The 30 Most Anticipated Movies of 2011…plus a sneek peek at 2012!

Where as 2010 was the year of high quality scripts mixed in with a few big budget hits, 2011 is shaping up to be the exact opposite.  Some of the most noteworthy films of last year were The Fighter, Black Swan, True Grit, The King’s Speech, The Kids are All Right, The Social Network, and 127 Hours…all of which were relatively low budget fare that found their way to box office success.  Yes, we did have the mega budget films such as Inception, Toy Story 3, Tron: Legacy, Iron Man 2, Twilight: Eclipse, and the first part of the Harry Potter finale, which also became monster hits, but once you see the big budget fare headed our way in 2011…well, the 2010 list pales in comparison.  It’s always difficult to pick the 25 most anticipated films of the year so early because who knows what is going to be a surprise breakout hit and what’s going to extremely disappoint audiences.  Some of the films below are obvious choices, but there are a few that not many people know about yet.  2011 is going to be a BIG year for BIG productions.  Expect a lot more 3D!  While studios are still trying to figure out what works best in 3D as opposed to 2D, the number of titles that will get the 3D treatment is going to go up…way up.  I expect by 2012, studios will finally understand that not every planned 3D film really needs the format.  Even though watching a film in 3D does enhance the experience, I strongly feel that this is the reason that attendance went down in 2010.  3D films cost more to attend and because of this moviegoers are not willing to pony up the bucks to pay for it…in most cases.  Some productions truly benefit from the format (Avatar, Tron: Legacy, and Toy Story 3 so far have been the best ones), but some would have been better off sticking to the traditional 2D format (Clash of the Titans and SAW come to mind). I am really excited about the 2011 lineup of films…there’s a little something for everyone.  Also, check out the short list of amazing films that are scheduled for 2012 at the bottom of the page.  Summer 2012 is going to be amazing.

Keep in mind, release dates can change and may be removed from the release schedule altogether

30. SCREAM 4 – Anticipation for Wes Craven’s latest sequel in his hit Scream franchise may not be what it once was, but nevertheless, there are some of us out there that are curious as to what thrills and twists he has come up with for the fourth installment.  Billed as the beginning of a new trilogy, the good thing about this one is that all of the surviving characters are back.  Judging by the trailer, Craven appears to be going all out in this one and it looks like several familiar faces will be getting the ax.  Hope so, because some of their deaths are long overdue.  Neve Campbell, who hasn’t really done much since the last film in the franchise, as well as Courtney Cox and David Arquette, return.  The question is – can a new Scream film appeal to the same type of audiences that embraced the first three entries??  As long as Craven uses the same formula…I don’t see why not.  Release date: April 15, 2011

29. SOURCE CODE – Jake Gyllenhaal stars in this action thriller centered on a soldier who wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers he’s part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train.  The premise of this film is what makes me curious to see it.  Also the fact that Duncan Jones, who directed the critically acclaimed Moon, is the man behind the camera here.  Expect an intense, drama filled motion picture that will keep you on the edge of your seat.  Gyllenhaal deserves a role like this…one that he can sink his teeth into.  I expect a really good performance from Jake.  He’s is joined by Vera Farmiga and Michelle Monaghan.  This is a movie that can definitely benefit from good word of mouth.  A solid release to begin the month of April.  Release date: April 1, 2011

28. REAL STEEL – This film is all about Hugh Jackman and giant sized battling robots.  A future-set story where robot boxing is a popular sport and centered on a struggling promoter (Jackman) who thinks he’s found a champion in a discarded robot. During his hopeful rise to the top, he also discovers he has an 11-year-old son who wants to know his father.  The film is going to have to be heavy on the action to score with audiences.  Director Shawn Levy, who is probably best known for the Night at the Museum movies, tackles this material and should do well balancing the action and the drama between Jackman and his son.  Teenagers will probably be dying to see this and that’s primarily what the audiences will consist of (as long as they are not exhausted from the giant robots of Transformers 3).  If Jackman digs into his performance, the film could crossover to more of an adult audience as well.  If the film is sub-par, this could be costly bomb for the studio.  Unfortunately, outside of the Wolverine character, Jackman has yet to prove himself reliable.  At least he has giant human-like robots to share the screen with.  Release date: October 7, 2011

27. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 – The reason my anticipation has grown for the third and supposed final entry in this creepy series is mainly due to just how much PA 2 surprised me.  Very skeptical going in, the first sequel really impressed me with how the filmmakers managed to improve on the ‘scare’ factor of the original.  Yes, we all know it didn’t really happen, but even so, I literally jumped out of my seat a couple of times.  One sequence in particular (if you’ve seen it, you know which one) scared the living shit out of me!  Let’s hope the creative minds behind this franchise send the series out with a worthy conclusion…and not drag it to death like the SAW series managed to do.  Release date: October 21, 2011

26. WE BOUGHT A ZOO – It has been quite awhile since the last Cameron Crowe movie?  Remember him?  The guy that gave us Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous, and Say Anything has been out of the spotlight lightly since his last effort, Elizabethtown fell flat with audiences.  If ever there was material for him to bounce back with…it’s this.  Based on the memoir by Benjamin Mee, the film tells the story of a man who moves his family to England where he decides to buy and run a zoo following the death of his wife.  The cast features Matt Damon, Scarlett Johannson, and Elle Fanning.  It will be interesting to see Crowe work with Damon.  Matt is such a good actor and Crowe has a knack for getting the best out of his cast.  Also for you Cameron Crowe junkies…the director is finishing work on his Pearl Jam documentary titled Pearl Jam Twenty. It will also be released this year.  Release date: December 23, 2011

25. A VERY HAROLD AND KUMAR CHRISTMAS- Just the idea of a Christmas film involving H&K is enough for me to get excited.  The first two films were hilarious and I can only imagine what they will come up with for the next one.  John Cho, Kal Penn, and Neil Patrick Harris all return and the story begins six years after their Guantanamo Bay adventure, where Harold and Kumar cause a holiday fracas by inadvertently burning down Harold’s father-in-law’s prize Christmas tree.  A smell a new Christmas classic!  Right up there with It’s A Wonderful Life and Christmas Vacation!  Release date: December, 2011

24.  KUNG FU PANDA 2 – The original animated comedy hit was more of a success than most people thought it would be, so of course you knew that a sequel was coming.  I actually think this sequel will be a bigger hit than the original as the fan base for this now franchise has only grown since the theatrical release of part one.  And check out this list of amazing actors lending their vocal talents to the production – Jack Black, Jackie Chan, Jean Claude Van Damme, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen, Gary Oldman, Dustin Hoffman, and Lucy Liu.  Kids are going to flock to see this one and I think they will very happy with the result.  Release date: May 27, 2011

23. LARRY CROWNE – Tom Hanks get in front of and behind the camera for his latest effort that also stars Julia Roberts.  The star power here is undeniable and the storyline could make for an interesting, funny movie.  After losing his job, middle-aged man Larry Crowne who reinvents himself by going back to college.  He encounters a colorful community of outcasts and the overlooked who are all trying to make a better future for themselves.  Along the way, he meets a teacher named Mercedes (Roberts) and falls for her.  She is having some personal issues of her own.  Also joining the cast is Wilmer Valderrama (That 70′s Show) and this could be a breakout movie role for him.  The studio must have a lot of faith in this project…it’s going up against Transformers 3. Of course, it’s aiming for a more adult crowd and is probably hoping to get those adults who have no interest in Michael Bay’s action extravaganza.  Release date: July 1, 2011

22. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL – Video game like title aside, I know that I’m in the minority when I say that I’m very interested in seeing this fourth entry in the solid Mission: Impossible franchise.  Tom Cruise takes a lot of shit from people for no good reason.  The man is a good actor – one of the best in my opinion.  Yes, M:I III didn’t do what the studio thought it would do, but it was solid film that was my favorite of the series.  Well, Cruise is back in a film that looked like it might never see the light of day.  Paramount was on the fence about this one for awhile due to the lackluster performance of Knight and Day, but decided to greenlight the project for a couple of good reasons.   Hiring director Brad Bird (Ratatouille) seemed like a bad choice at first, but he is going to bring a nice, fresh take to the franchise.  Casting Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, Michael Nyqvist, Simon Pegg, and Josh Holloway opposite Cruise only enhances my eagerness to see this one. Release date: December 16, 2011

