
What It’s About: A depressed dad (Gibson) finds a beaver hand puppet and uses it to re-connect with his wife and kids.
Reel Buzz: Gibson’s comeback film? Maybe. Directed by Foster, this movie was delayed from last summer’s original release date until Gibson’s insensitive rantings blew over. Too soon to tell whether audiences will flock to theaters to see him.
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The Hangover: Part II

Release Date: May 26
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha
What It’s About: Stu (Helms) is getting married, and the pals head to Bangkok for the nuptials.
Reel Buzz: I loved the first movie, but must admit I’m a little skeptical on whether they can produce comedy gold again. But I have high hopes because the original cast – as well as the behind-the-scenes team — is returning. Look for Bill Clinton in a cameo.
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kung-fu-panda-2-posterKung Fu Panda: The Kaboom of Doom

Release Date: May 27
Starring: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, Michelle Yeoh
What It’s About: Po (Black) is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five.
Reel Buzz: DreamsWorks scored big with the first movie, and this sequel looks to follow suit. Black was made to play – and embrace — the role of the chubby panda.
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‘The Tree of Life’

Release Date: May 27
Starring: Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, Sean Penn
What It’s About: Directed by Terrence Malick, this 1950’s era film revolves around the emotional and psychological effects of conflicting parental roles in a young boy’s life.
Reel Buzz: Gorgeous cinematography, a stellar cast, and a blend of drama, sci-fi and fantasy genres make this an interesting film.

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Also in Theaters: ‘Jumping the Broom’ (May 6); ‘Priest’ (May 13)
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JUNE

X-Men: First Class
Release Date:
Jun. 3
Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon, Caleb Landry Jones, January Jones, Jennifer Lawrence
What It’s About: This prequel to the blockbuster film series reveals a young Magneto and Professor X before they became bitter enemies. They lead a team of teenage mutants against the villainous Hellfire Club.
Reel Buzz: ‘Kick-Ass’ director Matthew Vaughn helms this film — a 1960s-era ambience a la James Bond. Hopefully, it’ll give the X-Men movie franchise a burst of creative energy.
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Super 8

Release Date: Jun. 8
Starring: Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler
What It’s About: Few details are known about this J.J. Abrams-Steven Spielberg film. But we do know it takes place in the late 1970s and revolves around a group of kids who capture footage of an alien.
Reel Buzz: Despite the film’s eccentric title (no, it’s not about a motel chain or a Detroit highway), this movie looks ultra-geeky for sci-fi fans.
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green-lantern-posterThe Green Lantern

Release Date: Jun. 17
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Tim Robbins, Angela Bassett
What It’s About: A lowly test pilot gets his hands on a magical green ring that gives him awesome powers and membership into a group of elite, intergalactic superheroes.
Reel Buzz: Well, Ryan Reynolds IS the ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ (right?), so I’m sure his six-packed abs will get plenty of screen time. I just hope this movie is better than Seth Rogen’s ‘The Green Hornet.’
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Bad Teacher

Release Date: Jun. 24
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Jason Segel
What It’s About: A recently dumped middle school teacher (Diaz) goes after a bodacious substitute (Timberlake), who just happens to be really rich. He also has a girlfriend.
Reel Buzz: Considering that Timberlake and Diaz used to be a real-life couple, I wonder if their chemistry will translate to the big screen. It could be funny, or it could be really bad.
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‘Caesar: Rise of the Apes’

Release Date: Jun. 24
Starring: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Andy Serkis, Brian Cox
What It’s About: Things get wacky when a race of super-smart apes form an uprising against the scientists who created them.
Reel Buzz: Are you sick of James Franco yet? I’m not, and will gladly see what he does as the lead in this movie. We also get to see Gollum – I mean, Andy Serkis – again, too.
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Cars 2

Release Date: Jun. 24
Starring: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine
What It’s About: This sequel to the popular Pixar film finds Lightning McQueen and Mater traveling across the globe to compete in the World Grand Prix. Along the way, they get caught up in an international game of espionage with a cast of exotic new characters.
Reel Buzz: More fun hi-jinks from the four-wheeled characters, but there’s just as much buzz about the brand new short starring Ken & Barbie from ‘Toy Story 3’ that’s premiering with the movie.
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Also in Theaters: ‘Beginners’ (Jun. 3)
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JULY

‘Larry Crowne’

