It’s not just the studios that get excited about the beginning of the summer movie season, but audiences as well, because the four-month period marks the release of some of the year’s most anticipated films, from action blockbusters to all-star comedies. This summer is particularly exciting, and it kicks off in May with the latest installments of some of Hollywood’s biggest franchises (“Iron Man,” “Star Trek,” “Fast & Furious” and “The Hangover”), as well as a few lower profile features with the potential to make a big impression.

Who: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Ben Kingsley and Guy Pearce
What: When Tony Stark’s world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, Stark starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.
When: May 3rd
Why: “Iron Man 2” may be one of the weaker films in Marvel’s Phase One, but it deserves some slack for shouldering a lot of the groundwork leading up to “The Avengers.” With that said, it’ll be nice to see Tony Stark in a more standalone adventure this time out, which is reportedly based on Warren Ellis’ well-received “Extremis” arc, ushering in a change of status quo for the Iron Man armor. The film also marks a change behind the camera as well, with Shane Black taking over for the departing Jon Favreau, although the trailers suggest that it’s business as usual. That’s great news for fans of the first two films, because with the addition of Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall and Ben Kingsley to the cast, “Iron Man 3” is shaping up to the best of the series.

Who: Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Chris Evans, James Franco and Ray Liotta
What: The true story of notorious contract killer Richard Kuklinski, from his early days in the mob until his arrest for the murder of more than 100 men.
When: May 3rd
Why: Millennium Entertainment doesn’t exactly have the best track record when it comes to releasing small movies with big stars, but the cast of “The Iceman” is almost too good to ignore. Michael Shannon tends to deliver his best work in these types of indie films, while Winona Ryder proved in “Black Swan” that she’s still capable of turning in a good performance with the right material. And it wouldn’t be a crime movie without Ray Liotta popping up at some point, so director Ariel Vromen has that box checked as well. Though most people have probably never even heard of Richard Kuklinski or his true life story, sometimes those ones are the best.

Who: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton and Tobey Maguire
What: A Midwestern war veteran finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his millionaire neighbor.
When: May 10th
Why: Try as they might to spin the film’s delay positively, Warner Bros. has backed themselves into quite the corner by pushing the release date from December 2012 to this summer. Not only does it make more sense for the movie to be released during awards season, but Warner’s sudden change of heart (having already started the marketing blitz last year) has raised some concerns about the film’s quality. It’s hard to imagine that a big screen adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s celebrated novel could be such a disaster with actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan in the lead roles, but then again, Jack Clayton’s 1974 version also had a great cast, and that one didn’t go so well either. Factor in the seemingly unnecessary decision to shoot the movie in 3D, and “The Great Gatsby” suddenly sounds like a pretty big gamble.

Who: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, John Cho, Simon Pegg, Anton Yelchin and Alice Eve
What: After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to capture a one-man WMD.
When: May 17th
Why: It’s amazing how much a reboot can do for a franchise when executed successfully, and there’s no better example of that than J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek,” which even made the sci-fi property cool with non-Trekkies. What was really impressive about the 2009 film, however, was the way it reinvented the franchise without alienating older fans, and now that the foundation has been laid, I’m excited to see how the relationships between the various Enterprise crew members continue to evolve in Abrams’ highly anticipated follow-up. Of course, as is usually the case with the “Star Trek” series, the films are only as strong as their villains, and for as great of a job as they did casting the Enterprise crew, hiring Benedict Cumberbatch to play the sequel’s baddie is looking more brilliant with each new trailer.

April has always been an odd month for new releases, particularly now that the spring movie season doesn’t really exist anymore, at least not in the minds of studios. Instead, everything seems to be split into two groups: films that fit the summer mold and those that don’t. But while moviegoers will be pretty limited with their options this month, it’s definitely one of the more promising Aprils in recent memory.

Who: Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Jessica Lucas and Lou Taylor Pucci
What: Five friends head to a remote cabin, where the discovery of a Book of the Dead leads them to unwittingly summon up demons living in the nearby woods.
When: April 5th
Why: Remakes are always a worrying proposition, especially for fans of the original film, but when it was announced that Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell and Rob Tapert were behind the modern-day update of “Evil Dead,” there was a collective sigh of relief. After all, who better to trust then the trio responsible for the 1981 cult original? It’s also nice to know that the film isn’t just a rehashing of Raimi’s first movie, but rather a whole new story with new characters in an otherwise familiar setting, and if the early buzz from the film’s world premiere at last month’s SXSW festival is any indication, Fede Alvarez’s remake/reboot/sequel (whatever you want to call it) has everything horror fans could possibly want – namely, the gooey red stuff, and plenty of it.

Who: James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson, Vincent Cassel and Danny Sapani
What: An art auctioneer mixed up with a group of criminals teams up with a hypnotherapist in order to recover a lost painting.
When: April 5th
Why: Danny Boyle’s follow-up to “127 Hours” can’t get here quick enough, especially after being delayed by the director’s other engagements on stage (the National Theatre production of “Frankenstein”) and for his country (the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony). His new movie is a return to roots of sorts, reteaming with frequent collaborator John Hodge (“Shallow Grave,” “Trainspotting”) for the kind of gritty, edgy crime thriller that he cut his teeth making in the mid-90s. It’ll be interesting to see what Boyle brings to the genre now that he’s a more mature and wiser filmmaker, because “Trance” looks a lot more experimental than his recent work, and despite its “Inception”-like premise, that’s probably the most exciting thing of all.

Who: Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford, Lucas Black and Christopher Meloni
What: The life story of Jackie Robinson and his history-making signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers under the guidance of team executive Branch Rickey.
When: April 12th
Why: Baseball movies and biopics have never really been my cup of tea, but I’d be lying if I said that “42” hasn’t grabbed my attention. Maybe it’s the trailer’s unconventional use of Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn (Go Hard),” or the gutsy decision to cast relative unknown Chadwick Boseman in the lead role, but writer/director Brian Helgeland’s baseball drama certainly displays a lot of promise. Helgeland hasn’t exactly had the best luck in recent years, but both “A Knight’s Tale” and “Payback” are underrated guilty pleasures, and though “42” would probably be released later in the year if the studio believed it had any shot at being an Oscar contender, that shouldn’t affect the potency of the story. Plus, who doesn’t want to see Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey?

Who: Simon Rex, Ashley Tisdale, Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan and Jerry O’Connell
What: A couple begin to experience some unusual activity after bringing their newborn son home from the hospital, only to discover that they’re being stalked by a demon.
When: April 12th
Why: It’s been seven years since the last “Scary Movie” was released in theaters, and quite frankly, not much has changed in that time. These stupid parody films are still being produced for dirt cheap, and even if they bomb, the studios make out like bandits. The real losers are the actors themselves, because this is the type of movie where careers go to die, as evidenced by the involvement of former stars like Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan and Heather Locklear. And the fact that “A Haunted House” (starring “Scary Movie” co-creator Marlon Wayans) spoofed many of the same films only a few short months ago makes this fifth installment even more pointless, although I’m not entirely sure that’s possible.

After suffering through the doldrums of winter, it’s encouraging to see that the quality (and selection) of movies will improve along with the weather. Though many of this month’s films probably won’t be remembered by the time summer rolls around, there are a few indie flicks with real cult potential and a pair of tentpole-type movies based on popular properties that will benefit from opening during a less competitive time of year.

Who: Nicholas Hoult, Ewan McGregor, Eleanor Tomlinson, Ian McShane and Bill Nighy
What: When a young farmhand unwittingly opens a gateway between our world and a fearsome race of giants, he must fight for his kingdom and the princess he loves.
When: March 1st
Why: It’s been awhile since Bryan Singer directed a movie that I was genuinely excited about, and unfortunately, “Jack the Giant Slayer” doesn’t break that trend. Though the fantasy film sounds great in theory, the trailers don’t look very promising, particularly in regards to its uneven tone (is it for children, adults or the whole family?) and cartoonish CGI. It doesn’t even bare much resemblance to the fairy tales on which it’s based, and while the cast is filled with some great actors (Nicholas Hoult appears to be the real deal), there’s probably a good reason why the original summer release date was axed.