21. FAST FIVE – Combine all of the previous F&F entries, throw in Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and what do you have?  Fast Five. The fifth entry in this ever so popular series manages to get nearly all of the former players from the previous films back in action (Lucas Black being the exception) and adds a bit of intrigue by making Dwayne Johnson the lawman who’s chasing down Paul Walker and Vin Diesel.  Judging by the films first trailer, we’re all in for a treat.  Walker’s Brian O’Connor and Diesel’s Dominic Toretto are now both on the run – now they are joined by Tyrese Gibson’s Roman Pearce, Jordana Brewster’s Mia Toretto, Matt Schulze’s Vince, Ludacris’ Tej, and Sung Kang’s Han.  I wouldn’t expect much more than what we got last time around as far as the action goes, but with the addition of Johnson’s Hobbs…at least this ride will be more fun to watch.  Release date: April 29, 2011

20. THE MUPPETS – Jason Segel has always been a huge fan of Jim Henson’s Muppets.  When he decided to develop a new feature film starring this lovable clan, I figured there would be nobody better for the job.  I’m hoping that a new generation of kids fall in love with this gang and us older adults get a film that brings back fond memories of some of the earlier Muppet movies.  With Segel being the head writer, hopes are high for a flick that can appeal to everyone.  I have faith in the man and with the incredible list of stars he’s assembled for this, I expect him to knock this out of the park.  Katy Perry, Rashida Jones, Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Ricky Gervais, Jack Black, Danny Trejo, John Krasinski, Chris Cooper, and Billy Crystal are all rumored to have some part in the production.  Can’t wait.  Release date: November 23, 2011

19. X-MEN: FIRST CLASS – It seems that this is the one franchise that could be suffering from ‘overload’.  I mean, come on, we’ve had three pretty good X-Men films, plus a mediocre Wolverine spinoff (Magneto and a Deadpool ones may also happen), and now comes X-Men: First Class. Every story has a beginning.  I’m not sure if I’m looking forward to this as much as some, but I know that the fan base is eagerly awaiting it.  There are a few positives here.  First and foremost – the cast.  Michael Fassenbender is a young Magneto.  James McAvoy is a young Charles Xavier.  Jennifer Lawrence, fresh off her Oscar nominated performance in Winter’s Bone, is Mystique.  January Jones is Emma Frost.  And the most interesting of all…Kevin Bacon is Sebastian Shaw.  The other positive is that Matthew Vaughn is directing what is no doubt going to be an action extravaganza.  He did very well with that in last year’s underrated Kick-Ass.  Release date: June 3, 2011

18. THE TREE OF LIFE – Director Terrence Malick always turns out extraordinary motion pictures…problem is that he doesn’t make many films for the public to see.  His short resume is very impressive – Days of Heaven, the underrated The New World, and the amazing The Thin Red Line. His next effort features the talents of Brad Pitt and Sean Penn and the story centers around a family with three boys set in the 1950s. The eldest son (Penn) witnesses the loss of innocence.  Pitt portrays Mr. O’Brien – the father of the three boys.  The first trailer for the film which was released a couple of months ago provided little insight as to what is actually going on in the film.  It was a bit confusing.  Hopefully, we will get another trailer before it’s release.  The film needs to be promoted well to guarantee success at the box office, because it appears to be subject matter than may not appeal to everyone.  I have no doubt that Malick will yet again deliver a high quality, poignant motion picture.  Release date: May 27, 2011

17. THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN – 2011 is going to be the year of Steven Spielberg.  The great director has 3 projects being released this year…all of which made my list.  Following a year of great animated productions, 2011′s slate appears to be nearly as appetizing.  The idea of Spielberg directing an animated film is exciting and the fact that he’s tackling a famous character makes it even more interesting.  Daniel Craig and Andy Serkis deliver their vocal talents to the production.  Expect the animation to be superb and expect your children to put this at the top of their must see list this year.  As of right now, I would say Tintin has a great chance at being the best animated film of the year.  Spielberg has been working on this for quite some time, and I expect nothing less than perfection here.  Release date: December 28, 2011