Release Date: Jul. 1
Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Bryan Cranston, Nia Vardalos
What It’s About: After getting laid off, a pleasant fellow (Hanks) goes back to college and catches the eye of his professor (Roberts).
Reel Buzz: I love both Hanks and Roberts, and it’s been a few years since we’ve seen either of them – and together, no less – in a live-action comedy. Sounds fun.
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Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Release Date: Jul. 1
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Tyrese Gibson, John Malkovich
What It’s About: In the final chapter (so they say) of Michael Bay’s franchise, the Autobots learn of a special Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon. It’s a race against the Decepticons to reach the spacecraft first and learn its secrets.
Reel Buzz: Let’s be real. The second movie, ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,’ just wasn’t that great. But Bay promises a darker, more character-driven, action-packed conclusion with this film. For better or worse, it’s also in 3D.
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Zookeeper

Release Date: Jul. 8
Starring: Kevin James, Adam Sandler, Sylvester Stallone and Cher
What It’s About: Bumbling zookeeper (James) tries to score the girl of his dreams with the help of an all-star cast of talking animals.
Reel Buzz: Wait, who’s in the cast? Yes, Stallone and Cher. I love Kevin James’s brand of goofy comedy and am looking forward to this one.
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II

Release Date: Jul. 15
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes
What It’s About: Harry Potter and his friends seek to destroy the last of Voldemort’s horcruxes, but when the Dark Lord discovers their intentions, the three wizards must summon all their strength to take him down.
Reel Buzz: This final installment of ‘Harry Potter’ stands to be huge (Oscar-worthy?). And since I haven’t read the last book, I’m looking forward to seeing who lives and dies.
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winnie-the-pooh-posterWinnie the Pooh

Release Date: Jul. 15
Starring: John Cleese, Craig Ferguson, Jim Cummings (one of the original voices of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger)
What It’s About: Based on the beloved ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ books, this movie chronicles five as-yet unadapted stories from the books — including Eeyore losing his tail and the gang searching for a creature known as Backson.
Reel Buzz: Who doesn’t love Winnie the Pooh? Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, the stories are sweet and innocent, and it’s been a while since we’ve had a big-screen Pooh film. Plus, the animation is hand-drawn – an increasingly rare phenomenon these days.
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Captain America: The First Avenger

Release Date: Jul. 22
Starring: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving
What It’s About: The most patriotic superhero of all-time gets the summer blockbuster treatment! We get to see how the legend originated in this World War II-era adventure that pits the superhero against the Nazi leader known as Red Skull.
Reel Buzz: This movie bridges the Marvel story between ‘Thor’ (see above) and ‘The Avengers’ (upcoming in 2012). It also looks to be a fun action adventure that’ll appeal to both comic fans and non-comic fans alike.
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Friends With Benefits

Release Date: July 22
Starring: Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis
What It’s About: A young female headhunter (Kunis) convinces a potential recruit (Timberlake) to leave his job in San Francisco and accept a job in New York.
Reel Buzz: Similar to the Natalie Portman/Ashton Kutcher dramedy ‘No Strings Attached,’ it’s directed by ‘Easy A’ helmer Will Gluck. Translated, that means it should be better than ‘Strings,’ which I didn’t really like.
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Cowboys & Aliens

Release Date: Jul. 29
Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell, Paul Dano
What It’s About: Nineteenth century lawmen take a break from feuding with local Native Americans to fend off an alien invasion that’s bent on enslaving humanity.
Reel Buzz: Despite the fact that audiences are laughing themselves silly over the trailer (not the intended reaction, I’m guessing), this movie looks to be a hit, thanks to the premise, the cast, the source material, director Jon Favreau, and the Comic Con buzz. Plus, we get to see Harrison Ford fight some aliens.
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Also in Theaters: ‘Monte Carlo’ (Jul. 1); ‘One for the Money’ (Jul. 8); ‘The Sitter’ (Jul. 15); ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’ (Jul. 28); ‘Horrible Bosses’ (Jul. 29)
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AUGUST

smurfs-poster ‘The Smurfs

Release Date: Aug. 3
Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Jonathan Winters, Katy Perry and Paul Reubens
What It’s About: The beloved cartoon series gets a live-action 3-D makeover! The story follows those magical blue creatures as they’re transported to New York City and taken in by a young man (Harris) who must help them get their world back, all the while evading the evil wizard Gargamel.
Reel Buzz: Look, it’s the Smurfs, so this movie will be awesome. Right? Ok, even if you weren’t a fan of the TV series, you have to admit that NPH is darn charming.
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’30 Minutes or Less’

