Summit

No one can accuse director Jodie Foster's "The Beaver" of being just another dysfunctional-family drama when it features Mad Max himself (Mel Gibson) on the verge of madness as he communicates with others via a beaver hand puppet. Foster, who has been a good friend of Gibson's for the past 15 years, obviously believed in the troubled actor enough to give him one of the most unusual -- and challenging -- roles of his career.

Gibson stars as Walter Black, the successful CEO of a toy company and family man, who has fallen into a crippling depression. He nods off during family portraits, basically ignores his two sons and sleeps most of his days away. His wife, Meredith (Foster), finally has enough and sends Walter packing. Walter tries to off himself in a hotel and ends up being knocked out by a falling TV. When he wakes up, the beaver hand puppet he had rescued earlier from a Dumpster suddenly take on a life of its own. Speaking in a thick Cockney accent, Walter begins to talk through Beaver -- a distinct and separate personality who is funny, engaging and way more confident than Walter ever was.

Things start to look up at home when Walter convinces his family that the puppet is part of a prescribed therapy. There are some awkwardly funny scenes of Walter and Meredith having sex -- yes, the puppet stays on -- and of Walter addressing his workers through the Beaver. Walter and his puppet pal become a national sensation due to the success of a beaver-themed toy, but back home Walter's eldest son, Porter (Anton Yelchin), is fearful that he will grow up to be just like his father. There is a side story with Porter and the beautiful valedictorian (Jennifer Lawrence) he falls for who has a dark family secret of her own, while Walter retreats further and further into Beaverville.

Which personality will come out victorious: Walter or the Beaver? Whether or not you care depends a lot on how you feel about Gibson after his well-publicized racist remarks and accusations of abuse by his ex-girlfriend and mother of his child. Even if you can see the Oscar-winning actor behind the scandals, the outlandish premise of "The Beaver" is difficult to swallow, and you might find yourself laughing at supposedly serious scenes such as when Walter and the puppet are punching each other to a bloody pulp during a fight, or when Walter makes a little tuxedo for Beaver to wear to his anniversary dinner with his wife.

Whether you find "The Beaver" to be an earnest drama about a family unit crumbling under the strain of mental illness or an unintentional knee-slapper depends on your own mental state, but leave it to Foster to break the mold and craft a complex movie that is worth checking out either way for its fearless originality and Gibson's split-personality performance.

Extras! Both the DVD and Blu-ray contain audio commentary by Foster, deleted scenes and the making-of featurette "Everything Is Going to Be O.K."

Getty Images

The dark comedy has become an increasingly lightweight genre over the past decade, but actress-director Jodie Foster's latest film "The Beaver" looks to remind people that, hey, it's okay to tackle hard-hitting issues while cracking a few jokes.

Rising star Anton Yelchin ("Star Trek," "Terminator Salvation") is front and center in the new flick as Porter, the teenage son of Walter (Mel Gibson), a seriously depressed man who turns to a beaver puppet as his last resort of communication (Foster plays Gibson's wife).

The film debuted at this year's South by Southwest Festival, where we sat down with Yelchin to talk about his experience working with Foster and the tabloid-maligned Gibson. And no, there were no puppets involved in this interview.

Summit

Jodie Foster has said that this movie was one of her most difficult projects to work on. Were you aware of that on set?
No, you know... I don't know if Jodie is saying that because it sort of turned in to something that she wasn't expecting, if it became hard for her. Because while we were shooting it was great, a great process. I'm pretty sure she's referring to everything after, the struggle of having to postpone it, not knowing if it was going to be released. The shoot itself was great, we had a great time, everyone was great to be with on set. When I came on it, we were going to do the best we could with these performances.

Do you feel like you had more time to work with the cast then you normally would?
Yeah, we did. We had a couple rehearsals with Mel and [Jennifer Lawrence], in Jodie's apartment in New York. We sat, had food, ran scenes, talked about the relationships and people. I was there for a week-and-a-half before filming and it was a huge, huge learning process. I mean, for all the work I had been doing, every day I was learning something new, a question came up that we then answered. It built and built and built and built, and a lot of that is because Jodie is just a really brilliant woman.

Jodie comes from the world of acting, she's been doing it since she was very young. Does that give her an advantage over other directors you've worked with?
I think all good directors are going to be interested in this process. I can't imagine you wouldn't want to answer an actor's questions! But I think Jodie, because she's an actress, she and I connected, because I like to ask a lot of questions before I can  do the scenes. I just want to make sure why everything is happening. If for some reason things aren't aligned, we can change it or improve it, make it better. Or more accurate.

I actually sent her pages and pages of notes that I had -- not on the script, on the character -- the relationship between Porter and Walter, Walter's awful prison he had, a self-pitying world. She would answer every e-mail, answer every question.

Summit

Mel plays a very restrained character unlike many of his previous performances. Did his demeanor on set reflect that and what was it like working with him?
He was great. He doesn't really stay in character. We'd do these really intense scenes and then we'd break and he'd be Mel. Just really funny, intelligent, cool man to be around. But in the scenes...we talked about a lot of heavy, heavy things and it got dark. That's just what we were dealing with. I enjoyed working with him.

The movie does an amazing job of capturing real mental illness (or at least, making the audience think it does). Did you study any real life cases while preparing for the film?
I think I did reading about depression, clinical depression... I researched what Walter has, but I don't think Porter has a diagnosed depression that you would research the symptoms of. It was in the script, it made sense. All those emotions and thinking about the ideas, the self-pity, loathing -- he's so self-righteous and it's his guard.

"The Beaver" finds an amazing balance between the inherent, serious drama and lighter comedy -- how did you go about finding that tone?
It's funny, it was written like the first half was a comedy and then it got really dark, then it started elevating again. But when you approach it seriously, not just doing the "Little Miss Sunshine" thing of...that surface sort of approach, it gets really dark. I mean, if it gets funny -- wait, not to say I didn't like "Little Miss Sunshine!" -- it's different. There's a lot of serious s**t going on in that movie, but it's explored in that kind of, Wes Anderson-y way.

Identifying quirk as opposed to character?
Exactly. Alan Arkin in that movie is not a serious heroin addict and you don't explore...it's not a serious analysis on heroin addiction. But the more I think we explore this, I think because of Jodie's intelligence, it just became really trying to deal with these issues, really trying to see why these people are this way.

