Monday, August 29, 2011

2011 Movies Preview: 75 Films We Can't Wait to See This Year



Could 2011 be a great year for movies? So far, all signs point to "yes." Moviefone has you covered with our list of the most anticipated 2011 movies, from the final installment of 'Harry Potter' to Ryan Reynolds in 'The Green Lantern' to Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' -- not to mention smaller movies like Terrence Malick's 'Tree of Life' and the Nick Frost/Simon Pegg alien comedy 'Paul.'



After the jump, check out our list of the 75 (yep, 75 -- because we're overachievers that way) movies to see in 2011.


JANUARY




'The Dilemma'
Release Date: Jan. 14
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Winona Ryder, Jennifer Connelly, Channing Tatum
What It's About: Vince Vaughn can't decide if he should tell his best friend (James) that his wife (Ryder) is cheating on him; the longer he waits, the more hijinks ensue.
The Buzz: With James and Vaughn under the directing eye of Ron Howard, this will be the most affable way to survive the dismal January box office.

'The Green Hornet'
Release Date: Jan. 14
Starring: Seth Rogen, Cameron Diaz, Jay Chou, Christoph Waltz
What It's About: One of America's oldest superheroes makes his big-screen debut, as a modern L.A. spoiled playboy by day, crime-fighter by night (Rogen), aided by the butt-kicking kung fu-master Kato (Chou).
The Buzz: Slacker comedy king Seth Rogen, visionary director Michel Gondry and breakout Asian star Jay Chou (stepping into a role made famous by Bruce Lee) might actually make this off-beat comic book movie ... genuinely entertaining.

'No Strings Attached'
Release Date: Jan. 21
Starring: Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher
What It's About: Two best friends (Portman and Kutcher) try to have a casual fling, only to discover they actually have feelings for each other.
The Buzz: Sure, the plot may look a little predictable, but after Portman's Oscar-worthy performance in 'Black Swan,' we'll see her in anything. Plus, we'll admit that she and Kutcher look adorable together.

'The Mechanic'
Release Date: Jan. 28
Starring: Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Donald Sutherland, Tony Goldwyn
What It's About: A world-class assassin trains a loose cannon on the rotten villain who killed his mentor.
The Buzz: The remake of a Charles Bronson flick comes with an R rating (and trailer), which has certainly piqued the interest of the action fans.

Also in Theaters: 'The Company Men' (Jan. 21); 'The Way Back' (Jan. 21); 'From Prada to Nada' (Jan. 28); 'The Rite' (Jan. 28);


FEBRUARY


'The Roommate'
Release Date: Feb. 4
Starring: Leighton Meester, Minka Kelly
What It's About: An unsuspecting college student (Kelly) gets stuck with the roommate from hell (Meester).
The Buzz: In what looks to be 'Single White Female' for the next generation, audiences should experience thrills and chills from watching Meester's good-girl-gone-crazy performance.

'Just Go With It'
Release Date:
Feb. 11
Starring: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Brooklyn Decker, Bailee Madison, Nicole Kidman
What It's About: Sandler stars as a womanizing sleazeball who uses a fake wedding ring to dupe girls into one-night stands, but when he meets the girl of his dreams (Decker) he needs to create an elaborate scheme that involves a fake divorce from a fake wife, played by Aniston.
The Buzz: With movies like this, it's less about the plot and more about the star-power. There won't be any new twists on the rom-com formula -- or its predictable comedy mix-ups -- so it boils down to whether you want to see a movie co-starring Aniston and Sandler, or not.

'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never'
Release Date: Feb. 11
Starring: Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Jaden Smith
What It's About: A behind-the-scenes look at Justin Bieber on tour, spliced together with interviews and footage that documents his rise to fame.
The Buzz: Justin Bieber ... in 3-D. Need we say more?

'Gnomeo and Juliet'
Release Date: Feb. 11
Starring: James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Stephen Merchant
What It's About: Gnomeo and Juliet, two garden gnomes, find love and as many obstacles to overcome as their quasi-namesakes when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors.
The Buzz: Well, if animated star-crossed gnome lovers doesn't get you in the theater, we don't know what will. Charming British vocal talent is always a plus. It's directed by Kelly Asbury the director behind 'Shrek 2,' and has music by Elton John -- a recipe for cuteness.