Who: Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode and Jacki Weaver
What: After India’s father dies, her Uncle Charlie comes to live with her and her unstable mother, only to discover that he has ulterior motives.
When: March 1st
Why: Continuing the Korean invasion that kicked off in January with Kim Ji-woon’s “The Last Stand,” Park Chan-wook’s English-language debut hits theaters in time for U.S. audiences to get accustomed to the director’s unique style ahead of the long-awaited remake of his 2003 cult hit “Oldboy.” It’s taken longer than expected for Park to export his talents to Hollywood, but “Stoker” is the perfect project if there ever was one. It’s also clear from the cast he’s assembled that the director is well-admired within the industry, and all three leads don’t seem to be holding back. Early buzz has been mostly positive, drawing comparisons to Hitchcock, and that alone should be enough to get you excited.

Who: James Franco, Michelle Williams, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Zach Braff
What: A small-time magician with questionable ethics arrives in a magical land and must choose between becoming a good man or a great one.
When: March 8th
Why: Disney is putting a lot of faith in Sam Raimi’s “Wizard of Oz” prequel, no doubt hoping that it can reach “Alice in Wonderland” levels of success, but was anyone really clamoring for another movie? It’s not even based on any of L. Frank Baum’s novels, despite the fact that Disney owns the rights to nearly every book in the Oz series, and though it’s supposedly inspired by his works, the risk of upsetting fans of the original film doesn’t seem worth it. Then again, “Oz the Great and Powerful” is exactly the kind of franchise-ready cash cow that Disney loves to produce (i.e. “Pirates of the Caribbean”), and while it’s depressing to see Raimi wasting his talents, at least it’s in good hands.

If this past January proved anything, it’s that the movies weren’t nearly as bad as those from previous years. Unfortunately, I highly doubt the same will be true of February’s line-up when all is said and done. Though there are certainly a couple movies to look forward to (including the latest John McClane adventure and only the second rom-zom-com in existence), the pickings are even slimmer and less promising than last month.

Who: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich and Rob Corddry
What: After a zombie named R saves Julie from an attack, they form a relationship that sets in motion a series of events that might transform the entire lifeless world.
When: February 1st
Why: If there’s one movie that I’m actually looking forward to this February, it’s the big screen adaptation of Isaac Marion’s clever YA novel. Director Jonathan Levine has already tackled some pretty ballsy material between “The Wackness” and “50/50,” but this is probably his most adventurous and challenging project yet, if only because the subject matter is about as outside-the-box as you can get. Vampires are one thing (and though the “Twilight” comparisons are inevitable, they’re completely unwarranted), but the idea of doing a romantic comedy where a zombie falls in love with a human is ripe for exactly the kind of dark humor that “Warm Bodies” will hopefully deliver in spades.

Who: Sylvester Stallone, Sung Kang, Jason Momoa and Christian Slater
What: After watching their respective partners die, a New Orleans hitman and a Washington D.C. detective team up to bring down their common enemy.
When: February 1st
Why: Arnold Schwarzenegger may be back to reclaim his action hero title, but Sylvester Stallone never gave it up, and though his latest movie doesn’t look very good, you have to respect the guy for grinding away all these years. Though director Walter Hill has made his share of fun buddy action films (including “48 Hours” and its sequel), that formula has been run so far into the ground that only a dinosaur like him would think it’s still relevant. It’s always nice to see Sung Kang getting work, because he’s probably one of the best Asian-American actors in the business, but if the cheesy dialogue from the trailer is any indication, “Bullet to the Head” is destined for the Wal-Mart bargain bin.

Who: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy, Amanda Peet and Morris Chestnut
What: When a mild-mannered businessman learns his identity has been stolen, he hits the road in an attempt to foil the deceptively harmless-looking thief.
When: February 8th
Why: Jason Bateman reteams with “Horrible Bosses” director Seth Gordon for a new film co-starring Hollywood It Girl Melissa McCarthy. On paper, “Identity Thief” sounds like it should be comedy gold, but go watch the trailer again and count how many times you laughed. Did you get zero too? It’s not entirely surprising considering the film was written by the same guy behind a trio of spoof movies and “RocketMan,” but I’ve come to expect better from Bateman. McCarthy, on the other hand, continues to overact the only way she knows how, and though some people seem to find her funny, I’m not one of them. In other words, unless you’re a fan, you can probably wait for it to hit home video.

It’s hard to decide what the worst part about January is – the cold weather or the crappy movies – but at least with the winter chill, you can always add extra layers to help stay warm. There’s not a lot you can do to make a bad film more tolerable, and unfortunately, the turn of the year is typically brimming with cinematic duds. Though there are a few potential surprises in the cards this January from some heavy hitters, it’s best to keep your expectations low, because even the biggest stars are due a stinker every once in a while, and if there was ever a good time to release it, this would be the month to do it.

Who: Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Sean Penn, Emma Stone and Nick Nolte
What: A crew of LAPD enforcers team up to take down vicious mobster Mickey Cohen.
When: January 11th
Why: After getting bumped from its September release date to accommodate reshoots following the Aurora, Colorado tragedy (particularly a scene involving machine guns in a movie theater), it’s a little sad to see Ruben Fleischer’s police drama land in the dregs of January, because it deserves better than that. Loosely based on the LAPD’s war against organized crime during the late 40s and early 50s, the film’s cast is packed with enough talent – from its major stars to supporting players like Giovanni Ribisi, Anthony Mackie, Michael Pena and Robert Patrick – to rival any of the “Ocean’s Eleven” movies. Though I was disappointed by Fleischer’s last effort, the crime comedy “30 Minutes or Less,” it’ll be interesting to see how the “Zombieland” director handles more serious material, and whether his unique visual style clashes with the particular look of that era.

Who: Marlon Wayans, Essence Atkins, Nick Swardson and David Koechner
What: When Malcolm and Keisha learn that a demon resides in their dream home, Malcolm turns to a priest, a psychic, and a team of ghostbusters for help.
When: January 11th
Why: Unless you’re a fan of the “Scary Movie” franchise, which Marlon Wayans helped launch over a decade ago, it’s hard to imagine you’ll have any sort of interest in his new horror comedy, which parodies found footage films like “Paranormal Activity” and “The Devil Inside.” But if those awful spoof movies by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer taught us anything, it’s that there’s definitely a market for this brand of lowbrow idiocy, although you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone to actually admit it. That doesn’t mean they don’t exist, but even for a spoof movie, “A Haunted House” looks embarrassingly bad for everyone involved, including those dumb enough to waste their time and money.

Who: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Johnny Knoxville, Forest Whitaker and Luis Guzman
What: The leader of a drug cartel busts out of a courthouse and speeds to the Mexican border, where the only thing in his path is a sheriff and his inexperienced staff.
When: January 18th
Why: Between the English-language debuts of Kim Ji-woon and Park Chan-wook, and Spike Lee’s upcoming remake of the cult classic “Oldboy,” the Korean invasion is in full swing, and deservedly so, because they’re making some of the best movies at the moment. Kim Ji-woon’s revenge thriller “I Saw the Devil” was one of my favorite films of 2011, so it’s not surprising that his fans have been drooling over the prospect of his Hollywood debut, and the fact that it also happens to be Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first starring role in a decade will probably bring it even more attention. That could end up hurting the movie more than it helps it if expectations are set too high, but the script didn’t earn a place on the Black List for nothing, and if it’s anything like Kim’s oddball Western “The Good, the Bad, the Weird,” then U.S. audiences could be in for a fun treat.