Inevitably it's funny. Mel is a really funny guy and the s**t he does is hilarious. Even though Jodie is in a lot of pain when she reads that first card, you laugh because it's ridiculous. It's interesting in the movie that the tone really sneaks up on you -- it's funny, it's funny, it's funny, then all of a sudden it's not really that funny anymore. It's just kind of awful. But then you laugh again! It's complex.

You're currently in training for a new movie right now, can you talk a little about that experience?
I'm doing this movie called "Odd Thomas" right now, that's based on a book by Dean Koontz. Stephen Sommers ["The Mummy," "G.I. Joe"] is doing it and he just wants me to bulk up. I'm eating a lot. I woke up today and had about five eggs, bacon, fruit plate...an hour and a half later I had a filet mignon...then I ate ribs, sausage and brisket a little bit ago. I'm eating, eating, eating.

Summit

A week after actor/director/official Jesus biographer Mel Gibson was sentenced to three years' probation for domestic violence, the Academy Award-winner is facing a new trial in the court of public opinion: The People vs. "The Beaver."

The verdict: Not bad!

Director and co-star Jodie Foster's loony-seeming art film, in which Gibson plays a man whose cure for the blues is the eponymous hand puppet, premiered at SXSW last night to a packed audience. According to Deadline, there was no protest or outrage towards Foster or the disgraced Gibson (who was not in attendance) but rather a show of respect and even applause.

As for the critical reaction, many seem to dam Gibson with faint praise (Get it? Beaver? Dam?), but are less enthusiastic about the film itself and certain tonal issues it has. Here are some select quotes from critics who attended the screening in Austin…

"The troubled actor delivers a performance very few could pull off as a depressed father who begins communicating through a hand puppet, but Foster doesn't know how to manage it or navigate the script's seismic tonal shifts, and ends up producing a film that's deeply strange, yet incapable of leaving an impression. Absent Gibson's presence, the Summit release would be a modest arthouse draw; with it, it's anyone's guess." - Andrew Barker, Variety

"Walter is a successful but chronically depressed and alcohol-abusing man who's watching helplessly as his life unravels around him. It's hard to tell if any of Gibson's performance is informed by his personal life but watching his work in the film, you can't help but wonder if he dug deep into his own psyche to tackle the role." – Mike Sampson, JoBlo

"Whether awkwardly failing to hang himself in a bathtub or beating himself up with a guitar, Gibson demonstrates an expansive madness that suggests a much darker, more involving psychological transition. No matter how straight Foster makes the material, 'The Beaver' only succeeds when it veers off the beaten path." - Eric Kohn, Indiewire

"Gibson gives it his best, and delivers a great performance — but it just isn’t enough to get me to care about the character’s well being or even believe the concept as a whole." –Peter Sciretta, /Film

"The audience in Austin responded with benign appreciation throughout, neither protesting nor pitching anything but the gentlest question to the director in the Q&A afterwards. If their reaction is representative, this is unlikely to hail the end of Mel. It may even mark his public rehabilitation." - Catherine Shoard, The Guardian

"It really is a shame that Mel Gibson is being hidden from the press. His performance in The Beaver is a fantastic and introspective." –Eric Vespe, aka Quint, Aint It Cool (via Twitter)

"THE BEAVER is a high-concept Disney dad w/ a suicidal streak. didactic, clumsy, & full of good things that deserve better. LIFE AS A PUPPET." – David Ehrlich, Cinematical (via Twitter)

"Keeping 'The Beaver' powerful and moving despite having a hand puppet was a tough task, and there were moments where Foster slips up, especially towards the end when Walter decides he wants his life back, and the two sides of his personality duke it out. It felt like I had seen it before dozens of times." - Jonathan Sullivan, The Film Stage

"For her third film, the not-very-prolific director chooses an unflinching look at mental illness presented as an it's-not-a-comedy-but-how-can-I-not-laugh genre mash-up. 'The Beaver' may as well have a funny hat montage, but it also has two well-penned monologues that seem dispatched from the very edge of suicidal abyss. It is an overreaching film, but there are enough good moments to keep audiences engaged beyond just wanting to see Mel Gibson act like a maniac." –Jordan Hoffman, UGO

Universal

South By Southwest is like the renegade cousin of prim and pristine Sundance. The film portion of the Austin, Texas-based festival has been kicking for seventeen glorious years, with a week of innovative films by a mix of emerging filmmakers, fresh faces, established talent and a few of the best hold-overs from Sundance.

SXSW finds its roots in rock and roll, and that spirit is alive and burning in this year's film selections. Horror flicks, music docs, sci-fi adventures, introspective dramas, off-kilter comedies and hedgehogs who love drinking beer -- no stone goes unturned.

Here are nine movies we're dying to see, but you can see the full slate over at the official SXSW film site.

'Paul'

Universal

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, the duo behind "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz," are as much movie buffs as they are movie stars. Their latest road trip flick "Paul" is an ode to everything geek, from its beginnings at San Dieo Comic-Con to its stylistic homage of '80s Spielberg to Paul himself, an alien on the run from Alien 51 who sidetracks their whole vacation. Paul is a pot-smoking, foul-mouthed little bugger, which makes perfect sense when you realize the movie is directed by the guy who brought us "Superbad." With all those comedic elements in place, "Paul" sounds prepared to kick off the festival at light speed.

'The Innkeepers'

Dark Sky Films

Horror director Ti West wowed the SXSW crowd in 2008 with his old school slasher flick "The House of the Devil" and now he's followed it up with another twist on a classic genre staple: the ghost story. "The Innkeepers" follows two employees of the The Yankee Pedlar, believed to be one of the most haunted hotels in the country, on a hunt for paranormal evidence. Whether they find a trace of ghostly activity is a mystery, but count on them crossing paths with some weird and unexpected guests along the way.

'Attack the Block'

Big Talk Productions

Joe Cornish may not be a big name in the American comedy scene (he had a long-running sketch show in Britain called "The Adam and Joe Show"), but if his debut feature hits big, that may change. Doing for aliens what "Shaun of the Dead" did for zombies, "Attack the Block" pits teen girl Sam, a gang of young hoodlums and some dim-witted cops against an invading alien force. Helping Cornish to balance the action and comedy is Executive Producer Edgar Wright, director of "Shaun." The pedigree alone has us in a seat for this one.