'I Am Number Four'
Release Date: Feb. 18
Starring: Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, Teresa Palmer, Dianna Agron, Kevin Durand
What It's About: Based on 'The Lorien Legacies,' this sci-fi thriller chronicles the adventures of John (Pettyfer), an alien from another planet who poses as a typical teen in an attempt to elude a deadly enemy.
The Buzz: With the 'Potter' and 'Twilight' franchises soon coming to an end, this might be the next monster series to look out for. And with Dianna Agron on board, expect Gleeks to flock to theaters in droves.

'Unknown'
Release Date: Feb. 18
Starring: Liam Neeson, January Jones, Diane Kruger, Frank Langella
What It's About: A man (Neeson) loses consciousness and wakes up to find that no one, not even his wife (Jones), recognizes him.
The Buzz: Neeson had a stupendously successful 2010, and he's hitting the ground running this calendar year. 'Unknown' is being compared to his cracking-good 2008 thriller 'Taken' and is definitely looking like a sleeper hit.

'Drive Angry 3-D'
Release Date: Feb. 25
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Amber Heard
What It's About: Cage stars as Milton, a hardened felon who has broken out of Hell intent on finding the vicious cult who brutally murdered his daughter and kidnapped her baby.
The Buzz: The trailer made this look like an insane ride, no pun intended. Heard is a hottie and the movie doesn't claim to be anything but fun. Jesus, take the wheel.

Also in Theaters: 'Sanctum' (Feb. 4); 'The Eagle' (Feb. 11); 'Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son' (Feb. 18); 'Hall Pass' (Feb. 25); 'Shelter' (Feb. 25);


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 shadowy cabal of men in suits tries to keep them apart, claiming that our fate ultimately isn't in our own hands.
The Buzz: Based (loosely) on the Philip K. Dick story 'Adjustment Team,' this sci-fi thriller was originally slated for release last July, and then September, before being moved to this March. Doesn't seem to bode well, yet the trailer is sleek and stylish, and we still have great expectations -- mostly, admittedly, based on how much we love Damon and Blunt.

'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 the sheriff of an Old West town.
The Buzz: Depp's character is supposedly based on gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, who he played in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.' Can turning Thompson into a lizard make a good kids movie? We can't stop here. This is lizard country!

'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.
The Buzz: These romantic novels have been done to death, but this modern adaption boasts a young, stellar cast, and director Cary Fukunaga has been quoted as saying he's going to focus on the "darker elements" of the novel.

'Red 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; here, a young girl falls for a young woodcutter who is deadly when the moon becomes full.
The Buzz: It's directed by Catherine Hardwicke, who did the first 'Twilight' and the harrowing coming-of-age film 'Thirteen.' Plus, a horror take on a fairy tale? What big ambitions you have, grandma!

'The Lincoln Lawyer'
Release Date: Mar. 18
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe
What It's About: An L.A. defense lawyer (McConaughey) who practices out of his Lincoln Town Car 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. Based on the novel by Michael Connelly.
The Buzz: Remember back when McConaughey starred in 'A Time to Kill' and we all thought he'd be the next Gregory Peck? (More or less.) Several bad romantic comedies later, he's returning to the courtroom, and dare we say, we're kind of excited about it. Plus, we can't wait to see Phillippe bring out his deliciously evil side as the potentially villainous client.

'Paul'
Release Date: Mar. 18
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig
What It's About: British geeks going on an America cross-country trip encounter a real-life alien named "Paul" outside Area 51. The geeks find love, avoid dangerous government agents and have an all-around good time with the wise-cracking extra-terrestrial.
The Buzz: This is a cross-continental, all-star comedy team-up, featuring talents from 'Saturday Night Live,' 'Shaun of the Dead' and the Judd Apatow family. It's probably the surest "actually funny" movie of the year.