Release Date: Aug. 12
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride, Aziz Ansari
What It’s About: A hapless pizza delivery boy (Eisenberg) is kidnapped by two incompetent criminals, who strap a bomb to his chest and force him to rob a bank in under 30 minutes.
Reel Buzz: Can we say dark comedy? You’ve got the combo of director Ruben Fleischer (‘Zombieland’) and hot talent Eisenberg to deliver the goods. And pizza. And cash.
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‘The Help’

Release Date: Aug. 12
Starring: Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia L. Spencer, Emma Stone
What It’s About: Set in 1960s Mississippi, this film follows a young writer who convinces several black women to share their experiences working as maids for white families.
Reel Buzz: Based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett, Oscar nominee Viola Davis (‘Doubt’) plays Aibileen, the first and most influential maid to be interviewed. Sounds promising.
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‘Mr. Popper’s Penguins’

Release Date: Aug. 12
Starring: Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Angela Lansbury
What It’s About: A businessman inherits six penguins, who slowly start transforming his apartment, his job and his life.
Reel Buzz: ‘Ace Ventura’ remix? Maybe. This movie looks to return to the Jim Carrey of old, complete with his elastic face and impressive voice talents.
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Also in Theaters: ‘The Change-Up’ (Aug. 5); ‘The Darkest Hour’ (Aug. 5); ‘Conan the Barbarian’ (Aug. 19); ‘Fright Night’ (Aug. 19); ‘Spy Kids 4’ (Aug. 19); ‘Final Destination 5’ (Aug. 26)
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SEPTEMBER

‘Warrior’

Starring: Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte
Release Date: Sept. 9
What It’s About: Tom Hardy stars as a troubled ex-Marine who’s forced to confront a troubled relationship with his estranged brother as they compete in a mixed martial arts tournament.
Reel Buzz: The buzz is still strong around Tom Hardy after his impressive breakout performance as Eames in ‘Inception.’
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‘Abduction’

Release Date: Sept. 23
Starring: Taylor Lautner, Lily Collins, Alfred Molina
What It’s About: ‘Twilight’ werewolf Taylor Lautner stars as a teen who sets out to discover the truth about himself after finding his baby photo on a missing persons website.
Reel Buzz: In Lautner’s first major role beyond the ‘Twilight’ series, we’ll see if it positions him to become the next big action star.
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‘Moneyball’

Release Date: Sept. 23
Starring: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman
What It’s About: Based on Michael Lewis’ bestselling book, this film tracks the success of Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane (Pitt), whose unorthodox approach to scouting transforms the cash-starved A’s into one of the most competitive teams in baseball.
Reel Buzz: After going through three directors – including Steven Soderbergh – this film looks to be a hit with current director Bennett Miller (‘Capote’) and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin. And Pitt as the charismatic Beane is great casting.
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‘Now’

Release Date: Sept. 30
Starring: Olivia Wilde, Amanda Seyfried, Justin Timberlake
What It’s About: Imagine a world where anyone can live forever … if they can pay for it, that is. That’s the premise in this sci-fi film from the director of ‘Gattica’ and ‘The Truman Show.’
Reel Buzz: Since the characters aren’t supposed to age past 25 years, look for a sexy and young cast to inhabit this Andrew Niccol-directed film.
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Also in Theaters: ‘The Apparition’ (Sept. 9); ‘Drive’ (Sept. 16); ‘Johnny English Reborn’ (Sept. 16); ‘Piranha 3DD’ (Sept. 16); ‘Straw Dogs’ (Sept. 16); ‘The Thing’ (Sept. 16); ‘Dolphin Tale’ (Sept. 23)
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OCTOBER

Real Steel

Release Date: Oct. 7
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Anthony Mackie, Evangeline Lilly
What It’s About: Jackman plays a down-and-out robot boxing promoter who gets a lift when he thinks he’s found a champion in a discarded robot.
Reel Buzz: A mix of ‘Rocky’ and ‘Transformers,’ this movie is like watching your favorite robot action figures come to life and beat the crap out of each other. Plus, it’s got Hugh Jackman.
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‘Wanderlust’

Release Date: Oct. 7
Starring: Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston, Malin Akerman
What It’s About: A typical urban couple enter a commune after losing all of their worldly possessions. Directed by David Wain (‘Role Models,’ ‘Wet Hot American Summer’).
Reel Buzz: A comedy by Judd Apatow, David Wain and Paul Rudd? Most excellent.
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‘Footloose’