Who: Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Kyle Chandler
What: A former cop hired to trail the adulterous wife of New York City’s mayor finds himself caught up in a much larger scandal.
When: January 18th
Why: It’s hard to believe that a film starring the likes of Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe and Catherine Zeta-Jones is being released in January, which leads me to believe one of two things: either the studio has zero confidence in the movie, or they’re hoping to cash in against much weaker competition. Unfortunately, the trailer doesn’t really get me excited about the film, even with the talent involved, and that’s because we’ve all seen a variation of this film several times before. Though there’s always the chance that Allen Hughes’ first solo effort without brother Albert (who’s off making his own movie with Mickey Rourke) will bring something fresh to the genre, I wouldn’t hold your breath.

Who: Jessica Chastain, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Megan Charpentier
What: Annabelle and Lucas are faced with the challenge of raising his two nieces that disappeared into the woods five years ago, but the girls might not be alone.
When: January 18th
Why: Horror movies aren’t usually my thing, but even I’m somewhat intrigued by first-time director Andres Muschietti’s “Mama,” which is based on his 2008 short film of the same name. Though having Guillermo del Toro attached to the movie as an executive producer certainly lends some credibility to the project, it’s the involvement of Jessica Chastain that really perks my interest, because the Oscar-nominated actress could do just about anything she wants at the moment, so she must have saw something really special in the script to agree to do a horror film at this stage in her career. Then again, this wouldn’t be the first time that I’ve gotten my hopes up about a movie opening in January only to get burned, so here’s hoping that Muschietti and Co. prove me wrong.

Who: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Peter Stormare and Famke Janssen
What: In this dark spin on the famous fairy tale, siblings Hansel and Gretel have grown up to become bounty hunters who track and kill witches all over the world.
When: January 25th
Why: I’ve lost count of how many times “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” has been delayed over the last few years, but now that it’s finally coming to theaters, will anyone even care? Filmed long before Jeremy Renner became a household name, the studio is clearly hoping to exploit his recent success, but you have to feel bad for the actor, because this looks like the kind of low-rent action movie you make before becoming a big star. Much like director Tommy Wirkola’s zombie Nazi comedy “Dead Snow,” the concept sounds like a lot of fun, but I can’t shake the feeling that it’s going to be too campy for its own good, especially when none of the actors appear to be in on the joke.

Who: Jason Statham, Jennifer Lopez, Michael Chiklis, Bobby Cannavale and Nick Nolte
What: After being double-crossed and left for dead, a thief forms an unlikely alliance with a woman on the inside to hijack his crew’s latest score.
When: January 25th
Why: If you’ve seen one Jason Statham movie, you’ve pretty much seen them all, but with Taylor Hackford behind the camera, you’d expect this to at least fall on the better end of his action film oeuvre. Though I don’t know much about the series of books that it’s based on, this isn’t the first time that author Donald Westlake’s antihero has been transported to the big screen, perhaps most notably in the underrated Mel Gisbon film “Payback.” However, this is the first time that the Parker name has been allowed to be used, so you can bet that the plan is to jumpstart a franchise using a similar strategy as “Jack Reacher.” Fans of the novels probably shouldn’t get their hopes up, but even though it may not be franchise material, action movies starring The Stath are rarely dull.

Who: Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Gerard Butler, Emma Stone and Elizabeth Banks
What: An outrageous ensemble comedy intertwining different tales and starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
When: January 25th
Why: The idea of enlisting some of the most famous actors in the movie business to take part in an anthology of lewd and politically incorrect vignettes directed by guys like Peter Farrelly, Brett Ratner and James Gunn sounds pretty funny on paper. Whether or not “Movie 43” manages to fulfill that comic potential, however, is a completely different story, especially when some audiences might not like the thought of seeing Hollywood darlings such as Hugh Jackman and Kate Winslet sink to that level. There’s definitely a spoof movie vibe to it, which also means that there’s plenty of room for disappointment, but with this much talent packed into one film, it’s hard not to be at least a little curious.

It’s no secret that Hollywood saves some of its biggest guns for the end of the year, and between all the awards season hopefuls and holiday blockbusters, there’s an entire arsenal of exciting movies coming to theaters this December. While Kathryn Bigelow, Tom Hooper and Quentin Tarantino duke it for Oscar honors with their newest films, “Jack Reacher” and “The Hobbit” promise to deliver pure escapist entertainment. The only thing missing is a big red bow, because this is the ultimate present for film lovers.

Who: Bill Murray, Laura Linney, Olivia Williams, Olivia Colman and Samuel West
What: The story of the love affair between FDR and his distant cousin Margaret Stuckley during the weekend in 1939 when the King of England visited upstate New York.
When: December 7th
Why: Bill Murray is notoriously picky about choosing scripts, but not even he could turn down the chance to play Franklin D. Roosevelt, which practically comes with an Oscar nomination attached to it. All kidding aside, Murray is actually a pretty inspired choice to play the wheelchair-bound 32nd President, especially because Roger Michell’s film appears to be much lighter for a story that takes place during such a harrowing period in history. While it’s unlikely that “Hyde Park on Hudson” will garner the same awards recognition as 2010’s “The King’s Speech” (although the two movies would make a perfect double feature), it’s hard to imagine that it will disappoint with such a solid cast.

Who: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan, Richard Armitage, Andy Serkis and Hugo Weaving
What: Bilbo Baggins journeys to the Lonely Mountain with a vigorous group of dwarves to reclaim a treasure stolen from them by the dragon Smaug.
When: December 14th
Why: After years stuck in development hell due to the MGM bankruptcy crisis, the most anticipated prequel to come out of Hollywood since “The Phantom Menace” is finally arriving in theaters, although not exactly in the way that most people were expecting. For starters, Peter Jackson is back in the director’s chair after Guillermo del Toro cut his losses to work on other projects (and really, it’s for the better), while two movies have now become three after the decision was made to turn “The Hobbit” into its own trilogy. Though I’m not exactly sure how Jackson plans to do that (especially when Part One, subtitled “An Unexpected Journey,” will reportedly run 160 minutes long), that doesn’t make me any less thrilled about getting the chance to revisit Middle Earth all over again.

Who: Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Kyle Chandler, Chris Pratt and Jason Clarke
What: A chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the 9/11 attacks, and his death at the hands of Navy SEAL Team Six.
When: December 19th
Why: The last time director Kathryn Bigelow and writer Mark Boal got together, they made the superb military thriller “The Hurt Locker,” which went on to win six Oscars, including ones for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. The pair has reportedly been working on a movie about the hunt for Osama bin Laden for quite some time – so long, in fact, that they had to completely rewrite it after the al-Qaeda leader’s death in 2011 – but if there’s one film with the potential to outdo their last collaboration, “Zero Dark Thirty” is it. Though the movie is clearly much larger in scope than “The Hurt Locker,” with a lot of moving parts and an incredible ensemble cast too big to list here, if Bigelow and Boal get it right, this could be the movie event of the year.

Who: Seth Rogen, Barbra Streisand, Adam Scott, Colin Hanks and Yvonne Strahovski
What: An inventor and his mom hit the road together so he can sell his latest invention.
When: December 19th
Why: With the exception of her supporting roles in the two “Meet the Parents” sequels, it’s been 16 years since Barbara Streisand starred in a film, so naturally people are excited. Though “The Guilt Trip” isn’t exactly the type of movie that a lot of her fans would expect from the actress, the idea of pairing her with man-child Seth Rogen is just interesting enough to perk my interest. Rogen’s career has been pretty hit-and-miss, especially when given too much freedom to improvise, so hopefully having a screen legend like Streisand around will encourage him to bring his A-game, because if the duo can strike the right chemistry, “The Guilt Trip” could be a pleasant holiday surprise.