'The Beaver'
Release Date: Mar. 23
Starring: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence, Cherry Jones
What It's About: A depressed father (Gibson) finds a beaver hand puppet and, improbably, uses it to re-connect with his wife and kids.
The Buzz: The oddball project, directed by Foster, had been seen as being Gibson's comeback vehicle. But fallout from Gibson's insensitive rantings last summer delayed the movie's release date and still threatens to mar this promising, inventive drama.

'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.
The Buzz: The director of '300' and 'Watchmen' (Zack Snyder) isn't exactly subtle, but his first trailer has had fans buzzing for months now.

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)


APRIL


'Hop'
Release Date: Apr. 1
Starring: Russell Brand, James Marsden, Kaley Cuoco, Elizabeth Perkins, Hugh Laurie
What It's About: In somewhat of a twist on the odd couple, this animated comedy follows Fred (Marsden), a lazy young guy whose life gets rather interesting when an accident has him acquiring an odd, furry roommate, the Easter Bunny (Brand).
The Buzz: With funnyman Brand behind the irritating yet lovable Easter Bunny, and a trailer that made us say "aww," we predict 'Hop' will appease both young and old.

'Arthur'
Release Date: Apr. 8
Starring: Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Greta Gerwig, Jennifer Garner, Nick Nolte
What It's About: Russell Brand takes on the role that made Dudley Moore a household name in this much-anticipated remake, about a billionaire who risks losing his inheritence when he falls in love with a shoplifting waitress (Gerwig).
The Buzz: Brand should have no trouble earning laughs as the loud-mouth titular character, though whether the role will earn him an Oscar nomination like it did for Moore remains to be seen. If anything, he'll likely find a great partner in Mirren, who plays his no-nonsense butler.

'Your Highness'
Release Date: Apr. 8
Starring: Danny McBride, James Franco, Natalie Portman, Zooey Deschanel, Justin Theroux
What It's About: An R-rated fantasy/comedy about a quest, a villain and lots of silliness along the way, as two princes (McBride, Franco) try to save their kingdom.
The Buzz: It's got a stellar cast, and the first trailer was hilarious; and if it's as good as 'Pineapple Express' was, director David Gordon Green should have another hit on his hands.

'Rio'
Release Date:
Apr. 15
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, George Lopez
What It's About: It's an animated adventure that 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.
The Buzz: After the disappointing third sequel in the 'Ice Age' trilogy, the same creators have the chance to redeem themselves with this endearing family flick.

'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.
The Buzz: Old-school fans of the popular horror franchise will show up, especially since Neve Campbell is reprising her role as Sidney Prescott. But the movie should attract some new fans as well, thanks to an ensemble that includes everyone from Emma Roberts to Kristen Bell.

'Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family'
Release Date: Apr. 22
Starring: Loretta Devine, Tyler Perry
What It's About: She's baaaaack! After receiving bad news about her health, a woman (Devine) calls upon Madea (Perry) to bring her family together.
The Buzz: After the disappointing drama 'For Colored Girls,' we're ready for Madea to bring a few laughs.

'Water for Elephants'
Release Date: Apr. 22
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon
What It's About: A veterinary student joins a traveling circus as their animal vet after both of his parents are killed.
The Buzz: All eyes are on Pattinson as he takes on another major role outside of the 'Twilight' series; Oscar buzz has already begun.

'Fast Five'
Release Date: Apr. 29
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Joaquim de Almeida, Jordana Brewster
What It's About: It's the final chapter of the 'Fast and Furious' series, reuniting every star from every installment to pull off one last gigantic job in Brazil -- all while being chased by a muscled-up federal agent (Johnson).
The Buzz: Do you like expensive cars, fast cars, car chases, car crashes and cars exploding? If so, you've probably already bought your ticket for this.

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)


MAY


'Thor'
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. Fortunately, he'll get a chance.
The Buzz: Marvel maniacs are a notoriously loyal fan base, but will general audiences flock to a Marvel man who's not exactly 'Spider-Man'? Based on the trailer, we're going to go with yes.

