Angelina Jolie Movies

The Good Shepherd (2006) Genre: Drama, Romance, Thriller Starring: Alec Baldwin, Angelina Jolie, Billy Crudup, Matt Damon, Robert De Niro Director: Robert De Niro Release Date: December 22, 2006 :::Synopsis Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie and Robert De Niro star in this powerful thriller about the birth of the CIA. Edward Wilson (Damon) believes in America, and will sacrifice everything he loves to protect it. But as one of the covert founders of the CIA, Edward’s youthful idealism is slowly eroded by his growing suspicion of the people around him. Everybody has secrets…but will Edward’s destroy him? With an all-star cast including Alec Baldwin, Billy Crudup, William Hurt, Timothy Hutton and John Turturro, it’s the gripping story David Ansen of Newsweek hails as ‘spellbinding.’ Movie Review & Trailer

A Mighty Heart (2007) Genre: Drama, War Starring: Angelina Jolie, Archie Panjabi, Dan Futterman, Denis O’Hare, Will Patton Director: Michael Winterbottom Release Date: June 22, 2007 :::Synopsis On January 23, 2002, Mariane Pearl’s world changed forever. Her husband Daniel, the South Asia Bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal, was researching a story on shoe bomber Richard Reid. The story drew them to Karachi where a go-between had promised access to an elusive source. As Danny left for the meeting, he told Mariane he might be late for dinner. He never returned. In the face of death, Danny’s spirit of defiance and his unflinching belief in the power of journalism led Mariane to write about his disappearance, the intense effort to find him and his eventual murderer in her memoir A Mighty Heart: The Brave Life and Death of My Husband Danny Pearl. Six months pregnant when the ordeal began, she was carrying a son that Danny hoped to name Adam. She wrote the book to introduce Adam to the father he would never meet. Transcending religion, race and nationality, Mariane’s courageous desire to rise above the bitterness and hatred that continues to plague this post 9/11 world, serves as the purest expression of the joy of life she and Danny shared. Starring Academy Award® winner Angelina Jolie (Girl, Interrupted) as Mariane Pearl, and Dan Futterman, Oscar®-nominated for his Capote screenplay, as Daniel Pearl, A Mighty Heart is directed by Michael Winterbottom (The Road to Guantanamo, Tristram Shandy) and produced by Brad Pitt and Dede Gardner for Plan B Entertainment (Year of the Dog, THE Departed) and Andrew Eaton for Revolution Films (The Road to Guantanamo). John Orloff (BAND OF BROTHERS) wrote the screenplay. In addition to Jolie and Futterman, A Mighty Heart stars Irrfan Khan (The Namesake), Tony Award winner Denis O’Hare (“Take Me Out”), Archie Panjabi (Bend It Like Beckham), Will Patton (Remember the Titans), Pakistani television star Adnan Siddiqui (Amer Bail), and Obie Award winner Gary Wilmes (“Red Light Winter”). The film’s behind-the-scenes artists are all Winterbottom veterans, including director of photography Marcel Zyskind (The Road to Guantanamo), production designer Mark Digby (The Road to Guantanamo), editor Peter Christelis (CODE 46), and costume designer Charlotte Walter (TRISTRAM SHANDY: A COCK & BULL STORY). The night Danny disappeared, Mariane kept vigil with Asra Nomani, an old friend and colleague of Danny’s at the WSJ, living in Karachi. Both women were seasoned international journalists with formidable investigative skills, but they were also foreign women in a country that had become increasingly volatile since September 11. By dawn, they knew they were facing a crisis that required strong allies fully briefed on Pakistan’s proliferating terrorist cells, its byzantine bureaucracy and its notorious Inter-Services-Intelligence agency (I.S.I.). Dozens of local investigators swarmed the house that morning, including a man called Captain, the then head of Pakistan’s brand new counter-terrorism unit. With Asra’s house as headquarters, Captain’s men, along with an American diplomatic security agent, two Journal colleagues and the FBI, dedicated themselves to the search. After five harrowing weeks, amidst escalating media frenzy, they found the kidnappers. Among them was the known militant Omar Saeed Sheikh, aka “Bashir,” the go-between who had offered Danny information relating to the shoe bomber story. Then came the devastating news that Danny had been brutally murdered weeks earlier. Mariane and Danny believed that by bearing witness to events and allowing all voices to be heard, truthful journalism could bridge communities in conflict. Mariane has remained devoted to this principle, refusing to succumb to hate or fear. After Danny’s death, she went home to her native France to await Adam’s birth. She and Adam now live in Paris, France. Movie Review & Trailer

Beowulf (2007) Genre: Action/Adventure, Animation and Fantasy Starring: Angelina Jolie, Anthony Hopkins, John Malkovich, Ray Winstone, Robin Wright Penn Director: Robert Zemeckis Release Date: November 16, 2007 :::Synopsis In the age of heroes comes the mightiest warrior of them all, Beowulf. After destroying the overpowering demon Grendel, he incurs the undying wrath of the beast’s ruthlessly seductive mother who will use any means possible to ensure revenge. The ensuing epic battle throughout the ages, immortalizing the name Beowulf. Academy Award® winner director Robert Zemeckis tells the oldest epic tale in the English language with the most modern technology, advancing the cinematic forum through the magic of digitally enhanced live action. A stellar cast is led by Ray Winstone (‘The Departed’; ‘Sexy Beast’) in the title role. Joining him are Academy Award® winner Anthony Hopkins as the cursed King Hrothgar, John Malkovich, Robin Wright Penn, Brendan Gleeson, Crispin Glover, Alison Lohman and Oscar® Winner Angelina Jolie as Grendel’s mother. Movie Review & Trailer