'Conan O'Brien Can't Stop'

sxsw.com

The implosion of NBC's late night programming was digestible for most thanks to Conan O'Brien's comical interpretation of the behind-the-scenes nightmare, but Rodman Flender's road trip documentary "Conan O'Brien Can't Stop" promises to be a more intimate look at the incident and aftermath. Following Conan on the "Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour," the doc peels back the hilarious exterior of late night's funniest act to present the real Conan. We're expecting a few tears from both funny and heartfelt moments.

'Source Code'

Summit Entertainment

Duncan Jones' sci-fi one man show "Moon" made a splash with both the art house crowd and genre fans alike, and tipped off Hollywood to a new up-and-comer. With a little help from the studios, Jones is back at South by Southwest to debut his next, "Source Code," a big-budget thriller looks to have all the brains of "Moon" with a few added explosions for kicks. The trailer teases just the right amount: it's a little bit "Bourne," a little bit "Groundhog Day" and a whole lot of mind-bending time travel logic. This one may require multiple viewings.

'Detention'

Detention Films

Joseph Khan's Ice Cube motorcycle flick "Torque" was a well-directed, lifeless action flick that failed to make much of an impression with audiences. Now, Khan is back with a vengeance with his SXSW film "Detention," whose trailer looks colorful, manic and bizarre in all the right ways. In the film, a group of high schoolers, pulled straight from a John Hughes movie, find themselves the targets of a serial killer...and slapped with detention that runs straight through prom. Fitting in somewhere are UFOs, Dane Cook as a smarmy school principal from the firey pits of hell - a cinematic amalgamation that should be mind blowing regardless of the film's coherency. Meaning, the film looks fun as all get out.

'The Beaver'

Summit Entertainment

After Mel Gibson's career meltdown last year, everyone and their brother has been wondering if his performance in "The Beaver" can wash away the bad tastes and remind us that, first and foremost, he's a great actor. Directed by Jodie Foster, "The Beaver" stars Gibson as an unfulfilled man who decides to battle life's demons by communicating through a Beaver puppet. The movie co-stars the on-the-rise Anton Yelchin and Jennifer Lawrence, the latter who has on multiple occasions called Gibson's work in the movie "Oscar-worthy." We'll see...

'Scenes from the Suburbs'

sxsw.com

For all the people who saw the Grammy's and asked, "Who is Aracde Fire?" comes a new, 30-minute short film by Spike Jonze ("Being John Malkovich," "Where the Wild Things Are"). Intertwined to the themes and music of the band's latest album, "Scenes from the Suburbs" takes a look back at a narrator's fuzzy memories the past, which include a war-torn, dystopian suburb and a moment in time when his friends grew apart. We had a taste for the film in the music video for "The Suburbs," but we'll finally see the bigger picture when Jonze's heartbreaking tale screens at SXSW.

'Bridesmaids'

Universal

Opening May 13, audiences will get their first taste of the big Hollywood comedy "Bridesmaids" when it debuts (in an unfinished form) as a festival closer. While female-driven comedies outside of the rom-com world haven't fared well at the box office, many wonder if the magic of Judd Apatow (the man behind "40-Year-Old Virgin," "Knocked Up" and "Superbad") can give a boost to some of the funniest ladies in the biz. The trailer for "Bridesmaids" looks just as raunchy and edgy as its male counterparts, so we're anxious to see if it can pull off the, supposedly, undoable. Having a line-up headed by Kristin Wiig never hurts.

Summit Entertainment

Mad Max will now go up against... Thor?

The release date of "The Beaver" keeps getting shifted about all to and fro. It was originally supposed to debut last year but then got moved to March 23.

Forget about that, though, as The Hollywood Reporter brings word that the film will now open in limited release on May 6 before going wide on May 20.

May 6 is the official start of this year's Summer Movie Season, which will begin with the release of the latest installment in the Marvel Comics universe, "Thor." The hammer-wielding son of Odin will now share his debut with Mel Gibson and a beaver puppet.

"The Beaver" stars Gibson as a depressed man who finds solace in a beaver puppet. The film is directed by Mel's "Maverick" co-star, Jodie Foster, who also plays Mel's wife.

Gibson's real-life shenanigans have (allegedly) caused the release date of "Beaver" to constantly be moved around -- with the move to May 6, it is now officially an indie "counter-release" to a high-profile studio tentpole.

What do you think? Will "The Beaver" now stay put, or it will be moved yet again? We suppose that's up to Gibson and however he decides to behave.

Summit

As if Mel Gibson didn't have enough troubles, now someone's gone and snatched his "Beaver."

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Summit Entertainment sent Gibson a DVD of the final cut of his upcoming dramedy "The Beaver," but when he left it in his mailbox for pickup, someone swiped it instead.

"When the courier came to pick it up [on Wednesday between 10:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.], it wasn't there," Lieutenant Rich Erickson of the Malibu/Lost Hills Station Sheriff's Department tells the Hollywood Reporter. "They went out to check, and apparently someone prior to the courier took it out of the mailbox and made off with it."

Hmm … where was Winona Ryder that day? Just askin'.

"It's a $10 DVD. We're treating it as a petty theft at this point," Erickson says of the misdemeanor crime. "A detective is assigned to the case, and will do some follow up."

The Jodie Foster-directed "The Beaver," which stars Gibson as a man battling his personal demons with the help of a beaver puppet, will premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in mid-March before making its way to theaters on March 23.

We have a feeling there'll be plenty of screenings in homes and online before then...

Disney

Movies: There are just so darn many of them. Usually this is a great thing, but with 2011 now upon us, it can seem overwhelming. After all, a new year means a whole new slate of hundreds of movies, ranging from awesome to terribad. Who has the time to sort through them all? 

Well, we do. 

So don’t worry, your number one internet friend has carefully reviewed every single one of the movies coming out over the next year so that you don't have to. We've gone through the scripts, talked to the actors and poured over the trailers, frame by frame, all in order to determine which films are your best bets over the next 12 months. Here are our top 50.  

'The Green Hornet'

Sony

Release Date: Jan. 14
Starring: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Christoph Waltz
The Scoop: Once upon a time, The Green Hornet was one of the most popular and well known superheroes in America, with his own radio and television shows. 