'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, reaching -- we assume -- comedically exaggerated proportions.
The Buzz: It sounds exactly like a lot of previous wedding-based rom-coms, but this one is directed by Paul Feig, produced by 'Knocked Up's' Judd Apatow and stars (and is written by) 'Saturday Night Live' comedian Wiig in the breakout film role that her fans have been waiting for forever.

'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 the very unpleasant Blackbeard in hot pursuit.
The Buzz: Sure, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley are gone. But new cast additions like Ian McShale and Oscar-winning beauty Penelope Cruz should keep Jack on his toes.

'The Hangover: Part II'
Release Date: May 26
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha
What It's About: Our predicament-prone pals take another "man-cation" -- this time for Stu's (Ed Helms) wedding -- and learn that what happens in Bangkok should really stay in Bangkok.
The Buzz: Following the most successful R-rated comedy since 'Beverly Hills Cop,' this highly anticipated sequel, with the same team behind and in front of the camera (not to mention former president Bill Clinton in a cameo), is poised to post similarly boffo numbers. The big question is whether it will be as funny as the original.

'Kung 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, from the first 'Kung Fu Panda,' 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.
The Buzz: The first movie did really well for DreamWorks in the kiddie movie department, and this sequel seems like it follows right in that vein. This one could be a surefire kick in the butt for the studio, always competing with Pixar, in 2011.

'Tree of Life'
Release Date: May 27
Starring: Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, Sean Penn
What It's About: Set primarily in the 1950s, Terrence Malick's 'Tree of Life' revolves around the emotional and psychological effects of conflicting parental roles in a young boy's life.
The Buzz: A stunning cast and beautiful cinematography will likely ease the intensity of the movie's layered plot, which is portrayed in a blend of genres -- drama, sci-fi, fantasy.

Also in Theaters: 'Jumping the Broom' (May 6); 'Priest' (May 13)


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: It's a prequel to the blockbuster film series, showing a young Magneto and Professor X -- before they became bitter enemies -- leading a team of teenage mutants against the villainous Hellfire Club.
The Buzz: 'Kick-Ass' director Matthew Vaughn is the secret weapon of this film; by setting 'First Class' in a James Bond-inspired 1960s, Vaughn's plans to make the first "silver age" comic book movie might give this franchise a burst of fresh, creative energy.

'Super 8'
Release Date: Jun. 8
Starring: Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler
What It's About: In the late 1970s, a group of kids capture footage of an alien, and government craziness ensues (at least that's what we think it's about -- very few details have emerged).
The Buzz: J. J. Abrams (writer-director) plus Steven Spielberg (executive producer) is any movie geek's idea of a good time, and anticipation for the film -- which now may or may not be called 'Darlings' -- has been building ever since an amazing-looking teaser came out last spring.

'Bad Teacher'
Release Date: Jun. 17
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Jason Segel
What It's About: A recently dumped and very foul-mouthed middle school teacher (Diaz) goes after a bodacious substitute (Timberlake), who just happens to possess a fortune -- and a girlfriend.
The Buzz: Former paramours Timberlake and Diaz, together again -- and the tabloids ate it up during filming last year. But will their chemistry translate to the big screen?

'The 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 incredible powers, and also makes him a member of an elite, intergalactic superhero network.
The Buzz: Sexiest Man Alive Ryan Reynolds gives his stacked body plenty of screen time, and comic book zealots are raving online about how accurately the comic book is adapted.

'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 go awry when a race of intelligent apes form an uprising against the scientists who created them.
The Buzz: We have no idea whether this origin story will be brilliant or, well, not. But with Franco in the lead, at least we know it'll be interesting.

'Cars 2'
Release Date: Jun. 24
Starring: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine
What It's About: The next installment of the popular Pixar series sees Lightning McQueen and Mater travel across the globe competing 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.
The Buzz: Your kids have already started bugging you about seeing it; thankfully even the worst Pixar movie is still better than 95 percent of everything else. Plus, 'Cars 2' will feature a brand-new short starring Ken & Barbie from 'Toy Story 3.'

