2011 film preview

The upcoming year promises to deliver some entertaining films. Continuing a trend that few can master, numerous sequels are slated for release throughout the upcoming year, animated films continue to bring laughs to child and adult audiences alike, and comic book blockbusters will likely dominate the box office.

January kicks off with the Jan. 14 release of The Green Hornet, directed by innovative French moviemaker Michel Gondry. The film stars Seth Rogen as Britt Reid, a wealthy newspaper publisher by day, but vigilante crime fighter by night. Rogen co-wrote the movie, which also stars Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz, Cameron Diaz and Jay Chou.

On Jan. 28, Mexican film Biutiful reaches theatres. Directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, the dark film follows a man on his search for a lost love and a better life for his children. Star Javier Bardem has been receiving praise from both critics and peers for his haunting performance.

February will see a fun animated reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The Disney Touchstone picture Gnomeo and Juliet features the voices of James McAvoy and Emily Blunt as the two lead characters, with a star-studded supporting cast including Maggie Smith, Michael Caine and Patrick Stewart. The family friendly flick debuts on Feb. 11.

May looks like it will deliver the perfect combination of laughter and action. Thor, directed by Kenneth Branagh, kicks off on May 6 and tells the story of an arrogant warrior cast down to Earth by his father. The film stars Chris Hemsworth alongside Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins.

Kung-Fu Panda 2 is slated to provide laughs and excitement, as its all-star cast returns in the sequel. The family-friendly story of Po the Panda features the voices of Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, David Cross, Lucy Liu and Seth Rogen. It hits the big screen on May 27.

Another May sequel that fans are hoping will live up to the original is The Hangover 2. The cast reprises their roles as the story carries them to Thailand for Stu’s wedding. Obviously something will go horribly wrong and hilarity will ensue. Opens on May 26.

Finally, heading in to the summer blockbuster season, the final Harry Potter instalment hits theatres on July 15, which will undoubtedly be a worldwide phenomenon for the fans that have followed the series over the past decade. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II brings the magical series to an end and will see the epic final faceoff between the boy wizard and Voldemort.