Who: Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Robert Duvall, Richard Jenkins and Werner Herzog
What: A homicide investigator digs deeper into a case involving a trained military sniper who shot five random victims.
When: December 21st
Why: Fans of Lee Child’s popular Jack Reacher book series were outraged when it was announced that Tom Cruise would be playing the lead character in Christopher McQuarrie’s big screen adaptation of the series’ ninth novel, and understandably so. After all, Reacher’s hulking physical appearance supposedly plays an important role in the books, and the diminutive Cruise is one of the last people you’d think of for the part. With that said, however, the actor has not only gotten the stamp of approval from Child himself, but based on the trailers released thus far, it appears that what he lacks in physicality he more than makes up for in attitude. And to think that Cruise wasn’t even McQuarrie’s oddest casting choice. Instead, that honor goes to German director Werner Herzog as the movie’s villain, which is actually kind of perfect when you think about it.

Who: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Jason Segel, Melissa McCarthy and Albert Brooks
What: Picking up a few years after the events of “Knocked Up,” Pete and Debbie continue to fight their way through marriage.
When: December 21st
Why: As far as spinoffs and sequels go, the idea behind “This Is 40” is pretty great, but it’s been awhile since Judd Apatow did anything that really made me laugh, and I’m skeptical that his new movie can buck that trend. Though Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann were responsible for some of the funniest moments in “Knocked Up,” they were much better off as supporting characters, so it’ll be interesting to see if they’ll be able to carry an entire movie on their own. Apatow has already covered many of the basic milestones in adult life – losing your virginity, giving birth and death – so it certainly makes sense that he would be attracted to telling a more complete story about marriage as well. The real question is whether returning to the world of “Knocked Up” will help rekindle Apatow’s comic spark, or if it just makes him look that much more desperate by trying.

Who: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kerry Washington
What: With the help of his mentor, a slave-turned-bounty hunter sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner.
When: December 25th
Why: Quentin Tarantino has dabbled in just about every genre at this point in his career, so it’s only natural that he tried his hand at a Western, even if it’s not exactly a Western in the conventional sense. Much like his last film, “Django Unchained” is set against the backdrop of a particular time in history, and the director seems to thrive when working in that environment. Though I wasn’t crazy about his decision to cast Jamie Foxx in the title role (especially with guys like Idris Elba and Michael K. Williams also auditioning for the part), Tarantino’s casting is almost always spot-on, so I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. He hasn’t let me down yet, and between its promising concept and great cast (including Leonardo DiCaprio as the film’s villain), I don’t expect him to start here.

Who: Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe and Amanda Seyfried
What: In 19th-century France, criminal Jean Valjean agrees to care for a factory worker’s daughter while being hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert.
When: December 25th
Why: After “The King’s Speech” won Best Picture and Best Director at the Academy Awards two years ago, Tom Hooper could have done anything he wanted, so it’s very telling of his aspirations as a filmmaker that he chose to follow it up with a project as ambitious as a big screen adaptation of “Les Miserables.” Though the movie musical was reinvigorated with 2002’s “Chicago,” many of the ones released in the years since have failed to replicate that same level of success. But there aren’t many musicals that are bigger than “Les Miserables,” and judging by the trailers, Hooper has delivered a moviegoing experience that could rival “Chicago.” From the incredible ensemble cast, to Hooper’s rather unconventional decision to record all of the musical performances live, “Les Miserables” is already shaping up to be one of this year’s Oscar frontrunners.

Who: Matt Damon, John Krasinski, Frances McDormand and Rosemarie DeWitt
What: A salesman for a natural gas company experiences life-changing events after arriving in a small town, where his corporation wants to tap into the available resources.
When: December 28th
Why: There aren’t very many movies that manage to fly under my radar, but “Promised Land” did just that, and I’m not exactly sure how it happened, because the film is jam-packed with talent. Not only does it mark the reunion of Matt Damon with his “Good Will Hunting” director Gus Van Sant, but it’s Damon’s first screenplay since 2002’s “Gerry,” which was also directed by Van Sant. And in keeping with Damon’s habit of co-writing movies with his co-stars, “Promised Land” also counts John Krasinski among its many multi-hyphenates, making the film a somewhat intimate affair. Though it’s difficult to tell how the indie drama will fare against the rest of the season’s competition, despite its environmentally charged subject matter, it’s probably a dark horse contender at best.

After a tepid last couple of months, Hollywood is finally gearing up for award season, and with it comes a host of really promising films from the likes of Steven Spielberg, Joe Wright, David O. Russell and Ang Lee, many of which are already projected to land several Oscar nominations. But perhaps the most highly-anticipated release this November isn’t an award contender at all, but rather the long-awaited 23rd installment in the James Bond series, which looks to be Daniel Craig’s best 007 adventure yet.

Who: John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Sarah Silverman and Jane Lynch
What: A video game villain sets out to fulfill his dream of being a hero, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives.
When: November 2nd
Why: I was cautiously optimistic about “Wreck-It Ralph” when it was first announced, but after seeing the film, I can say unequivocally that it’s one of the best movies the studio has put out in years, and that includes the Pixar stuff as well. In fact, “Wreck-It Ralph” is the kind of film that you’d almost expect Pixar to make, because it’s a remarkably original idea that’s catered to both kids and the adults who grew up playing retro games. Director Rich Moore comes from a background that includes “Futurama” and “The Simpsons,” and it really shows in the type of humor on display, while John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman shine in their voice roles. The animation is also really gorgeous, especially the attention to detail between games, and the much-publicized cameos help bring an authenticity to the world that only makes it even more enjoyable.

Who: Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, John Goodman, Kelly Reilly and Melissa Leo
What: An airline pilot saves a flight from crashing, but an investigation into the malfunctions reveals that he may have been drunk at the time.
When: November 2nd
Why: After spending nearly a decade helping pioneer motion capture technology with movies like “The Polar Express,” “Beowulf” and “A Christmas Carol,” Robert Zemeckis marks his return to live-action filmmaking with something that has a little more bite to it. Early reviews have been almost unanimously positive, with Denzel Washington singled out for his amazing performance, and though he may be considered a bit of a dark horse with so much stiff competition this year, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Academy rewarded the actor with his first nomination since 2002’s “Training Day.” The subject matter certainly carries the danger of becoming too melodramatic, but between the interesting premise and excellent cast, “Flight” is exactly the kind of riveting character drama that should help remind audiences just how good Zemeckis’ movies used to be.

Who: RZA, Russell Crowe, Lucy Liu, Jamie Chung, Rick Yune and Dave Bautista
What: A humble blacksmith defends his village from a band of assassins and mercenaries when they come to town in search of a fabled treasure of gold.
When: November 2nd
Why: Anyone who knows anything about Wu Tang Clan founder RZA is that he loves kung fu cinema, so you can be sure that his directorial debut is going to be nothing short of a love letter to the genre, albeit one with a hip-hop soundtrack. The fact that he’s managed to attract the kind of talent that he has is certainly a sign of the film’s potential, because let’s be honest, Russell Crowe is the last person you’d expect to show up in this type of movie, even if it only ends up being an extended cameo. With that said, however, “The Man with the Iron Fists” looks every bit like the kind of chop-socky B-movies that RZA grew up watching, so if you’re expecting something more along the lines of “Kill Bill,” there’s a pretty good chance you’re going to walk away disappointed.

Who: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench, Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris
What: As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.
When: November 9th
Why: It may have taken a little longer than expected to arrive in theaters, but the MGM bankruptcy fiasco was almost a blessing in disguise, because “Skyfall” looks like the perfect way to celebrate 50 years of James Bond. Though Daniel Craig’s last outing as 007 left a lot to be desired following his fantastic debut, “Skyfall” could be his best yet thanks to the rather unconventional selection of Sam Mendes as the film’s director. Mendes brings a certain level of prestige to the proceedings that the series hasn’t had before, and while some were worried about his lack of experience shooting action, the trailers suggest that he’s done a more than capable job in that department. The cast is equally as exciting, from Javier Bardem’s platinum-haired villain to the underrated Ben Whishaw as a young Q. The only thing missing is Moneypenny, although if some sources are to be believed, that might be remedied by the end of this installment too.