Release Date: Oct. 14
Starring: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Dennis Quaid, Andie MacDowell
What It’s About: This is a remake of the iconic 1984 classic that starred Kevin Bacon as a big-city rebel who moves to a small town where dancing has been banned. Of course, he tries to bring dancing back for good.
Reel Buzz: Directed by ‘Hustle & Flow’ helmer Craig Brewer, look for a sexier, moodier version of the original.
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‘Contagion’

Release Date: Oct. 21
Starring: Matt Damon, Marion Cotillard, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet
What It’s About: An all-star cast appears as an international team of doctors in this Steven Soderbergh film about a contagious disease outbreak.
Reel Buzz: Described as ‘The Bourne Identity’ meets ‘Traffic,’ this sci-fi thriller is rumored to be one of the last films of Soderbergh, who’s talking about retiring.
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Paranormal Activity 3

Release Date: Oct. 21
Starring: Katie Featherston
What It’s About: This third film looks to deliver plenty more frights and thrills.
Reel Buzz: We don’t know much about the film at this writing, but with the series creator and the director of the second installment returning, I expect good things.
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Also in Theaters: ‘The Three Musketeers’ (Oct. 14)
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NOVEMBER

Puss in Boots

Release Date: Nov. 4
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis
What It’s About: The beloved feline from the last two Shrek adventures gets his very own movie.
Reel Buzz: Even in the less fantastic Shrek films, Banderas has always worked the feline role.
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‘Tower Heist’

Release Date: Nov. 4
Starring: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Tea Leoni, Matthew Broderick, Casey Affleck, Alan Alda
What It’s About: Stiller leads a team of blue-collar workers who plot revenge against the wealthy businessman who screwed them over by concocting an elaborate Ponzi scheme to rob his high-rise tower.
Reel Buzz: Director Brett Ratner has loaded his cast with an eclectic collection of big names and a ripped-from-the-headlines story a la Bernie Madoff.
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‘Jack and Jill’
Release Date: Nov. 11
Starring: Adam Sandler, Katie Holmes, Al Pacino
What It’s About: Sandler stars as Jack and Jill, a pair of fraternal twins who do not get along. Holmes plays the wife of Jack, and Pacino stars as … himself.
Reel Buzz: If you’ve ever watched an Adam Sandler movie where he falls down, farts and generally acts like a major goofball, and thought to yourself, “This is pretty good, but it’d be even better if there were two of him”? Yeah, me either.
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‘Happy Feet 2’

Release Date: Nov. 18
Starring: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams and Pink
What It’s About: Mumble and Ramon go on another snow-covered adventure featuring new penguins and new songs.
Reel Buzz: Director George Miller and the Animal Logic animation studio are re-teaming to create another CGI wonderland – this time in 3D (but of course). The first film won an Oscar for its animation, and moviegoers can expect another hit with more ultra-cute characters.
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‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part I’

Release Date: Nov. 18
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner
What It’s About: Romance is in the air for Bella and Edward, as our favorite inter-species couple moves one step closer to marriage and – yep, spoilers! — babies.
Reel Buzz: Oscar-winning director Bill Condon is behind the camera, which only bodes well for this already hugely successful franchise based on Stephenie Meyer’s books.
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The Muppets

Release Date: Nov. 23
Starring: Jason Segel, Amy Adams
What It’s About: Kermit the Frog and his Muppet friends band together in order to save their old theater from destruction.
Reel Buzz: Look, they’re Muppets, they’re coming back to the big screen, and they’re saving an old theater. That’s plenty to get you to the theater, isn’t it?
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Also in Theaters: ‘Immortals’ (Nov. 11); ‘Arthur Christmas’ (Nov. 23)
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DECEMBER

‘Hugo Cabret’

Release Date: Dec. 9
Starring: Ben Kingsley, Jude Law, Sacha Baron Cohen
What It’s About: Martin Scorsese adapts the historical fantasy novel about an orphaned boy who encounters pioneering silent filmmaker and toymaker Georges Melies, and is transported into a magical adventure in Paris.
Reel Buzz: Based on the book by Brian Selznick, this film mixes Victorian history with early  20th century history. Sounds like a winner – and something different — especially with Scorsese behind the camera.
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‘New Year’s Eve’