Now Seth Rogen looks to update the legend for a new generation with a post-modern, ironic take on the whole superhero concept: this time around, it's his faithful sidekick, Kato (Jay Chou), who does the actual butt-kicking. And since "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" director Michael Gondry is behind the camera, we're guessing this version has a pretty good chance at sticking. Watch the trailer 

'The Roommate'

Release Date: Feb. 4
Starring: Minka Kelly, Leighton Meester, Cam Gigandet
The Scoop: Colleges are pretty scary places. Besides all that mandatory learning nonsense, you've got your parties and your school loans and your peer-induced social anxiety. But the scariest part of going away to college? Getting stuck with a random roommate. That's pretty much the entire premise behind "The Roommate," which stars Leighton Meester and Minka Kelly as co-eds who are assigned the same room -- and, as it happens, the same nightmares thanks to a personal relationship that gets way, way too personal (think "Single White Female: The College Years"). It's every student's worst nightmare come true.
Watch the trailer 

'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never'

Release Date: Feb. 11
Starring: Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Jaden Smith
The Scoop: If you love the Biebs, you've watched the YouTube videos, you've downloaded the iTunes tracks, you've even probably had his face tattooed somewhere on your lower extremities -- and now, it's finally time for the movie experience, as "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" explodes in theaters. Featuring a mix of live concert performances, behind-the-scenes documentary footage and rare clips from Justin's formative years, "Never Say Never" gives Bieberphiles everything they could ever hope for, with one exception: No matter how many times you see this movie, you still won't be able to copy his perfect hair. Hey, the kid is a star for a reason. | Watch the trailer 

DreamWorks

'I Am Number Four'

Release Date: Feb. 18
Starring: Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, Dianna Agron
The Scoop: With both "Twilight" and "Harry Potter" nearing their ends, both the movie and book industries are scrambling to find -- or create -- the next big thing. Their first attempt at genetically engineering a blockbuster franchise, Franksenstein style? "I Am Number Four," which was simultaneously developed as a book and movie series by writer James Frey and producers Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg. Up-and-coming buzz magnet Alex Petteyfer plays an alien kid marooned on Earth; when the evil galactic overlords who destroyed his home planet come to destroy his new home, he has to harness his new superpowers in order to save the world. And hopefully the film and book industries to boot. | Watch the trailer 

'The Adjustment Bureau'

Release Date: March 4
Starring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Terence Stamp
The Scoop: Legendary sci-fi writer Philip K. Dick has had so many movies based on his works you'd think by now Hollywood would be reduced to adapting his grocery lists. Luckily for Tinseltown, however, Dick was renowned for his Speed-induced ability to churn out an incredible volume of work -- including the latest project of his to see the silver screen, "The Adjustment Bureau." In typical Dick fashion, this story almost defies a simple description, but here's our try: Matt Damon plays a politician whose life takes a turn for the weird when he meets a mysterious ballerina whose secrets could unravel a vast conspiracy. Looks like "1/2 Gallon of Milk and a Dozen Eggs" will have to wait a little longer. | Watch the trailer 

'Rango'

Release Date: March 4
Starring: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Timothy Olyphant
The Scoop: Over the course of his long career, Johnny Depp has often been compared to a chameleon thanks to his ability to immerse himself in any role. Well, that should come in handy with "Rango," since he is literally playing a chameleon: Rango is a lizard who, through a series of incredible circumstances, ends up becoming the sheriff of an Old West town. This animated feature reunites Depp with Gore Verbisnki, who famously directed the star in the first three "Pirates of the Caribbean" films. If their past collaborations are any indication, this should be a fun ride. | Watch the trailer 

'Red Riding Hood'

Warner Bros.

Release Date: March 11
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Lukas Haas, Gary Oldman
The Scoop: Hey guys, remember Catherine Hardwicke? Back in the day (that is to say, 2008), she was on top of the world, having set the record for the highest grossing film ever directed by a woman, a little something called "Twilight." And then, she kinda got dumped by the studio. Well, now she's back with an edgy, goth-modern take on the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. 

This time around, though, Red ain't so little; instead, she's played by Amada Seyfried as a hot young woman whose snowbound medieval village is under attack by a werewolf. If living well truly is the best revenge, we think Hardwicke is about get her payback in spades. | Watch the trailer 

'Paul'

Release Date: March 18
Starring: Seth Rogen, Simon Pegg, Kristen Wiig, Nick Frost
The Scoop: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have made a career lampooning Hollywood genres, from horror ("Shawn of the Dead") to action ("Hot Fuzz"). Now they take on -- or take down -- sci-fi with "Paul." The premise is pretty simple: Pegg and Frost play two dorks who, while on a trip to see Area 51, pick up an alien hitchhiker by the name of Paul (animated through CGI with voicework from Seth Rogen). Paul, it turns out, is just as big a loser as they are, which leads to hilarity on all sides, especially when you throw in the always fantastic Kristen Wiig. Heck yeah. | Watch the trailer 

'Sucker Punch'

Release Date: March 25
Starring: Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens, Abbie Cornish
The Scoop: Critics of Zack Snyder have claimed that his movies fetishize their subjects: from the oiled bare chests of "300" to the spandex sex of "Watchmen," his stylish and lovingly lavish fight scenes combine romance and violence in ways that many critics don't like. Well, we have a suggestion for those folks: Don't go see "Sucker Punch," because seriously, things are about to be taken to a whole new level. That's because "Punch" features a slew of hot chicks trying to escape from a mental institution via the use of machine guns, grenades and dragons -- all while rocking school-girl outfits and samurai swords. Freud would be so proud. | Watch the trailer 

'The Beaver'

Release Date: April 8
Starring: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin
The Scoop: Imagine if Mel Gibson ran the Muppets? The mere thought is probably like a punch to your brain, but as crazy as it sounds, that's pretty much the idea behind "The Beaver." Follow along: Mel Gibson plays a down-on-his-luck loser whose life takes a sudden and bizarre turn when he wakes up one day to find a beaver puppet on his hand. At first it's a godsend, as the beaver's confident personality cleans up Gibson's life. But when the beaver refuses to give up control, Gibson has to fight to save his family from the dark menace on the end of his arm. Jodie Foster directs and co-stars, so now you know the answer to this future trivia question: What the hell happened to Jodie Foster? | Watch the trailer 

'Arthur'

Warner Bros.

Release Date: April 8
Starring: Russell Brand, Greta Gerwig, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner
The Scoop: Once upon a time, there was a slovenly rogue of a Brit by the name of Dudley Moore who charmed audiences with his patented combination of humor and off-color antics. 