Who: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Joseph-Gordon Levitt and Tommy Lee Jones
What: As the Civil War rages on, Lincoln fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves.
When: November 9th
Why: Steven Spielberg’s passion project has been in development for years – so long, in fact, that its original intended star Liam Neeson was considered too old for the role by the time it went into production. (Strangely, Neeson is only five years older than his replacement, Daniel Day-Lewis). Though I probably would have been a lot more interested if Neeson was still involved, it doesn’t change the fact that this could be the film that finally ends Spielberg’s cold streak, because he hasn’t made a truly great movie since 2005’s “Munich.” The director always seems to excel at telling stories based in history (“Saving Private Ryan,” “Schindler’s List,” etc.), and he’s recruited an amazing ensemble cast of actors for his last epic. The list is too long to rattle off every name, but you can expect top-notch acting all around, starting with Day-Lewis, whose role as the 16th President is such blatant Oscar material that it’s his award to lose.

Who: Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Kelly Macdonald
What: Set in late 19th century Russia, aristocrat Anna Karenina enters into a life-changing affair with the affluent Count Vronsky.
When: November 16th
Why: I’m a sucker for anything that Joe Wright does, especially when it involves Keira Knightley, but even I’m a little worried about his version of “Anna Karenina.” The literary classic has been adapted for the screen so many times before that it seems pointless for someone to do it again, despite the fact that Wright has taken a big risk by staging the movie in a way unlike any other. It’s exactly the kind of outside-the-box thinking that the story needed in order to prevent it from feeling stale, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to work. The ingredients are all there, with a strong cast led by Knightley, Jude Law and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and a screenplay by Tom Stoppard, the Oscar-winning writer of “Shakespeare in Love,” but whether that translates into a success remains to be seen.

Who: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver
What: After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and meets a mysterious girl with problems of her own.
When: November 21st
Why: The last time that director David O. Russell got this much talent together, it resulted in a movie that earned seven Oscar nominations (including two wins in the Supporting Actor and Actress categories) and landed on just about every Top 10 list in the country. But for as great as “The Fighter” was, “Silver Linings Playbook” looks even better. Based on the 2008 novel by Matthew Quick, the film has all the ingredients of a Best Picture contender, beginning with its excellent cast. Bradley Cooper has already cemented himself as a legitimate leading man, but this could be the role that finally proves he’s a serious actor, while Jennifer Lawrence looks to continue to build on her impressive career. Perhaps more exciting than the two leads, however, is the prospect of seeing Robert De Niro in a role that could mark a return to form for the aging actor.

Who: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Rafe Spall, Adil Hussain and Tabu
What: The son of a zookeeper is deserted on a lifeboat with a hyena, zebra, orangutan, and Bengal tiger after a shipwreck sets them adrift in the Pacific Ocean.
When: November 21st
Why: Hollywood has been trying to bring Yann Martel’s best-selling novel to the big screen for several years, with M. Night Shyamalan, Alfonso Cuaron and Jean-Pierre Jeunet all attached to direct at some point, only to move on to other projects. And just when it seemed like Ang Lee might be the latest casualty, Fox finally gave the director the greenlight, although he didn’t make it easy on himself by rolling every filmmaking vice – kids, animals, water and 3D – into one production. Of course, based on the early buzz, it seems to have paid off, because even if the film doesn’t dominate in the major award categories, it’s sure to land a few technical awards for the stunning visuals and incredible animal effects. (That Bengal tiger is entirely computer generated, you know).

Who: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Biel
What: A love story between influential filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and wife Alma Reville during the filming of “Psycho” in 1959.
When: November 23rd
Why: HBO’s recent biopic about Alfred Hitchcock and the making of “The Birds” was a dull, melodramatic affair that just didn’t sit right with me, so I’m really hoping that Sacha Gervasi’s take on the famed director during his time filming “Psycho” fares much better. At the very least, it appears to be a little more playful and lighthearted, tapping into Hitchcock’s darkly comical side, and the fact that it boasts such a great cast doesn’t hurt. Anthony Hopkins was an excellent choice to play the Master of Suspense (barely recognizable under all the make-up), and Helen Mirren is the perfect complement as his wife Alma. What remains to be seen, however, is whether “Hitchcock” can be as engrossing as the movies that made him one of cinema’s most respected filmmakers.

Who: Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, Richard Jenkins, Scoot McNairy and James Gandolfini
What: Jackie Cogan is a professional enforcer who investigates a heist that went down during a mob-protected poker game.
When: November 30th
Why: I wasn’t a fan of Andrew Dominik’s slow-moving Western “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” so I’m understandably a little hesitant about his follow-up, which is based on George V. Higgins’ crime novel “Cogan’s Trade.” With that said, however, Dominik has assembled an impressive group of actors yet again (including gangster film perennials like Ray Liotta and James Gandolfini), and Brad Pitt obviously sees something in the director to be teaming up with him for a second time. Having already played at a number of film festivals (most notably Cannes) and opening in other countries prior to its U.S. release, reactions to the movie have been extremely positive, although it’s still hard to tell whether it will appeal to a mainstream audience.

Much like the month before it, October isn’t exactly overflowing with quality, but what it lacks in that area it more than makes up for with plenty of variety. Though there aren’t many films worth getting genuinely excited about, the schedule does provide some audience-friendly fare as well as an early look at a few potential awards contenders.

Who: Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen, Maggie Grace and Rade Serbedzija
What: In Istanbul, retired CIA operative Bryan Mills and his wife are taken hostage by the father of a kidnapper Mills killed while rescuing his daughter.
When: October 5th
Why: Though it’s one of those sequels that doesn’t really need to exist, the original film was so much fun (not to mention made a decent bit of coin at the box office) that it’s not surprising Fox was so quick to greenlight another installment. After playing the helpless victim in the first movie, it’ll be refreshing to see Maggie Grace get in on the action this time around, even if all people care about is watching Liam Neeson kick ass and take names. Granted, the setup is ridiculous, as it’s hard to imagine the villains would have the resources to track down Neeson’s character, let alone know when he’s in a different country (a U.S.-based story would have been much more exciting), but it’s one of those details you just have to ignore in order to enjoy the movie for the action fantasy that it is.

Who: Nicole Kidman, Matthew McConaughey, Zac Efron and John Cusack
What: A reporter returns to his Florida hometown to investigate a case involving a death row inmate.
When: October 5th
Why: Unlike most of Hollywood, Lee Daniel’s “Precious” failed to convince me that it was anything more than a well-made afterschool special, so I’m curious to see what he’s able to do with his latest film, a pulpy erotic thriller featuring a trio of dependable actors. Though it’s been awhile since Nicole Kidman or John Cusack did anything of note, you can never count them out, while Matthew McConaughey has been on a bit of hot streak recently. The wild card of the cast is undoubtedly Zac Efron, because despite the actor’s dogged determination to shed his “High School Musical” image with more adult roles, he’s yet to really prove that he has the talent to back it up. Reaction was pretty mixed when the movie debuted at this year’s Cannes Film Festival (not terribly surprising considering the material), so you would be wise to approach it with caution.

Who: Jennifer Garner, Yara Shahidi, Ty Burrell, Olivia Wilde and Rob Corddry
What: An adopted girl discovers her talent for butter carving and finds herself pitted against an ambitious local woman in their small town’s annual contest.
When: October 5th
Why: A black comedy that takes place in the offbeat and seemingly trivial world of butter carving competitions? What’s not to love? The concept sounds like something that Alexander Payne might make (it’s especially reminiscent of his 1999 cult hit “Election”), but while that may speak well of the movie’s potential, it’s a little worrying that it’s take so long to get a theatrical release. Directed by Jim Field Smith, who also made the underrated rom-com “She’s Out of My League,” “Butter” played the festival circuit at the end of last year, but the Weinstein Co. hasn’t shown a lot of confidence in the movie by dumping it in October. With that said, however, the cast is awesome (Jennifer Garner is great at playing the uptight socialite), and the script by newbie Jason A. Micallef landed a spot on the 2008 Black List. That doesn’t guarantee it will be any good, but it helps.