Release Date: Dec. 9
Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert De Niro
What It’s About: Various love stories intersect and reach their climax on New Year’s Eve in New York City.
Reel Buzz: A sort-of sequel to the 2010 romantic comedy ‘Valentine’s Day,’ this star-studded film from director Garry Marshall could either be great or too complex with too many people and stories to follow. We’ll see which side it falls on.
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Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked

Release Date: Dec. 16
Starring: Jason Lee
What It’s About: This third installment of the series finds the Chipmunks and Chipettes shipwrecked – make that chipwrecked — in Hawaii.
Reel Buzz: I’m hoping beyond hope this movie is good, because I liked the first two movies. The 3D format makes me skeptical.
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‘Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol’

Release Date: Dec. 16
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton
What It’s About: Tom Cruise returns, leading a new team of undercover agents in a global  adventure.
Reel Buzz: I love Tom Cruise. There, I’ve said it. And the fact that he’s already filmed a dangerous stunt for this movie on top of the world’s tallest building only heightens my interest.
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‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’

Release Date: Dec. 16
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Stephen Fry, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris
What It’s About: Not much is known about the plot of this sequel, but we do know that Harris will be playing Sherlock’s legendary nemesis, Moriarty.
Reel Buzz: I’m just as excited as all of you to see how Rapace does with her first major role after the ‘Dragon Tattoo’ series.
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‘The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’

Release Date: December 21
Starring: Rooney Mara, Daniel Craig, Christopher Plummer
What It’s About: A young computer whiz (Mara) and a reporter (Craig) dig into a series of cold-file murders.
Reel Buzz: Based on the popular novels by Stieg Larsson, I’m super-excited to see how this originally-Swedish movie fares with an English version. Plus, there’s Rooney Mara’s big breakout performance and yet another David Fincher film.
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‘The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn’

Release Date: Dec. 23
Starring: Jamie Bell, Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost
What It’s About: The beloved comic strip about world-traveling boy adventurer Tintin and his dog Snowy comes to the big screen in a 3D motion capture blockbuster, the first in a three-part trilogy.
Reel Buzz: This first part is directed by Steven Spielberg, the second film by Peter Jackson and the final film co-directed by both men. Combine that pedigree with awesome visual effects, and ‘Tintin’ is poised to be ‘Avatar’ meets ‘The Lord of the Rings.’
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‘We Bought a Zoo’

Release Date: Dec. 23
Starring: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church, Patrick Fugit
What It’s About: After a man’s wife dies, he buys a zoo in an attempt to reunite his family.
Reel Buzz: Based on the autobiographical memoir by Benjamin Mee, this is writer-director Cameron Crowe’s first movie in six years.
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‘War Horse’

Release Date: Dec. 28
Starring: Jeremy Irvine, David Thewlis, Emily Watson, Benedict Cumberbatch
What It’s About: Based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel, the film follows the bond between a young boy and his horse during World War I.
Reel Buzz: B Unless you watched the Disney TV series ‘Life Bites’ in 2009, you’ve probably never heard of Jeremy Irvine. I’m looking forward to seeing how he does in his first big-screen role. Plus, it’s a Spielberg film.

Comments

  1. Melanie Avatar

    Wow, that is quite a list. Can’t say most of them do it for me, but a few have me on the edge of my seat-too bad most of those are late in the year!

  2. Sheryl Avatar

    Wow. I’m exhausted just reading this list. Can’t wait for Jane Eyre, Water for Chocolate and The Help.

  3. los angeles ca maids Avatar

    Soo many to choose from. But from the earlier ones, these are the movies that I will be waiting for: Water for Elephants, Thor, Pirates of the Carribean, Kungfu Panda, Xmen, The Green lantern, and many more.

  4. sarah henry Avatar

    Gosh, that’s a long list of films, and yet not that many made me want to go to the movies. Interesting to hear your take on the two recent romcoms “Strings” and the Jennifer Aniston vehicle (can’t recall the name now). Sound like a Netflix night at best or maybe even don’t bother.

  5. Alfee Avatar

    Can’t wait for Sherlock Holmes A Game Of Shadows. I really liked the first one so I hope this won’t be disappointing.

  6. Jac Evans Avatar

    Hi Jane
    I see all of these movies but Thor is the best one. Its a very nice and inspiring movie.
    thanks,

  7. Marissa Avatar
    Marissa

    I’ve seen some of these 2011 movies. I like Bridesmaids – really funny movie, Adjustment Bureau – I love the love story in it, Footloose – very entertaining and has good lessons (I just watched it with my family one hour ago).

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