Moore, sadly, is no longer with us, but his legacy now lives on in Russell Brand, who gamely steps into Moore's shoes in this remake of Moore's most famous film, "Arthur." Dame Helen Mirren gives the whole proceeding a much needed air of respectability in the role of Arthur's nanny, while rising star Greta Gerwig supplies the hots as his object d' affection. This should be something to see. 

'Your Highness'

Release Date: April 8
Starring: Danny McBride, Zooey Deschanel, James Franco, Natalie Portman
The Scoop: We love "Harry Potter" and "The Lord of the Rings" as much as the next guys, but sometimes even we have to admit all that self-serious fantasy stuff can start to get just a wee bit ridiculous at times. Luckily, Danny McBride exists for just this reason. The divine plot of "Your Highness:" James Franco (seriously, is there anything he can't do?) is a prince who has to go on one of those typical fantasy quests to save his true love -- only instead of Aragorn or Hermione helping him, his posse consists of his dumbass brother Thad (McBride, of course). This may be the first Medieval stoner comedy. | Watch the trailer 

'Scream 4'

Release Date: April 15
Starring: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette
The Scoop: Yes, that's right: The horror movie you thought you would never see is finally here. And "Scream 4" carries with it not only the baggage of fan expectations, but also an entirely different kind of baggage: stars Courteney Cox and David Arquette, who met on the set of the original "Scream" and later married, announced their divorce right after filming ended on this one. Youch. We're not sure how the murder mystery is going to unfold this time around (there's also a new class of cast members, including Emma Roberts and Hayden Panettierre), but we're pretty sure of one thing -- the onscreen chemistry between the cast members is likely to be as sharp as Ghostface's knife. | Watch the trailer 

'Water for Elephants'

Release Date: April 22
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz
The Scoop: Move over, Dumbo, because there's a new elephant movie in Hollywood these days and if the legion of Twi-Hards have anything to say about it, "Water for Elephants" is about to become the new gold standard in pachyderm cinema. That, of course, is because the lead role is being played by that brooding hair factory Robert Pattinson, whose famous locks are on full display in this period piece about a guy who joins a circus only to fall in love with the ringleader's wife (Reese Witherspoon in her first cougariffic role). The ringleader, though, is "Inglourious Basterds" bastard Christoph Waltz, so RPattz just may be screwing around with the wrong guy. You know what they say: hair today, gone tomorrow. And yes, it's okay to hate us just a little for that one. | Watch the trailer 

'Fast Five'

Release Date: April 29
Starring: Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson
The Scoop: Just how many times can the cast and crew of "Fast and the Furious" replay their tried-and-true formula of hot girls, car chases and gunplay? We're not sure, but the answer is "at least five." This time around, though, "Fast Five" adds a couple of wrinkles to the proceedings in the form of a new, menacing foe (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the role of a government agent) and a great new locale (the maze-like slums of Rio de Janeiro). If they keep coming up with cool twists like these, we're looking forward to seeing the next five films in the series. | Watch the trailer 

Paramount

'Thor'

Release Date: May 6
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman
The Scoop: Geeks and pundits alike have been debating "Thor" almost from the moment it was announced: Can Marvel catch lightning in a bottle a second time and turn a relatively unknown superhero into a blockbuster franchise like they did with "Iron Man?" Or is this going to be another "Watchmen"-style flop? Well, one thing we've learned over the years is that the best way to end a debate is with a giant hammer right to the face. That's pretty much what Marvel is giving fans with this high-octane thriller. And while star Chris Hemsworth doesn't have quite the same Q Rating as Robert Downey Jr., director Kenneth Branagh is wisely hedging his bets with big names in key supporting roles -- namely crowd pleasers Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman. So we just have to say it: May 6 is indeed Hammer Time. | Watch the trailer 

'Something Borrowed'

Release Date: May 6
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield
The Scoop: "Big Love's" Ginnifer Goodwin is set to hit the big time when "Something Borrowed" comes out this May. That's because she seems to have the perfect setup to finally launch an A-list movie career: a popular co-star (Kate Hudson) and a winning premise (she plays a woman who falls in love with her best friend's fiancé). Sure, it's hard to come up with something new in the always crowded world of Hollywood romantic comedies, but we think that Goodwin is just the right person to break the rom-com mold -- because in the world of cinema, she's truly "something new." 

'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides'

Release Date: May 20
Starring: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane
The Scoop: Keira Knightley? Gone. Orlando Bloom? Gone. And Johnny Depp? Well, he's still here, which pretty much ensures that we'll be here as well when "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" opens. Because, honestly, let's face it: As much as we love Knightley and Bloom, it's Captain Jack Sparrow that puts butts in the seats. And this time around he has some new faces (Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane) and new places (London, Florida) up his sleeves when this story about the search for the Fountain of Youth arrives. Yo ho ho indeed. | Watch the trailer 

'The Hangover Part II'

Release Date: May 26
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms
The Scoop: One of the best things about the surprise smash hit "Hangover' was just that -- it was a surprise. So will the sequel be as funny now that everyone knows what the schtick is? Well, consider this: Former president Bill Clinton appears in the film. And consider this: Mel Gibson doesn't, after the cast refused to let him rehab his image at their expense. Sure, that last part doesn't necessarily sound funny, but it proves that this time, the gang from "Hangover" knows exactly what it's doing. And that's a pretty scary -- and pretty funny -- concept. 

'X-Men: First Class'

Release Date: June 3
Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence
The Scoop: As much as we all swooned over Hugh Jackman's hairy avenger Wolverine, the true heart of the original "X-Men" trilogy was the ideological struggle between Professor Charles Xavier and his more militant opposite, Magneto. "X-Men: First Class," which turns back the clock to the days when the two were best buddies, aims to explain how their paths diverged, while also giving Hollywood the chance to reboot the franchise without having to pay A-listers like Jackman and Ian McKellen. Hey, if it means more chance of more movies with more mutants, then we're all for it. 

'Super 8'

Release Date: June 10
Starring: Elle Fanning, Amanda Michalka, Kyle Chandler
The Scoop: Remember back when "Cloverfield" took the country by storm, thanks in large part to its super-secret viral campaign that left pretty much everything -- including the premise -- up to the imagination? Well, it's time for round two, because once again J.J. Abrams is back with a movie so secret only his hair stylist knows for sure what it's about. We gathered this much from the creepy trailer, though: It has to do with some kind of alien (probably) escaping from the government (maybe) and it's executive produced by Steven Spielberg (definitely). Let the buzz commence. 