Who: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Alan Arkin and Victor Garber
What: As the Iranian revolution reaches a boiling point, a CIA agent concocts a plan to free six Americans who’ve found shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador.
When: October 12th
Why: Ben Affleck was perhaps unfairly snubbed by the Academy with his first two directorial efforts (the Boston crime flicks “Gone Baby Gone” and “The Town”), but if “Argo” is even half as good as it looks, they’re going to have a difficult time ignoring him this year. Though it helps that the movie is based on a true story, so few know about this particular aspect of the conflict that it might as well be fiction. After its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this month, the movie is already riding a wave of early buzz, with many critics suggesting that Affleck has nailed both the political and Hollywood insider stuff, creating a film that’s as funny as it is thrilling. And with a cast that’s littered with some of the best character actors in the business, “Argo” is pretty much a shoo-in for Best Director and Best Picture nominations come awards season.

Who: Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson and Christopher Walken
What: A struggling screenwriter inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends kidnap a gangster’s beloved Shih Tzu.
When: October 12th
Why: It’s hard to believe that it’s taken Martin McDonagh four years to release the follow-up to his hilarious directorial debut “In Bruges,” because you’d think he would be a little more in demand after being nominated for an Oscar. Then again, it was probably smart that he took the time to find the perfect project for his sophomore effort, and he seems to have found it with “Seven Psychopaths,” which falls in the same wheelhouse as the Sundance crime comedy, albeit with a decidedly goofier tone. The movie also reunites McDonagh with his “In Bruges” star Colin Farrell and features some of the funniest oddball actors in Hollywood, and quite frankly, the prospect of seeing Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson and Christopher Walken sharing the screen is too good to pass up.

Who: Kevin James, Salma Hayek, Henry Winkler and Greg Germann
What: A high school biology teacher moonlights as an MMA fighter in an effort to raise money to prevent the school’s music program from being axed.
When: October 12th
Why: For starters, it’s a Kevin James comedy that might not completely suck, and that’s a victory in its own right, especially when you consider that it’s directed by the same guy who made James’ last dud, “The Zookeeper.” Though the plot sounds an awful lot like the Joel Edgerton portion of “Warrior,” MMA has become so popular over the last few years that it isn’t surprising to see Hollywood jump on the bandwagon. James himself appears to have slimmed down and bulked up for the role, which hopefully means that the audience won’t be subjected to quite as much of the self-humiliation humor that the comedian has relied on in the past, although it obviously comes with the territory. That doesn’t mean that the material still shouldn’t be taken seriously, however, and as long as that balance can be struck, “Here Comes the Boom” could be a pleasant surprise.

Who: Tyler Perry, Matthew Fox, Rachel Nichols and Edward Burns
What: A young homicide detective meets his match when the serial killer he’s been brought in to track down makes things personal.
When: October 19th
Why: I’m not sure what’s worse — the idea of Tyler Perry as an action hero, or the fact that he’s playing a character first brought to life on the big screen by Morgan Freeman. Based on the 12th novel in James Patterson’s long-running series, the studio is clearly hoping that “Alex Cross” can reboot the film franchise that stalled out after 2001′s “Along Came a Spider,” but surely there was a better option to play Cross than a man whose biggest claim to fame is dressing up like a fat black woman. Perry has failed to prove that he has the talent or presence to carry a big action thriller, and though Matthew Fox will probably make it worth seeing for his physical transformation as the film’s psychotic villain, without a good actor in the lead role, there’s nothing to build a franchise around.

Who: John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, William H. Macy and Moon Bloodgood
What: A man in an iron lung who wishes to lose his virginity contacts a professional sex surrogate with the help of his therapist and priest.
When: October 19th
Why: As far as indie darlings with awards potential go, “The Sessions” checks just about every major box. It’s based on a true story about a serious disease, but takes a more lighthearted approach to the material; the cast boasts several Oscar winners and nominees; and it’s riding a wave of positive buzz from its time on the festival circuit. That’s a recipe for success, especially when you consider the crossover appeal that it’ll likely have at the box office, creating the ultimate cinematic monster: a movie that both the critics and masses enjoy. Helen Hunt hasn’t done anything notable in years, and yet she’ll still probably earn an Oscar nod for her work as the amiable sex surrogate, while John Hawkes should also be rewarded for the latest in a string of great performances.

Who: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Hugo Weaving and Ben Whishaw
What: An exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future.
When: October 26th
Why: After the disappointment of “Speed Racer,” the last thing that anyone expected from the Wachowskis was something even more ambitious, and that’s probably the best word to describe their latest movie. Teaming up with “Run Lola Run” director Tom Tykwer to adapt the supposedly unfilmable novel by David Mitchell, “Cloud Atlas” is one of those films that’s already dividing audiences between those that think it’s a modern masterpiece and those that think it’s a pretentious mess. In fact, trying to explain the movie’s complex plot is so difficult that the first trailer was nearly six minutes long. The various connected stories not only take place over different time periods, but traverse different genres as well, with many of the actors playing multiple roles in different races and genders. Though that may sound a bit gimmicky for a film with so much ambition, it certainly makes “Cloud Atlas” a cinematic experiment worth seeing. Whether Tykwer and the Wachowskis actually pull it off is another story, but it’s hard not to root for them.

The summer movie season may be finally over, but awards season is just around the corner, and Hollywood typically uses September as a time to catch its breath between all the madness. But while there aren’t many high-profile releases on tap for the month, there are still plenty of promising titles worth checking out, including the latest from visionary directors P.T. Anderson and Rian Johnson and the return of Clint Eastwood.

Who: Henry Cavill, Bruce Willis, Sigourney Weaver and Veronica Echegui
What: After his family is kidnapped, a young Wall Street trader is confronted by the people responsible: intelligence agents looking to recover a mysterious briefcase.
When: September 7th
Why: Despite a starring role in last year’s underwhelming Greek epic “Immortals,” British actor Henry Cavill has failed to demonstrate why he was chosen to don the iconic red and blue suit for Zack Snyder’s upcoming “Man of Steel.” And though his latest vehicle was delayed earlier this year due to reportedly bad test screenings, “The Cold Light of Day” will give him another shot to convince audiences that he’s the right choice to play Superman. With that said, however, not even the involvement of Bruce Willis and Sigourney Weaver makes this action thriller look any less like a Jason Bourne rip-off. After all, there’s usually a pretty good reason when a film’s release date gets pushed back, and it’s hard to imagine that any amount of re-editing will fix that.

Who: Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana, Dennis Quaid, Olivia Wilde and Jeremy Irons
What: A writer at the peak of his literary success discovers the steep price he must pay for stealing another man’s work.
When: September 7th
Why: CBS Films doesn’t exactly have a very good track record, but compared to their past projects, “The Words” seems to be a step in the right direction. Though it received mixed reactions when the movie premiered earlier this year at Sundance, the concept is intriguing enough that I’m willing to give it the benefit of the doubt. The ensemble cast certainly doesn’t hurt its chances, although it’s not the first time that the studio has used big stars to disguise a turd. And while Bradley Cooper is an actor that I admire, and it’s always a pleasure to see Jeremy Irons no matter how small the role, it’s a little worrying that “The Words” might follow suit, especially in the hands of first-time directors Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal, the writing duo behind the disappointing “TRON: Legacy.”