16. SUCKER PUNCH – The internet is abuzz about another Zack Snyder film at the moment…the reboot of the Superman franchise that has just cast its Clark Kent and is currently looking for its Lois Lane.  However, Zack’s latest finished project about a young girl who is institutionalized by her wicked stepfather. She decides to retreat to an alternative reality as a coping strategy, and envisions a plan which will help her escape from the facility.  That’s the plot…but does it matter.  In a film like this, it’s all about the hot chicks, over the top action sequences, and amazing visuals.  Expect A LOT of all of that.  The primarily female cast consists of Abbie Cornish, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, Jena Malone, Emily Browning, and Carla Gugino.  Mad Men’s Jon Hamm and Scott Glenn are also along for the ride.  This is a difficult film to read as far as how much box office it will probably take in.  Snyder’s 300 was a huge hit, but Watchmen and Legends of the Guardians underperformed.  I do believe that SP will be a high quality film…one that needs to be promoted properly to bring audiences in.  Release date: March 25, 2011

15. GREEN LANTERN – Deadpool or Green Lantern?? That was the decision that Ryan Reynolds faced early last year.  Well, he chose to do GL first and to be honest he does look appropriate for the character.  I wasn’t too impressed with the teaser trailer that debuted a few weeks back.  Hopefully, there was still some post production work that had yet to be completed.  As far as superheroes go, the Green Lantern is probably the least popular of the characters that are making their way to the big screen over the next two years.  That doesn’t mean it will fail…but if the film is just so-so, well, box office will be lackluster.  The movie has a solid cast that is headlined by Reynolds, Peter Sarsgaard, and the super hot Blake Lively (who completely won me over in The Town). The other positive – director Martin Campbell, who directed 2 of the best James Bond films – Goldeneye and Casino Royale. The man has a talent for developing exciting action sequences and this film is going to need several of those to garner strong word of mouth upon its release.  Release date: June 17, 2011

14. CARS 2 – Pixar has been on a roll…well, ever since they released their first film Toy Story back in 1995.  They hit a peak in 2010 with the release of their best effort yet, in my opinion – Toy Story 3. I’m happy to see another Pixar film in 2011…but to be honest I was actually hoping it would have been The Incredibles 2. I think that most Disney/Pixar fans would agree.  But that’s ok.  I have no doubt that the sequel to Cars will be extremely well made and just as charming as all of their other films.  Owen Wilson, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, and Michael Keaton all lend their vocal talents to the production.  We also get a new car in the form of Raoul CaRoule – a french automobile known as ‘The World’s Greatest Rally Car’.  This character should be fun to watch!  Release date: June 24, 2011

13. SHERLOCK HOLMES 2 – I will be the first to admit that I was somewhat disappointed with the first Sherlock Holmes film.  I had many debates with friends and family about it, and most of them said I was crazy…and that the film was great.  I still don’t agree.  That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy certain elements of it.  The casting of Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law was spot on.  I did like Mark Strong as the villain, however, I thought that his character was somewhat underwritten.  Rachel McAdams was a nice addition to the cast, but I felt she was underused.  Guy Ritchie’s directing style does suit the tone of what a SH film should be and he did quite well with some of the action sequences and the overall look of the production.  Having said that, I am eagerly awaiting the follow up for two reasons – the storyline involving their greatest adversary Professor Moriarty (played by Jared Harris) and the casting of Noomi Rapace (the original Girl With the Dragon Tattoo). Rapace could add a lot to the film and it will be great seeing her do something other than the Lisbeth Salander character.  I’m hoping for a strong female character to aid Holmes and Watson in their mission.  This follow up should exceed its predecessor – in every way.  Release date: December 16, 2011

12. THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO – A lot of people are skeptical of David Fincher’s remake of the popular Steig Larson series film that launched the career of Noomi Rapace and made the character Lisbeth Salander a household name.  I’m not one of those people.  The fact that the remake is being done so close to the release of the original is giving a lot of moviegoers reason for concern.  This is probably how it’s going to go down in the eyes of the public.  While Rooney Mara (the new Lisbeth) will not give as good or as memorable of a performance as Noomi, I fully expect the film itself to be better than the original.  Why?  Because David Fincher can do no wrong.  Look at his track record – Seven, Fight Club, Benjamin Button, Zodiac, and Social Network. I have no doubt that he will do wonders with this great material.  If fans of the Swedish versions go into the American versions with an open mind and not base everything on whether Rooney Mara can do what Noomi Rapace did…then everything will be fine.  Funny thing…the film opens one week after Sherlock Holmes 2, which co-stars Noomi Rapace and is number 13 on my list.  Release date: December 21, 2011