'Bad Teacher'

Release Date: June 17
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Lucy Punch, Justin Timberlake, Jason Segel
The Scoop: Fresh off his almost-Oscar worthy hype from "The Social Network," Justin Timberlake is back and this time he's getting funny. Yes, the man behind SNL's "Dick in a Box" is taking his first stab at big screen comedy (we refuse to count "The Love Guru"), this time opposite Cameron Diaz rather than his own entombed junk. Diaz and Lucy Punch play two teachers who both make a romantic play for the same guy -- J.T. -- who also happens to be one of their co-workers. A healthy workplace environment? No. A healthy comedy environment? Heck yeah. We can't wait to see what Timberlake pulls out of his box this time. 

'Green Lantern'

Warner Bros.

Release Date: June 17
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard
The Scoop: DC Comics and Warner Bros. look to copy Marvel's "Iron Man" success by unveiling their own second banana franchise, "Green Lantern." The latest superhero gig for Ryan Reynolds ("Blade: Trinity," "X-Men Origins: Wolverine) find his abs decked out in emerald when a dying alien cop appoints him the new sheriff of the solar system. 

Unfortunately, Peter Sarsgaard's evil mastermind, Hector Hammond, has different ideas, which happens when your brain mutates to gigantic proportions. Will fans flock to see the throwdown? Or should DC stick to Batman and Superman and leave the rest of the Superfriends to the cartoons? One of the biggest questions of the year can only be answered one way: by your wallet.
Watch the trailer 

'Cars 2'

Release Date: June 24
Starring: Owen Wilson, Michael Keaton, Michael Caine
The Scoop: Can Pixar do anything wrong? If the evidence of the past 15-plus years means anything, the answer is no, which is itself reason enough to be psyched about "Cars 2." Other good reasons to get excited: "Toy Story 3" proved that sequels can be even better than the original, and this time around Michael Caine joins the cast as a debonair British spy car. Not to mention Michael Keaton is also on board, as are returning cast members Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy. Which leaves us with just one question: Why haven't we just gone ahead and elected Pixar president already? If anyone could straighten out this crazy world, it's those guys. | Watch the trailer 

'Larry Crowne'

Release Date: July 1
Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Bryan Cranston
The Scoop: Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts are pretty much the dream team of American film royalty, which is why it was so surprising when their first film together, "Charlie Wilson's War," turned into a box office dud despite critical acclaim. So will audiences be more interested in "Larry Crowne's" less political story (co-written by Hanks and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" star Nia Vardalos) about an unemployed, middle-aged guy (Hanks) who returns to college only to find unexpected romance with his professor (Roberts)? Well, you know what they say: Second time's the charm. 

'Transformers: Dark of the Moon'

Release Date: July 1
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Tyrese Gibson
The Scoop: "Transformers 2" was one of the highest grossing films of all time, but it wasn't exactly popular with everyone; even the movie's own stars took turns bashing it in the media. As a result, super-hot film accessory Megan Fox was sent packing, replaced by supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, while director Michael Bay unveiled a sleek new trailer for "Dark of the Moon" that promises to add new depth to the tale of a bunch of alien robots beating everything they see into a pulp. We know it's going to be one of the biggest films of the year, but could it also be one of the best? Now that would truly be an epic transformation.
Watch the trailer 

Warner Bros.

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2'

Release Date: July 15
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes
The Scoop: We're pretty sure you're familiar with this one, but just in case, here's a rundown: After a decade worth of films and over 15 years of worldwide hype, excitement and fan frenzy, Pottermania finally comes to its climax when "Deathly Hallows Part 2" arrives this summer. Chances are you've probably already read the book, but the fun here is seeing how Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint bring those pages to life as they conclude a journey that they have been on for over half of their own lives. Bring your Kleenex, because this is going to be an emotional ending for everyone. 

'Winnie the Pooh'

Release Date: July 15
Starring: Jim Cummings, Craig Ferguson, John Cleese
The Scoop: America's favorite fat little bear returns more than 30 years after his last feature film and this time he's got one thing on his mind: hunny. OK, so things haven't changed a whole lot in the world of "Winnie the Pooh," but really, why would we want them to? One of the final Disney films to be animated using traditional techniques rather than computers, "Pooh" is a collection of shorts, just as the 1977 hit "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" was. Like Winnie the Pooh himself, some things are just timeless.
Watch the trailer 

'Captain America: The First Avenger'

Paramount

Release Date: July 22
Starring: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Samuel L. Jackson
The Scoop: The Sentinel of Liberty makes his long-awaited film debut (we're going to pretend that low-budget joke from the '80s never happened) as "Captain America: The First Avenger" brings Marvel's star-spangled superhero to life. And coming just two months after the studio's other big release of the year, "Thor," "Captain America" has a lot riding on the line -- not the least of which is the future of 2012's "The Avengers," which is not-so-subtly teased in this one's title. Will audiences buy Chris Evans as yet another superhero (following "The Fantastic Four," "The Losers," "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," hell, he was even in "TMNT")? It's your patriotic duty to find out. | View the photos 

'Friends With Benefits'

Release Date: July 22
Starring: Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake, Patricia Clarkson
The Scoop: "Black Swan's" Mila Kunis stars opposite JT in a film about two friends who start having casual sex with each other -- and then things stop being quite so casual. If this sounds familiar, it might be because "Black Swan's" Natalie Portman is also starring in a movie (opposite Ashton Kutcher) this year (called "No Strings Attached") about two friends with the same exact dilemma. So how can you tell them apart? Well, January's "No Strings Attached" didn't make our cut for the 50 films to be included on this list and July's "Friends With Benefits" did, so that pretty much tells you everything you need to know about the potential of the two movies. Hey, we're not just making s**t up here, guys. | Watch the trailer 

'Cowboys and Aliens'

Release Date: July 29
Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde
The Scoop: The premise is so simple and elegant you likely did a massive facepalm as soon as you heard the title. "Cowboys and Aliens." Why the hell hasn't anyone come up with this before? In fact, it's so genius we really don't even need to tell you what the movie is about because, honestly, it's "Cowboys and Aliens." So here's what we can add to the conversation: "Iron Man" director Jon Favreau is behind the camera and international superstars Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford are in front of it. Ticket, you have just been sold. Watch the trailer 