Also in Theaters: 'Beginners' (Jun. 3)


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).
The Buzz: It's been a couple of years since we've seen Tom Hanks in a live-action comedy. And with Julia Roberts on board, it should be a laugh riot.

'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 of Michael Bay's 'Transformers' saga, the Autobots learn of a special Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon, then race against the Decepticons to reach the spacecraft before them and learn its secrets, resulting in one last epic battle of good vs. evil.
The Buzz: After taking a critical lashing with 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,' Michael Bay has promised a darker, more character-driven (but still action-packed) conclusion that will not only wrap up his franchise, but also come served in epic 3-D.

The Zookeeper'Zookeeper'
Release Date: Jul. 8
Starring: Kevin James; the voices of 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.
The Buzz: It's 'Dr. Dolittle' meets 'Night at the Museum' with a little bit of 'Hitch' thrown in. If that sounds like the perfect movie, then 'Zookeeper' was designed specifically for you.

'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 he discovers their intentions, the three wizards must muster all their strength to take down the evil lord in one final battle.
The Buzz: The final installment of 'Harry Potter,' this film stands to be huge; of course everyone wants to know who lives, who dies, and how the whole thing will end.

'Winnie 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 much-beloved children's books 'Winnie-the-Pooh,' this latest entry into the canon follows five as-yet unadapted stories from the books -- including Eeyore losing his tail and the Ashdown Forest gang searching for the creature known as 'Backson.'
The Buzz: Winnie the Pooh fans are die-hard, and there hasn't been a big screen feature-length iteration for over 30 years. Not to mention we get to meet characters we've never seen before, like Rabbit's friends and relations.

'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 he's always deserved. Watch how the legend came to be in a World War II-era adventure pitting Captain America against his most dreaded enemy, the Nazi leader known as Red Skull.
The Buzz: Well, you're already seeing 'Thor,' and if you want to see 'The Avengers' in 2012, you pretty much have to see this to get the full story of Marvel Comic's greatest super-team. But this actually looks like it's going to be a good throwback to square-jawed action and 'Indiana Jones'-style movie-making.

'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 behind his job in San Francisco and accept a job in New York.
The Buzz: This one's similar to the Natalie Portman/Ashton Kutcher movie about choosing casual sex over relationships, 'No Strings Attached,' which comes out first. But this is directed by 'Easy A' impresario Will Gluck, so we have high hopes.

'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.
The Buzz: The premise, the cast, the source material, the director (Jon Favreau) and the Comic Con appearance have all done their job: This one looks to be a hit. (Seriously, who wouldn't want to see Harrison Ford fight some aliens?)

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)


AUGUST


'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, in which the magical miniature blue creatures get transported to New York City and taken in by a young man (Harris) who must help them get back to their world and avoid the evil wizard Gargamel.
The Buzz: Whether it's good or bad is irrelevant. Come next summer, this movie will be everywhere, and your children will absolutely have to see it. Luckily for parents, NPH is just about the most charming man in Hollywood.

'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.
The Buzz: This dark comedy comes from the director (Ruben Fleischer) of the surprise hit 'Zombieland' and features one of the hottest new talents in the industry (Eisenberg). It's all rounded out with some of the fastest-rising names in comedy; by next summer, this could be the perfect blend of young superstars in their prime.

'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, 'The Help' follows a young writer who convinces several black women to share their experiences working as maids for white families.
The Buzz: Oscar nominee Viola Davis ('Doubt'), who plays Aibileen, the first and most influential maid to be interviewed, gives us high hopes for the film, which is based on a bestselling novel by Kathyrn Stockett.

'Mr. Popper's Penguins'
Release Date: Aug. 12
Starring: Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Angela Lansbury
What It's About: A businessman inherits six penguins and they slowly start transforming his apartment, his job and his life.
The Buzz: With its 'Ace Ventura'-like tone and feel, this movie may be a return to the Jim Carrey of old, replete with his elastic face and collection of voices.