Who: Kristen Dunst, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan, Rebel Wilson and James Marsden
What: Three friends are asked to be bridesmaids at a wedding of a woman they used to ridicule back in high school.
When: September 7th
Why: It may seem awfully convenient that another R-rated comedy about bridesmaids behaving badly is being released only a year after Paul Feig’s Oscar-nominated film became the surprise hit of last summer, but that’s about where the similarities end. In fact, those who claim the movie is just a rip-off might be surprised to discover that Leslye Headland’s directorial debut (which screened at Sundance this past January) is based on her 2010 off-Broadway play of the same name. Though it hasn’t gotten quite the same acclaim as “Bridesmaids,” I’m actually looking more forward to this darker, meaner wedding comedy, namely due to its awesome cast. Kirsten Dunst and Isla Fisher can be great with the right material, while Lizzy Caplan and Rebel Wilson are two very funny women with very different brands of humor that deserve more recognition.

Who: Milla Jovovich, Sienna Guillory, Michelle Rodriguez and Oded Fehr
What: Alice fights alongside a resistance movement in the continuing battle against the Umbrella Corporation and the undead.
When: September 14th
Why: Following in the footsteps of the “Fast and Furious” series, the fifth installment of the action horror franchise is bringing back several characters from previous films (including Michelle Rodriguez’s Rain and Oded Fehr’s Carlos Olivera), despite the fact that many of them are supposed to be dead. There’s no doubt a good explanation to the logistics behind director Paul W.S. Anderson’s all-star edition, but it probably won’t matter much either way. If you’re still watching these films at this point in the series, you clearly don’t care that they’re nothing more than schlocky B-movies with plenty of style but little in the way of actual substance. Don’t expect “Resident Evil: Retribution” to buck that trend, but it looks a lot more fun with Rodriguez and Fehr back for another round.

Who: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams and Jesse Plemons
What: A Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future until he’s tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic leader.
When: September 14th
Why: Paul Thomas Anderson’s long-awaited follow-up to 2007′s “There Will Be Blood” is shaping up to be one of the most controversial films of the year. Though Anderson claims the movie isn’t about the Church of Scientology as suggested, it’s hard to take that statement seriously when the trailer showcases a number of similarities between Philip Seymour Hoffman’s character and Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Whether or not he’s telling the truth remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: with Anderson behind the camera and a cast that includes Hoffman, Amy Adams and Joaquin Phoenix (making his big screen return after wasting the last few years making “I’m Still Here”), “The Master” will likely be a contender in nearly every major category come awards time.

Who: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey and Wood Harris
What: In a futuristic city where the police have the authority to act as judge, jury and executioner, a cop and his trainee take down a gang that deals a reality-altering drug.
When: September 21st
Why: I don’t remember much about the 1995 Sylvester Stallone action vehicle “Judge Dredd” other than the fact that it was terrible, but that’s surely enough to raise some eyebrows regarding the latest attempt to bring the popular antihero of the British comic “2000 AD” to the big screen. Though the filmmakers have been pretty open about doing fans of the series justice with their adaptation, “Dredd 3D” still has many of the same problems as its predecessor – namely, that it’s difficult for an audience to connect to a character detached of all emotion. Sure, it looks great visually (even if it does go over the top with the slo-mo shots), and the “Raid”-like setup should result in some cool action, but I’m still not sold that this version is going to fare any better than the last one.

Who: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Pena, Anna Kendrick and America Ferrera
What: Two young officers are marked for death after confiscating a small cache of money and firearms from the members of a notorious cartel during a routine traffic stop.
When: September 21st
Why: If there’s one thing that David Ayer loves, it’s making gritty cop movies. In addition to writing the excellent “Training Day” and the mediocre “Dark Blue,” he also directed “Street Kings” and has another one in production. His latest police thriller reminds me a lot of the former, and that’s great news, because along with landing Denzel Washington an Oscar for Best Actor, “Training Day” is perhaps one of the best cop films ever made. Those are some big shoes to fill, but “End of Watch” certainly has the right ingredients to make it happen, including a talented cast led by Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena, and an interesting docudrama style that will most likely divide audiences. Though Ayer still has a lot to prove behind the camera, it’s easily his most promising project to date.

Who: Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake and John Goodman
What: An ailing baseball scout in his twilight years takes his daughter along for one last recruiting trip.
When: September 21st
Why: Much like last year’s “Moneyball,” Robert Lorenz’s directorial debut is a baseball movie that isn’t really about baseball at all. That doesn’t make its early fall release any less fitting, but it goes without saying that “Trouble with the Curve” probably isn’t going to be the next “Bull Durham.” Still, it was a real coup to get Clint Eastwood to come out of semi-retirement and star in his first movie since “Gran Torino,” although it’s not surprising that Lorenz was the one to do it, having served as a producer on every one of his films since “Blood Work.” While the prospect of pairing a screen icon like Eastwood with a newer talent like Amy Adams is pretty exciting, the real wild card here is Justin Timberlake, who has yet to prove that he can hold his own against such heavyweights.

Who: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Mae Whitman and Paul Rudd
What: An introvert freshman is taken under the wings of two seniors who welcome him to the real world.
When: September 21st
Why: It’s not every day that the author of a critically acclaimed novel gets the chance to not only adapt their book for the big screen, but direct it as well, so consider Stephen Chbosky a very lucky man. Of course, the unique format of the novel (collected as a series of letters written by the titular wallflower to an anonymous recipient) was going to pose a number of difficulties for any filmmaker, so it was probably smart to hand over that responsibility to the one person who knows the book better than anyone else. Giving an untested director such as Chbosky complete creative control was still a pretty big risk on the part of Summit Entertainment, but if the casting (which includes a great group of young actors like Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller and Emma Watson in her first major post-“Harry Potter” role) is anything to go by, fans have nothing to worry about it.

Who: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano and Jeff Daniels
What: A mob hitman whose victims are sent back from the future is surprised when his latest assignment turns out to be his older self.
When: September 28th
Why: Rian Johnson’s “Brick” is one of my favorite movies of the past decade, so I was a little disappointed when his sophomore effort, the quirky con artist comedy “The Brothers Bloom,” failed to live up to my lofty expectations. But that’s only made me even more excited for his new sci-fi thriller “Looper,” which reunites the director with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and looks every bit as complicated as it sounds. Johnson has made some pretty ambitious movies in his short career, but they don’t even come close to this one, which represents a massive increase in scope by comparison. And it definitely shows, because judging by the trailer, “Looper” is going to be an absolutely wild ride, from the complex time travel plot to the slick action. Though the jury is still out on the facial prosthetics that Gordon-Levitt is wearing in order to more closely resemble Bruce Willis, it’s just nice knowing that a director even cares about those kinds of little details.

August has never been the most exciting part of the summer movie season, but the studios have treated it like a warm-down of sorts in recent years, taking the opportunity to discard their misfit films with seemingly no interest in how they perform. That may change this year, however, as there are a number of high-profile movies (including several targeted at action fans) that could end up doing some pretty big business. In fact, with the somewhat disappointing summer that we’ve had so far, it’s not entirely unreasonable to suggest that August might end up being the highlight of the season.

Who: Colin Farrell, Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale, Bryan Cranston and Bill Nighy
What: Factory worker Douglas Quaid begins to suspect that he’s a spy after visiting Rekall, a company that provides its clients with implanted fake memories.
When: August 3rd
Why: While not exactly a remake in the conventional sense, director Len Wiseman’s adaptation of the Philip K. Dick short story “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale” has nonetheless caused diehard fans of Paul Verhoeven’s 1990 original to scream blasphemy. But just like that movie was forced to get creative and expand upon Dick’s story, so too has Wiseman’s version, seemingly sticking closer to its source material by keeping the action on Earth. Colin Farrell is definitely an inspired choice to play Quaid (and just like Adrian Brody in “Predators,” it should help to limit the comparisons to Arnold Schwarzenegger), while Bryan Cranston is on such a hot streak right now that it’s hard to imagine anyone else as Cohaagen. Whether Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale or the special effects provide the film’s best eye candy, however, is still up for debate.