11. SUPER 8 – Director J.J. Abrams (Cloverfield, Star Trek) and producer Steven Spielberg teased audiences last summer with a short trailer for their upcoming sci-fi collaboration.  Problem is that you can’t really tell what’s going on in the trailer.  Even so, they did successfully get the buzz going and people everywhere began to wonder exactly what the film is all about.  At this point, we still don’t know, but what we do know is that the cast is filled with relative unknowns, which makes me believe that this is going to be a CGI/action/tension filled motion picture.  Abrams did this once before with Cloverfield and turned that WTF? into box office gold.  By the time this comes out, I’m sure a little more will be known about the plot, but Abrams and Spielberg will probably still leave the ‘big’ things to our imagination.  The film will open huge due to the curiosity factor.  Abrams and Spielberg…a match made in geek heaven.  UPDATED:  Finally, a description of the plot from director J.J. Abrams – The Paramount Pictures release is set in Ohio in 1979 and introduces a troupe of six youngsters who are using a Super 8 camera to make their own zombie movie. One fateful night, their project takes them to a lonely stretch of rural railroad tracks and, as the camera rolls, calamity strikes — a truck collides with an oncoming locomotive and a hellacious derailment fills the night with screaming metal and raining fire. Then something emerges from the wreckage, something decidedly inhuman.  Release date: June 10, 2011

10. THOR – Seriously, does any other superhero out there look the part as well as Chris Hemsworth does as Thor?…I think not.  Expect a far different take on the superhero genre when this film kicks off the summer movie season this May.  The film features an interesting cast – Natalie Portman, Idris Elba, Anthony Hopkins, and Stellan Skarsgard join Hemsworth in director Kenneth Branagh’s vision.  The fact that Branagh is directing this film lends one to believe that the ‘drama’ factor might be a little more elevated than most superhero productions.  I think it’s a good match, putting Branagh with this material.   If you don’t know much about Thor, you will, as he also appears in The Avengers film that’s coming out in 2012.  Here’s a little bit of the plot – the powerful but arrogant warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth, where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.  Eventually, he joins forces with Iron Man, Captain America, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Nick Fury, and the Hulk…which we will see next summer.  Release date: May 6, 2011

9. WAR HORSE – The third and most anticipated Steven Spielberg film to be released in 2011, this story follows a young man named Albert and his horse, Joey, and how their bond is broken when Joey is sold to the cavalry and sent to the trenches of World War One.  Despite being too young to enlist, Albert heads to France to save his friend.  War Horse is based on a children’s novel by Michael Morpurgo, published in 1982. However, some reports have suggested that the film also uses elements of the critically acclaimed, award-winning stage adaptation that opened in London in 2007.  Spielberg is going to do wonders with this material…it is the material that may just land him yet another Oscar.  Along with Tintin, this may be the year Spielberg wins the Oscar for Best Picture and Best Animated Picture.  Hey, it could happen and it doesn’t hurt that both films are releasing in December, which usually gives them the best chance for Oscar gold.  Release date: December 28, 2011

8. HUGO CABRET – As mentioned above, the material in Spielberg’s War Horse is ripe for Oscar contention and if there is another film out there that could give it a run for its money it would have to be Martin Scorcese’s ambitious 3D adaptation of magical childrens book ‘The Invention Of Hugo Cabret‘. Set in 1930s Paris, the story is about an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station and becomes wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and a robot.  The film version of Hugo Cabret features a stellar cast - Chloe Moretz (hot off fine performances in Kick-Ass and Let Me In), Emily Mortimer, Jude Law, Michael Pitt, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Christopher Lee, Ray Winstone, and newcomer Asa Butterfield, who portrays Hugo.  Release date: December 9, 2011