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)

SEPTEMBER

'Warrior'
Starring: Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte
Release Date: Sept. 9
What It's About: Tom Hardy, Moviefone's Breakout Star of 2010, stars as a troubled ex-Marine who is forced to confront his troubled relationship with an estranged brother as they compete in a mixed martial arts tournament, the prize for which is the biggest in the sport's history.
The Buzz: After an impressive breakout performance as Eames in 'Inception,' critics and fans are excited for more Tom Hardy.

'Abduction'
Release Date: Sept. 23
Starring: Taylor Lautner, Lily Collins, Alfred Molina
What It's About: 'Twilight' hunk 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.
The Buzz: This will be Lautner's first major lead role away from the 'Twilight' series, and it'll be one that will test just how ready he is (and we are) for him to become Hollywood's next big action star.

'Moneyball'
Release Date:
Sept. 23
Starring: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman
What It's About: The adaptation of Michael Lewis' lively bestselling book 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.
The Buzz: For a time, it looked as though this film might not be made -- it's had three directors attached to it, including Steven Soderbergh. But current helmer Bennett Miller ('Capote') is no slouch, and neither is his screenwriter -- some guy named Aaron Sorkin. And the choice of Pitt to play the ultra-charismatic Beane is nothing short of inspired.

'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's the idea behind this high-concept sci-fi film from the director of 'Gattica' and 'The Truman Show.'
The Buzz: Andrew Niccol has assembled a sexy cast for the film as everyone involved is supposed to be kept from aging past 25 years.

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)

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.
The Buzz: Part 'Rocky,' part 'Transformers' –- it's like watching your favorite robot action figures come to life and beat the crap out of each other. Plus Jackman is always fun to watch.

'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').
The Buzz: A comedy by Judd Apatow, David Wain and Paul Rudd? Sounds like a winning formula to us.

'Footloose'
Release Date: Oct. 14
Starring: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Dennis Quaid, Andie MacDowell
What It's About: A remake of the icnonic 1984 movie that starred Kevin Bacon as a big-city rebel who invades a small town where dancing has been banned. It's there that he takes it upon himself (with help from a few friends) to try to change the laws and bring dancing back for good.
The Buzz: With 'Hustle & Flow' director Craig Brewer behind the camera, we should expect a much more moodier (and perhaps sexier) version of 'Footloose,' complete with two stars (Wormald and Hough) who are just itching to break out in a big way.

'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 sci-fi thriller about a contagious disease outbreak.
The Buzz: The film has been described as 'Bourne' meets 'Traffic,' and Matt Damon has indicated that this may be one of Soderbergh's last films as the director is discussing retiring.

'Paranormal Activity 3'
Release Date: Oct. 21
Starring: Katie Featherston
What It's About: Expect found footage and plenty of frights in this highly anticipated and sure-to-be-terrifying threequel.
The Buzz: Much like 'Paranormal Activity 2,' the plan seems to be keeping details of th movie a secret, but with the series creator and the director of the series's second installment returning, we expect good things.

Also in Theaters: 'The Three Musketeers' (Oct. 14)

NOVEMBER

'Puss in Boots'
Release Date: Nov. 4
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifinakias
What It's About: The beloved feline from the last two Shrek adventures gets his very own movie.
The Buzz: Even in the lesser Shrek adventures, Banderas killed as a kitty. We predict a big hit.

'Tower Heist'
Release Date: Nov. 4
Starring: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy
What It's About: Stiller leads a team of blue-collar workers who plot revenge against the wealthy business man who screwed them over by concocting an elaborate Ponzi scheme to rob his high-rise tower.
The Buzz: Action-comedies are the bread and butter of former 'Rush Hour' mastermind Brett Ratner. This time around, he's loaded his cast with an eclectic collection of big names and a topical Madoff-esque bad guy.

'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 to Jack, and Pacino stars as himself, because, well, he'd be silly to turn down a paycheck.
The Buzz: Have you ever watched a Sandler movie in which he falls down, farts and generally acts like a gigantic goofball, and thought to yourself, "This is pretty good, but what would make it great is if there were two of him"? Well, this is the movie for you.