'The Smurfs'

Release Date: Aug. 3
Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Hank Azaria, Katy Perry, Sofia Vergara
The Scoop: You know what this world desperately needs? A live action movie about The Smurfs. And that's just what the world is going to get come August, to which we say, it's about time. OK, so not all of it is live action; the smurfs themselves are, of course, animated. They're also being voiced by a who's who of talent including Katy Perry, Fred Armisen and the legendary Jonathan Winters as Papa Smurf. Add in Hank Azaria as the ultimate embodiment of evil, Sauron Gargamel, and there's just one thing left to say: "The Smurfs" is going to be smurfing smurfy. | Watch the trailer 

'The Help'

DreamWorks

Release Date: Aug. 12
Starring: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer
The Scoop: Fans getting worn out by the non-stop parade of high-octane blockbusters and 3-D summer tentpoles finally have another option in August when "The Help" arrives. Based on the popular period novel by Kathryn Stockett, "The Help" stars the always-awesome Emma Stone as a young girl learning the strange realities of adulthood in the Deep South of the early 1960s. She's joined by a terrific ensemble cast that includes Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Cicely Tyson. Don't be surprised if you hear more about "The Help" when award season rolls around. 

'Fright Night'

Release Date: Aug. 19
Starring: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, David Tennant, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
The Scoop: We could not possibly be more stoked for this remake of the 1984 vampire cult classic "Fright Night." Sure, we don't normally get all gooey over remakes -- the originals are usually classics for a reason, you know -- but this time we're making a major exception thanks to the totally rad cast. Anton Yelchin ("Star Trek," "Terminator Salvation") plays a horror buff who, realizing that his neighbor (Colin Farrell!) is a vampire, turns to his friend (Christopher Mintz-Plasse!) and a vampire expert (David Tennant!!!) for help. This a cast we can really sink our teeth into. 

'Moneyball'

Release Date: September 23
Starring: Brad Pitt, Robin Wright, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman
The Scoop: Fans of baseball are already well familiar with the term "moneyball," but for the rest of the world, here's the scoop: Coined for the book of the same name by author Michael Lewis, "moneyball" refers to a specific style of baseball management that favors a statistical approach to organizing a team, which in turn allows small market franchises to compete with bigger spenders. Sounds f**king boring, right? Well, here's what's not boring: Brad Pitt, Robin Wright, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jonah Hill. Oh, and it's being directed by Bennett Miller, the guy who did the critically acclaimed "Capote." With a cast like that, even baseball might be fun to watch on the screen for once. 

'Abduction'

Release Date: Sept. 23
Starring: Taylor Lautner, Lily Collins, Alfred Molina
The Scoop: This is the moment all Twi-Hards have been waiting for: Taylor Lautner's first real attempt at carrying a movie as leading man. Or, man-child. Whatever you want to call it. Ever since Lautner bulked up for "New Moon," he's been dubbed the next big thing by everyone in Hollywood, already commanding huge paydays for his films even though so far his main success has been in the cocoon of the "Twilight" franchise. In "Abduction," though, the whole thing is on his well-toned shoulders as Lautner plays a kid whose life takes a surreal turn when he sees his own face on a missing persons website. We think by the time "Abduction' is over, Lautner will have found at least one thing: an A-list career. 

'Now'

Release Date: Sept. 30
Starring: Olivia Wilde, Cillian Murphy, Justin Timberlake, Alex Pettyfer, Amanda Seyfried
The Scoop: Olivia Wilde, Justin Timberlake, Alex Pettyfer -- this movie's cast pretty much reads like a who's who of the hottest young stars in 2011, as each of those big names has multiple big movies coming out this year. The biggest, though, may be "Now," a near-future sci-fi epic where immortality has been attained, but only if you're rich enough to afford it -- and where time, therefore, really is money. When a scruffy dude (Timberlake) comes into a fortune in time/money, though, he ends up on the run from evil a-holes (like Cillian Murphy) looking to poach his future. A future that looks increasingly bright for this amazing cast. 

DreamWorks

'Real Steel'

Release Date: Oct. 7
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Kevin Durand
The Scoop: And then this happened: Hugh Jackman decided to film a movie about robot boxers. Well, why not. After all, when you're Wolverine, you can pretty much do whatever the heck you want, which includes this: "Real Steel" tells the story of a near-future world where boxers have been replaced by robots, who square off in the ring with a savagery their human controllers can't hope to match. It's like "Raging Bull" meets "The Go-Bots." The real reason to tune in, though, may be co-star Kevin Durand, as the menacing character actor gets a chance to renew his battles with both Jackman (he played the Blob in "Wolverine') and Evangeline Lilly (who faced off against Durand on the cult TV hit "Lost"). Either way, this promises to be a rock 'em, sock 'em flick. | Watch the trailer 

'Footloose'

Release Date: Oct. 14
Starring: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Dennis Quaid
The Scoop: If you like your remakes on the inspiring side, then "Footloose" is the film for you this Oct. 14, as Hollywood attempts to recapture the magic that made the original one of the feel-good hits of the '80s. Kenny Wormald steps into Kevin Bacon's dancing shoes as a kid who moves to a Midwestern town only to discover that the people there are really, really uptight about dancing. Luckily, his infectious spirit energizes everyone and overcomes all odds because, really, who can resist the universal language of dance? Certainly not us; We're already preparing to cut loose. 

'The Thing'

Release Date: Oct. 14
Starring: Joel Edgerton, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Eric Christian Olsen
The Scoop: If you like your remakes on the scary side, then "The Thing" is the film for you this Oct. 14, as Hollywood attempts to recapture the terror that made the original one of the most terrifying hits of the 1980s. But these guys are actually doing something pretty smart; aware that fans consider John Carpenter's 1982 version of "The Thing" to be pretty much untouchable, the new edition is less of a remake and more of a prequel, detailing the events that led up to the arctic terror of original. And the fact that it stars "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World's" totally awesome scene-stealer Mary Elizabeth Winstead is just icing on the cake. No pun intended. 

'Paranormal Activity 3'

Release Date: Oct. 21
Starring: Katie Featherston
The Scoop: The first one was scary. The second one was really dang scary. And the third one? Well, "Paranormal Activity 3" is so scary, the studio doesn't even want you to know what it's about yet, because you might drop dead of terror before you have the chance to pony up the bucks to see it in the theater. Despite the secrecy surrounding "Part 3," though, we can tell you one thing for sure: The film may have a bigger budget, but like its predecessors, it's still going to stick close to the found footage, pseudo-realism that made the first two such a big hit -- and have now made "Paranormal Activity" an annual event. And that's not so scary after all. 