7.  THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART I – The one series where it doesn’t matter what the critics think or say.  I have to give credit where credit is due.  The studio and producers of the Twilight series have delivered the fans exactly what they wanted.  Great casting is also part of its success.  Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner are now household names and this series has taken it what seems like a cagillion dollars.  I wasn’t a huge fan of the first two films in this saga, but Eclipse was definitely a step in the right direction.  Better action sequences and an overall better tone made for a much easier film to watch.  So here comes part one of the finale and interest is at fever pitch.  For those die hard fans who have read the books, you already know what’s going to happen.  For those of us, like myself, who did not read the books, we get to see it all unfold on the big screen.  The love triangle between Bella, Edward, and Jacob will finally play itself out.  Bella and Edward’s unborn child poses a great threat to the wolf pack and the vampire coven, so we will also get to see how the Quileute and the Volturi handle this.  Director Bill Condon, who is best known for Dreamgirls, is at the helm of both parts of the finale.  Having not read the material, I’m not sure if the man is a good fit for this or not.  Expect huge box office no matter what and expect Breaking Dawn to rule the holiday box office come November.  Release date: November 18, 2011

6. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES – A Pirates of the Caribbean film that’s primarily about Captain Jack Sparrow…YES!  Let’s face it, Captain Jack is the reason why these films have been such a joy to watch.  Yes, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley did fine jobs in their roles, but the ‘fun’ belonged to Johnny Depp.  Now, we get what appears to be the most exciting storyline thus far.  Captain Jack joins Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) on a quest to find the elusive Fountain of Youth.  However, they soon discover that Blackbeard (Ian McShane – perfect casting!) is after it as well.  Penelope Cruz joins the adventure also, playing a woman from Jack’s past named Angelica.  If properly done, this could be so much fun to watch.  Out is Gore Verbinski and in is director Rob Marshall (Chicago, Nine). Don’t worry…the film is not a musical.  Captain Jack returns…May 20, 2011.

5. THE HANGOVER 2 – Guess who’s getting married this time around?  Ed Helms’ Stu Price is headed to Bangkok for his ceremony and bringing all of his friends with him.  Expect more of the same shenanigans this time around as the entire cast is returning, which includes Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Mike Tyson, and Ken Jeong.  Cameos from Bill Clinton and Liam Neeson are also expected.  As long as director Todd Phillips doesn’t stray from the formula that worked the first time, everything should work out for this eagerly awaited sequel.  The Hangover ended up being one of the best comedies to come out during the past 10 years and the storyline definitely lends itself to more crazy, f’d up adventures.  Should be a huge hit!  Release date: May 26, 2011

4. TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON – Michael Bay gets a lot of shit for no good reason.  Yes, his films have some rather crappy dialogue at times but let’s not take anything away from the fact that the Transformers films are exactly what they should be – a pure adrenaline rush!  The special effects and use of CGI are incredible considering the amount of detail that has to go into each ‘transformation’.  When I saw the teaser for the third installment a couple of months back, it intrigued me.  Gone was the standard intro as it was replaced with a much more interesting storyline involving ‘the dark side of the moon’.  Yes, Michael Bay is basically rewriting history, but who cares?  As long as we have the standard hottie (out is Megan Fox, in is Rosie Huntington-Whiteley), thousands of explosions, great special effects, and an easy to follow plotline…I’m cool with it.  I’m getting the feeling that this finale of the series is going to fall somewhere between the first one (which I thoroughly enjoyed) and the second one (which kind of fell flat with me, especially on repeated viewings).  Let’s hope Bay sends the series out with a bang…literally.  Release date: July 1, 2011

3. COWBOYS & ALIENS – This is perhaps the most interesting film of 2011 for me.  A bad ass Harrison Ford, who portrays Col. Woodrow Dolarhyde (great f’n name!) combined with Daniel Craig, who looks to give a solid performance based on the teaser trailer, should make for quite an enteraining time at the theater.  Olivia Wilde (Tron: Legacy) and the great Sam Rockwell are also part of the cast.   The plot is as follows - a spaceship arrives in Arizona, 1873, to take over the Earth, starting with the Wild West region. A posse of cowboys are all that stand in their way.  Craig plays Jake Lonergan, a loner cowboy who loses his memory and stumbles upon the desert town Absolution.  He arrives there and realizes quickly that they don’t take too kindly to strangers.  Soon, however, there will be an even greater danger to the town – one that falls from the sky.  Director Jon Favreau (Iron Man) is just the right man to bring this story to the big screen.  If he can do for this what he did with Tony Stark, we’re all in for a treat.  Harrison Ford doing bad-ass is enough for me to go see this.  This is a midnight showing for me…a must see.  Release date: July 29, 2011

2. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER – The film that has the most to lose this year.  A lot…and I mean, A LOT, is riding on the success of this film.  Chris Evans, who plays the title character, has signed to do 6 films (which includes sequels and The Avengers films which will follow).  Director Joe Johnston, who has a very uneven track record, is the man in charge of properly bringing Captain America to the big screen.  Judging by what I’ve seen thus far, I do like the overall look of the film.  And I love the casting of Hugo Weaving as Red Skull…brilliant!  I’m hoping it has more of an Iron Man feel to it, rather than a G.I. Joe feel.  Another thing that the film must establish, especially due to the fact that The Avengers is being released next summer, is that Steve Rogers has to be believable as the ‘leader’ of the supergroup.  Chris Evans does look the part, but can he be enough of a force on-screen for moviegoers to grasp the fact that he is the man in charge.  That remains to be seen…and people are going to line up to see what the results are.  If this film is a mess, Marvel is going to have some ‘splaining to do.  Opening one week prior to Cowboys & Aliens may not have been the best idea either.  Release date: July 22, 2011

1. HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART II – The most awaited finale in cinema history?  Debatable.  What’s not up for debate is the fact that the end is near for one of the most successful film franchises of all time.  The Potter films have been consistent and even though people have their favorite of the series, you can’t argue that every effort has been rather solid.  It’s been fun watching a series that has managed to keep it’s entire original cast from day one (with the exception of the passing of Richard Harris).  2011 marks the 10 year anniversary of the first movie and how fitting is it to see the finale in its tenth and final year.  Part 1 of the finale, which opened this past November, did a great job getting audiences ready for the ultimate battle between Harry and Voldemort, while at the same time letting us recognize just how grown up the main characters now are.  It’s all been building toward this…the ultimate battle between good and evil…Harry and Voldemort.  It will be sad knowing that there won’t be any future Harry Potter films to look forward to.  Of course, that could always change if J.K. Rowling decides to pick up her wand again.  Anything’s possible.  Release date: July 15, 2011

WOW…JULY IS STACKED!!

Honorable mentions:

FRIGHT NIGHT REMAKE – I’M ACTUALLY DIGGIN’ THIS IDEA.  THE ORIGINAL WAS A FUN LITTLE VAMPIRE FLICK AND NOW WITH ALL THE VAMP CRAZE, IT WILL BE GOOD TO SHOW THIS MATERIAL TO A NEW GENERATION.  THIS ONE HAS A GOOD CAST – COLIN FARRELL, ANTON YELCHIN, AND TONI COLLETTE HEADLINE.  HOPEFULLY, IT WILL BE AS CAMPY AS THE ORIGINAL.  RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 19, 2011

THE THING REMAKE – REALLY UNNECESSARY, BUT CURIOUS TO SEE WHAT THEY DO WITH IT.  THIS IS BEING BILLED AS A PREQUEL TO THE JOHN CARPENTER CLASSIC THAT STARRED KURT RUSSELL.  RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 14, 2011

THE SMURFS - KIDS WILL PROBABLY FLOCK TO SEE THIS REGARDLESS OF HOW BAD IT IS.  VERY REMINISCENT OF ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS AND WILL PROBABLY DO THE SAME AMOUNT OF BUSINESS.  I DO LIKE THE CASTING OF HANK AZARIA AS GARGAMEL SMURF…THAT IN ITSELF SHOULD BRING A FEW LAUGHS.  RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 3, 2011

CONTAGION – DIRECTOR STEVEN SODERBERGH TEAMS UP WITH MATT DAMON YET AGAIN (THE OCEANS MOVIES AND THE INFORMANT) IN A NEW ACTION THRILLER CENTERED ON THE THREAT POSED BY A DEADLY DISEASE WHERE A TEAM OF DOCTORS CONTRACTED BY THE CDC HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE OUTBREAK.  ANYTIME SODERBERGH DOES A FILM, I’M THERE.  THE MAN IS A GREAT DIRECTOR.  JUDE LAW, JOHN HAWKES, MARION COTILLARD, GWYNETH PALTROW, AND LAURENCE FISHBURNE JOIN DAMON IN THE CAST.  RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 21, 2011