'Happy Feet 2'
Release Date: Nov. 18
Starring: The voices of 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.
The Buzz: Director George Miller and the Animal Logic animation studio are re-teaming to create another CGI visual wonderland -- this time in 3-D. The first film won an Oscar for its genuinely dazzling animation effects. Audiences can expect the same level of technical wizardry.

'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part I'
Release Date: Nov. 18
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner
What It's About: Love is in the air for our favorite couple, as Bella and Edward move one step closer to marriage and -- spoilers! -- babies.
The Buzz: Oscar-winning director Bill Condon is at the helm, which could add some high-brow prestige to this hugely successful blockbuster franchise.

'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.
The Buzz: They're the Muppets, and they're coming back to the big screen. That's enough to get you excited, isn't it?

Also in Theaters: 'Immortals' (Nov. 11); 'Arthur Christmas' (Nov. 23)

DECEMBER

'Hugo Cabret'
Release Date: Dec. 9
Starring: Ben Kingsley, Jude Law, Sacha Baron Cohen
What It's About: Martin Scorsese adapts the popular historical fantasy novel about an orphaned boy who encounters pioneering silent filmmaker and toymaker Georges Melies, and is sucked into a magical turn-of-the century adventure in Paris.
The Buzz: 'Hugo Cabret' is one of the most clever novels of the last few years, thanks to its mash-up of early 20th century history and art with Victorian fantasy. If anyone can translate such a unique story to film, it's a genius cinephile like Marty.

'New Year's Eve'
Release Date: Dec. 9
Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert De Niro
What It's About: Various intertwining love stories intersect and reach their climax on New Year's Eve in New York City.
The Buzz: A sequel of sorts to the fluffy 2010 ensemble romantic comedy 'Valentine's Day,' this star-studded film from director Garry Marshall seems more concerned with who's in it than whether it's any good.

'Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked'
Release Date: Dec. 16
Starring: Jason Lee
What It's About: In the third installment of the popular series, Alvin, the Chipmunks and the Chipettes find themselves -- you guessed it --- shipwrecked in Hawaii.
The Buzz: As if a trip to Hawaii wasn't enough, reports say 'Chipwrecked' will be shown in -- you guessed it -- 3-D.


'Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol'

Release Date: Dec. 16
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton
What It's About: The plot for this movie is top secret, but we do know Tom Cruise returns, leading a new team of undercover agents for a globe-trotting adventure.
The Buzz: Just when it seemed like audiences were done with Cruise, he goes and films a 'Ghost Protocol' stunt on top of the world's tallest building, and suddenly we're really interested in where 'Mission: Impossible' is going next.

'Sherlock Holmes 2'
Release Date: Dec. 16
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Stephen Fry, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris
What It's About: Little is known about the plot of the movie, though we do know that Harris will be playing Sherlock's legendary nemesis, Moriarty.
The Buzz: All eyes will be on 'Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' star Rapace, who is making her English-language debut in the movie.

'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 creepy old murders.
The Buzz: Based on the celebrated novels and widely admired series of Swedish films, this one looks to be an award season hit. Plus, we're dying to see Rooney Mara's big breakout performance and (as always) another David Fincher film.

'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 -- along with his dog Snowy -- comes to big screen in a 3-D motion capture blockbuster, the first in a three-part trilogy.
The Buzz: The first part is directed by Steven Spielberg, the second film will be directed by Peter Jackson and the final film will be co-directed by both men. Combine that pedigree with the visual effects effort and 'Tintin' becomes one of the most audacious movie adventures ever -- like 'Avatar' meets 'The Lord of the Rings.'

'We Bought a Zoo'
Release Date: Dec. 23
Starring: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church, Patrick Fugit
What It's About: A man buys a zoo following the death of his wife, all in an attempt to reunite his family. Based on the autobiographical memoir by Benjamin Mee.
The Buzz: 'Zoo' marks writer-director Cameron Crowe's ('Jerry Maguire,' 'Almost Famous') first movie in -- wait for it -- six years. We're sold.

'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.
The Buzz: Beyond the fact that it's, you know, a Spielberg movie, we can't wait to see what Irvine does in his first big-screen role.

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