'Puss in Boots'

DreamWorks

Release Date: Nov. 4
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Zach Galifianakis, Salma Hayek
The Scoop: Just when you were afraid that "Shrek" was finally over forever after, you know, "Shrek Forever After," here comes the first spin-off: "Puss in Boots," which focuses on the swashbuckling feline voiced by Antonio Banderas. The rest of the usual gang is nowhere to be seen this time around, but don't worry, because a couple new additions are sure to spice things up: megastar comedian Zach Galifianakis and frequent Banderas collaborator Salma Hayek. Is another animation franchise about to be born? We sure hope so. After all, we still have room for some more collectible McDonalds character glasses in our cupboard. 

'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1'

Release Date: Nov. 18
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner
The Scoop: The gang is back for the penultimate entry in the most popular movie series of all time (at least according to its fans). Team Jacob and Team Edward may have had their issues in the past, but now everyone is on the same side: Team Baby, as the whole world decides to gang up on Bella and Edward's newborn and only the combined powers of vampires and love can save her. What happens next? Well, no doubt you already know from reading the novel by Stephenie Meyer a dozen times, but that's fine; the magic is in seeing how they pull it off onscreen. And bonus points this time if they manage to film the birth scene without causing us to pass out. Eleven months and counting… 

'The Muppets'

Release Date: Nov. 23
Starring: Amy Adams, Jason Segel, Emily Blunt
The Scoop: Jason Segel aims to restore the Muppets to their rightful place in pop culture with their first big-budget, big-screen appearance in years, "The Muppets." The fresh premise: Segel plays a normal guy whose roommate happens to be, well, a muppet. When Walter (that's the mupet's name) happens to catch "The Muppet Show" one day, he realizes there are others like him out there and sets off on a quest to find his felt kinfolk. Rumor has it that everyone from Lady Gaga and Billy Crystal to Donald Glover and Jean-Claude Van Damme will cameo, which is no surprise -- after all, despite their absence, deep down everyone still love "The Muppets." 

'Hugo Cabret'

Release Date: Dec. 9
Starring: Asa Butterfield, Chloe Moretz, Ben Kingsley, Jude Law, Sacha Baron Cohen
The Scoop: Martin Scorsese makes the leap into 3-D with this unusual adventure film starring the mostly unknown Asa Butterfield ("The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," for those of you who were forced to watch that in history class) as an orphan who lives in a train station and discovers a magical world as a result -- though not, as you might expect, via Platform 9 and 3/4. Based on the award-winning novel by Brian Selznick, "Hugo Cabret" is sure to please kids from 9 to 90 -- and that's just the cast, which ranges from the youth of Chloe Moretz to the decided non-youth of the legendary Christopher Lee. And hey, anything from Scorsese is worth a look. 

'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol'

Release Date: Dec. 16
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg
The Scoop: Since earning a Best Actor nomination for his role in 'The Hurt Locker," Jeremy Renner has quickly become the go-to actor for anyone looking to add some intensity and grit to their film -- see "The Town" and 2012's "The Avengers" for exhibits A and B. Now he's tasked with his most difficult assignment yet: convincing weary audiences that they should take Tom Cruise seriously again. We think "M:I 4" has a good chance of doing just that, though, because besides Renner, the franchise has another secret working in its favor: the last film, "M:I:3," was actually really good. We think that if fans come for the Renner, they'll stay for the Cruise -- and maybe be surprised at how cool the experience actually is. 

'Sherlock Holmes 2'

Warner Bros.

Release Date: Dec. 16
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace
The Scoop: What's one of the most hotly anticipated film of the holiday season? Why, the answer is elementary, my dear Watson: It's "Sherlock Holmes 2," which reunites Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law as the legendary 19th century detective team. We're totally jazzed to see what Jared Harris (Lane Pryce on "Mad Men"!) does as Sherlock's evil arch-nemesis Professor Moriarty, and we're equally stoked to see Stephen Fry as Sherlock's weird brother Mycroft. So are we going to be first in line to see "Sherlock Holmes 2?' You don't need to be a detective to figure out that one. 

'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo'

Release Date: Dec. 21
Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Stellan Skarsgard
The Scoop: It's only the first volume of the most popular series of books (for adults) in the entire world, so it's little wonder that Steig Larsson's "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" is being made into a big-budget Hollywood epic just a couple short years after it was already turned into a big-budget Swedish epic. No, what's surprising is the cast they've assembled: the always intense Daniel Craig takes on the role of journalist Mikael Blomkvist, while the almost unknown Rooney Mara ("The Social Network") steps into the instantly iconic shoes of goth hacker Lisbeth Salander. It's a big gamble, but we wouldn't have it any other way; after all, the film, like the novel, needs to be dangerous. Consider that requirement fulfilled. 

'The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn'

Release Date: December 28
Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig
The Scoop: The graphic novels of Belgian children's author Hergé and his lead character Tintin have been beloved around the world for generations -- and have also been defying Hollywood attempts to adapt them for just as long. Enter the unbeatable heavyweight team of Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson, who have whipped up a motion-capture digital CGI 3-D version that is sure to blow your face clean off. And there's a whole heck of a lot more where this came from; if "Secret of the Unicorn" proves to be a hit, Spielberg and Jackson have a whopping 24 books to pick from for the sequels -- which they are already planning. It looks like the adventure is just beginning for all of us. 

'War Horse'

Release Date: Dec. 28
Starring: Jeremy Irvine, David Thewlis, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston
The Scoop: Horses. There's just something about them that gets boys and girls of all ages all gooey inside, which helps explain why there have been so darn many good horse movies over the years -- from "Black Beauty" and "Black Stallion" to "Seabiscuit" and "National Velvet." Now you can add "War Horse" to that esteemed list, but you might want to grab a box of tissues before you even read the premise: When Joey the horse is shipped off to the front lines during World War I, young Albert (Jeremy Irvine) follows him into the trenches to try and save his beloved best friend. And did we mention that Steven Spielberg directed it? It's a good thing computer screens are resistant to tears, otherwise this page would be too smudged for you to read.