RED STATE – DIRECTOR KEVIN SMITH HAS HIS FANBASE AND IT CONSISTS MOSTLY OF GUYS WHO LOVE CLERKS, DOGMA, AND CHASING AMY. ONE HALF OF THE JAY AND SILENT BOB DUO IS TRYING SOMETHING DIFFERENT HERE IN A FILM ABOUT A GROUP OF TEENS WHO RECEIVE AN ONLINE INVITATION FOR SEX, THOUGH THEY SOON ENCOUNTER FUNDAMENTALISTS WITH A MUCH MORE SINISTER AGENDA.  MELISSA LEO (WHO IS GETTING READY TO WIN AN OSCAR FOR THE FIGHTER) STARS ALONG WITH JOHN GOODMAN.  THIS FILM IS BILLED AS A HORROR THRILLER.  RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 19, 2011

NEW YEAR’S EVE – FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF VALENTINE’S DAY, DIRECTOR GARRY MARSHALL HAS ASSEMBLED ANOTHER ALL-STAR CAST THAT PRETTY MUCH FOLLOWS THE LIVES OF MANY CHARACTERS DURING NEW YEAR’S EVE.  I HOPE IT’S A BETTER FILM THAN V-DAY…NOT THAT I HATED THE FILM, BUT I JUST THOUGHT IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH BETTER.  CAST FOR NYE INCLUDES: ROBERT DENIRO, LEA MICHELLE, ASHTON KUTCHER, KATHERINE HEIGL, JOSH DUHAMEL, SOFIA VERGARA, JESSICA BIEL, ZAC EFRON, MICHELLE PFEIFFER, ABIGAIL BRESLIN, SIENNA MILLER, HILARY SWANK, SARAH JESSICA PARKER, SETH MEYERS, FRANKIE MUNIZ, AND JON BON JOVI. DAMN…THAT’S A LOT OF FREAKIN’ PEOPLE FOR ONE FILM!  RELEASE DATE: DECEMBER 9, 2011

RANGO – JOHNNY DEPP VOICING A CHARACTER IN AN ANIMATED WESTERN, DIRECTED BY GORE VERBINSKI.  I’M THERE.  SAY NO MORE.  RELEASE DATE: MARCH 4, 2011

THE GREEN HORNET – AS I WRITE THIS ARTICLE, I STILL HAVE YET TO SEE THIS FILM.  HOWEVER, SEVERAL FRIENDS OF MINE SAID IT WAS REALLY GOOD WITH LOTS OF ACTION AND HUMOR.  THE FILM IS DOING DECENT BUSINESS AT THE BOX OFFICE AND WORD OF MOUTH HAS BEEN STRONG.  PLAYING IN THEATERS NOW

FILMS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE IN 2012 (with tentative release dates)    

Like it or not...the rebooted Spider-Man is set for July 2012

TO BE DETERMINED

THE WOLVERINE – Hugh Jackman, Directed by Darren Aronofsky

FEBRUARY

GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE – Nicolas Cage

MARCH

PROMETHEUS – Noomi Rapace, Directed by Ridley Scott

JOHN CARTER OF MARS – Taylor Kitsch and Mark Strong

21 JUMP STREET – Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, possible Johnny Depp cameo

WRATH OF THE TITANS (sequel to Clash) – Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson

APRIL

DOROTHY OF OZ – animated featuring the voice of Lea Michelle

MAY

THE AVENGERS – Robert Downey, Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans

MADAGASCAR 3 – voice of Ben Stiller

BATTLESHIP – Liam Neeson and Rihanna

MEN IN BLACK III – Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, and Josh Brolin

JUNE

BRAVE – Animated Disney with the voice of Reese Witherspoon

ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER – Title says it all!

STAR TREK 2 – Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, and Zoe Saldana

JULY

SPIDER-MAN 3D – Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone

ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT – Voice of Ray Romano

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES – Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Tom Hardy

AUGUST

THE BOURNE LEGACY – not yet known if Matt Damon will star

OCTOBER

FRANKENWEENIE – Directed by Tim Burton

NOVEMBER

SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL – Directed by Zach Snyder, starring Henry Cavill

MONSTERS, INC. 2 – voice of John Goodman

JAMES BOND 23 – Daniel Craig, possibly Javier Bardem

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART II – Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner

DECEMBER

LINCOLN – Daniel Day Lewis, directed by Steven Spielberg

THE HOBBIT PART I - Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, directed by Peter Jackson

As of now, we are scheduled to get a new Batman film and a new Superman film in 2012