Who: Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg, Elijah Wood, Emma Roberts and Ari Graynor
What: A divorcing couple tries to maintain their friendship while pursuing other people.
When: August 3rd
Why: In addition to being a smart piece of counterprogramming to “Total Recall,” the indie dramedy has been riding a wave of strong buzz since its premiere at Sundance earlier this year, where most critics praised the excellent chemistry between its two stars. Though I’m not entirely sold on the idea of Andy Samberg as a romantic lead (or a serious actor, for that matter), I’ll see just about anything that Rashida Jones does these days, especially if it leads to more high-profile roles for the “Parks and Rec” actress. Jones also co-wrote the screenplay, which boasts an interesting premise that practically guarantees it won’t be anything like the typical Hollywood rom-com, with a more dramatic streak reminiscent of movies like “Annie Hall” and “(500) Days of Summer.” And if it’s even half as good as those films, we’re in for a pleasant surprise.

Who: Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, Steve Carell and Jean Smart
What: After 30 years of marriage, a middle-aged couple attends an intense, week-long counseling session to work on their relationship.
When: August 8th
Why: There are usually a few movies every summer targeted explicitly towards adult audiences, and more often than not, one of them stars Meryl Streep. That’s the case once again with this geriatric twist on the traditional rom-com, which reunites Streep with her “The Devil Wears Prada” director David Frankel. Unfortunately, “Hope Springs” doesn’t look nearly as good, instead hewing closer to the vibe of “It’s Complicated,” at least where Streep’s overly giggly character is concerned. The actress appears to be trying too hard to get a laugh, while Steve Carell doesn’t seem to have that much to do. The wild card is Tommy Lee Jones, who isn’t the first person you’d think of for this kind of role, but that’s exactly why it’s such a brilliant piece of casting. And if the three actors work as well together as you’d expect, “Hope Springs” might not be that bad after all.

Who: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Joan Allen and Stacy Keach
What: Treadstone agent Alex Cross goes on the run with one of the agency’s scientists when the shadow organization in charge shuts down his operation.
When: August 10th
Why: I was a little wary when Universal announced that they were continuing the Jason Bourne franchise without Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass (or for that matter, the title character), but from what I’ve seen so far, it’s safe to say that “The Bourne Legacy” is going to be just fine without them. It was a really smart decision to bring franchise scribe Tony Gilroy back to write and direct the fourth movie, because no one knows the Bourne series better than him, and it was likely his idea to design the story so that it runs parallel to “The Bourne Ultimatum.” That way, the Jason Bourne plotline still has a part to play, making the narrative transition to Jeremy Renner’s character a whole lot smoother. And with quality actors like Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton rounding out the cast, there’s a pretty good chance this will be the best installment yet.

Who: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Sarah Baker and Dylan McDermott
What: In order to gain influence over their North Carolina district, two CEOs attempt to oust long-term congressman Cam Brady by putting up a rival candidate.
When: August 10th
Why: The fact that I didn’t laugh once during the entire trailer certainly isn’t a good sign, but with the presidential elections just around the corner, the timing couldn’t be any better for a political comedy. Though it’s been awhile since Will Ferrell did something that really made me laugh, and Zach Galifianakis has failed to prove why he’s so popular, the two actors excel at playing big, dumb characters, and anyone familiar with director Jay Roach’s Austin Powers films knows that he loves that brand of goofball comedy. I would have preferred something a little darker – especially after Roach’s recent success on HBO films like “Recount” and “Game Change” – but that’s not really Ferrell and Galifianakis’ forte. And when you consider the current crop of politicians running for office, playing it as over the top as possible is probably the best way to go.

Who: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Chuck Norris, Liam Hemsworth
What: When one of their men is murdered on the job, the Expendables’ quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat.
When: August 18th
Why: This is the movie that fans were licking their chops over the first time around, with all the big action star icons that we were promised and more. Along with increasing Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s screen time, the film also boasts a few new additions, including Jean-Claude Van Damme as the hilariously named baddie Jean Vilain, and Chuck freaking Norris, who unfortunately is only appearing in a limited capacity. Still, something is better than nothing, although it’s strange that Steven Segal wasn’t invited to the party as well, unless Stallone is saving him for the next movie. Despite his omission, however, “The Expendables 2” is shaping up to be much better than the original. Director Simon West hasn’t had the most impressive career, but as fans of “Con Air” will tell you, he’s more than capable of delivering a kick-ass action film.

Who: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Leslie Mann
What: A misunderstood boy who can speak with the dead takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.
When: August 18th
Why: It’s no secret that Laika, the animation studio responsible for 2009’s “Coraline,” has a predilection for the supernatural (they even worked on Tim Burton’s “Corpse Bride”), so it’s great to see them back to oddball form with another stop-motion movie that both kids and adults can enjoy. Although there’s an undeniable “Scooby-Doo”-like quality to the film, it’ll be interesting to see how directors Chris Butler and Sam Fell manage the creepiness factor after many complained that “Coraline” was too scary for younger kids. (Though I’d argue that it was never meant for them in the first place.) I’m even more curious to see what it looks like in 3D, because while I’ve never been a big fan of the format, “Coraline” was one of the few movies that actually got it right, and the potential is there for “ParaNorman” to produce an equally unique filmgoing experience.

Who: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Shannon, Dania Ramirez and Jamie Chung
What: In Manhattan, a bike messenger picks up an envelope that attracts the interest of a dirty cop, who pursues the cyclist throughout the city.
When: August 24th
Why: Though it was originally scheduled to open earlier this year, the studio’s decision to push the release date back to August likely had more to do with capitalizing on Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s appearance in “The Dark Knight Rises” than the quality of the movie. It makes more sense to release the film during the summer anyway, because it doesn’t look like much more than your average popcorn flick – a high-testosterone action thriller like “Crank,” only without all the manic craziness. In fact, the weirdest thing about “Premium Rush” is that it seems to have created a whole new sport by blending cycling with parkour, although some might argue that you can’t get any weirder than Michael Shannon. But the actor always brings his A-game, as does Gordon-Levitt, so I wouldn’t be surprised if “Premium Rush” turned out to be the surprise hit of the month.

Who: Mike Birbiglia, Lauren Ambrose, Carol Kane and James Rebhorn
What: A burgeoning stand-up comedian struggles with the stress of a stalled career, a stale relationship, and the dangerous case of sleepwalking he’s desperate to ignore.
When: August 24th
Why: Most stand-up comics probably only dream about being involved in a movie as funny and honest as Mike Birbiglia’s “Sleepwalk with Me,” let alone one that marks their directorial debut. Based on his one-man show of the same name (which was in turn inspired by actual events from his life), the film is a witty and consistently funny human comedy about the fear of commitment, and hands-down my favorite movie at this year’s SXSW. Much like Birbiglia’s stand-up in the movie, the story is entertaining because it’s so personal, and he makes it even more so by narrating the movie via segments where he talks to the audience a la Ferris Bueller. It’ll be interesting to see how the general public receives “Sleepwalk with Me” when it’s rolled out into theaters, because the film is so good that if you weren’t a fan of Mike Birbiglia beforehand, you will be afterwards.

Who: Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Jason Clarke, Guy Pearce and Gary Oldman
What: Set in the Depression-era Franklin County, Virginia, a bootlegging gang is threatened by authorities who want a cut of their profits.
When: August 29th
Why: I didn’t really care for director John Hillcoat’s last two films (the post-apocalyptic drama “The Road” and the Aussie Western “The Proposition”), but I’ve been looking forward to “Lawless” since it was first announced. Formerly titled “The Wettest County in the World” after the novel on which it’s based, the movie looks about ten times more exciting than any episode of “Boardwalk Empire,” and features an ensemble cast that would make any director jealous. Not only does it boast a pair of talented leading men in Tom Hardy and Shia LeBeouf, but the film also features the likes of Guy Pearce (who shaved off his eyebrows for the role), Gary Oldman (back in villainous form), the prolific Jessica Chastain, and the underrated Jason Clarke. Though it may seem a little early to be releasing a movie with this kind of awards potential, there’s so much competition at the end of the year that separating itself from the pack will likely increase its chances.