Atlas Shrugged (2008) Genre: Drama Starring: Angelina Jolie Release Date: TBA 2008 :::Synopsis Ayn Rand’s groundbreaking novel foresees an American future eerily similar to the future that America faces today. The politics of fear embodied by stringent government regulation and irresponsible foreign policy have driven American society to the brink of collapse. Against this backdrop, Dagny Taggart wrestles her corrupt and dissolute brother for control of their great-grandfather’s railroad conglomerate. Determined to live up to her ancestor’s name, Dagny steers the railroad through a minefield of government sabotage, domestic disintegration, and international terrorism. All the while the destruction of the American way is hastened by a mysterious force that is silencing the great thinkers of the day. Their disappearance inspires a universal sense of fatalistic dread that is summed up by the new popular catchphrase: “Who is John Galt?” Movie Review

Changeling (2008) Genre: Mystery, Thriller Starring: Amy Ryan, Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan, Michael Kelly Director: Clint Eastwood Release Date: October 24, 2008 (limited), October 31, 2008 (wide) :::Synopsis Clint Eastwood directs Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich in a provocative thriller based on actual events: Changeling. In the film, Christine Collins’ (Jolie) prayers are met when her kidnapped son is returned. But amidst the frenzy of the photo-op reunion, she realizes this child is not hers. Facing corrupt police and a skeptical public, she desperately hunts for answers, only to be confronted by a truth that will change her forever. Los Angeles, 1928: On a Saturday morning in a working-class suburb, Christine said goodbye to her son, Walter, and left for work. When she came home, she discovered he had vanished. A fruitless search ensues, and months later, a boy claiming to be the nine-year-old is returned. Dazed by the swirl of cops, reporters and her conflicted emotions, Christine allows him to stay overnight. But in her heart, she knows he is not Walter. As she pushes authorities to keep looking, she learns that in Prohibition-era L.A., women don’t challenge the system and live to tell their story. Slandered as delusional and unfit, Christine finds an ally in activist Reverend Briegleb (Malkovich), who helps her fight the city to look for her missing boy. Based on the actual incident that rocked California’s legal system, Changeling tells the shocking tale of a mother’s quest to find her son, and those who won’t stop until they silence her. Movie Review & Trailer

Kung Fu Panda (2008) Genre: Animation, Comedy Starring: Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Black, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu Director: John Stevenson, Mark Osborne Release Date: June 6, 2008 :::Synopsis Enthusiastic, big and a little clumsy, Po is the biggest fan of Kung Fu around…which doesn’t exactly come in handy while working every day in his family’s noodle shop. Unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy, Po’s dreams become reality when he joins the world of Kung Fu and studies alongside his idols–the legendary fighters Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey–under the leadership of their teacher and trainer, Master Shifu. But before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung is headed their way, and it’s up to Po to defend everyone from the oncoming threat. Can he turn his dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master into reality? Po puts his heart – and his girth – into the task, and the unlikely hero ultimately finds that his greatest weaknesses turn out to be his greatest strengths. Movie Review & Trailer

The Exchange (2008) Genre: Mystery, Thriller Starring: Amy Ryan, Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan, Michael Kelly Director: Clint Eastwood Release Date: October 24, 2008 (limited; wide: Oct. 31) :::Synopsis Clint Eastwood directs Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich in a provocative thriller based on actual events: Changeling. In the film, Christine Collins’ (Jolie) prayers are met when her kidnapped son is returned. But amidst the frenzy of the photo-op reunion, she realizes this child is not hers. Facing corrupt police and a skeptical public, she desperately hunts for answers, only to be confronted by a truth that will change her forever. Los Angeles, 1928: On a Saturday morning in a working-class suburb, Christine said goodbye to her son, Walter, and left for work. When she came home, she discovered he had vanished. A fruitless search ensues, and months later, a boy claiming to be the nine-year-old is returned. Dazed by the swirl of cops, reporters and her conflicted emotions, Christine allows him to stay overnight. But in her heart, she knows he is not Walter. As she pushes authorities to keep looking, she learns that in Prohibition-era L.A., women don’t challenge the system and live to tell their story. Slandered as delusional and unfit, Christine finds an ally in activist Reverend Briegleb (Malkovich), who helps her fight the city to look for her missing boy. Based on the actual incident that rocked California’s legal system, Changeling tells the shocking tale of a mother’s quest to find her son, and those who won’t stop until they silence her. Movie Review

The Topkapi Affair (2008) Genre: Comedy, Crime, Romance, Thriller Starring: Angelina Jolie, Pierce Brosnan Director: Paul Verhoeven Release Date: TBA :::Synopsis Movie Review

Wanted (2008) Genre: Action, Fantasy, Thriller Starring: Angelina Jolie, Common, James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Terence Stamp Director: Timur Bekmambetov Release Date: June 27, 2008 :::Synopsis Wesley’s (James McAvoy) life is over – his pathetic old one, anyway… Fortunately, it is all because of a girl. Enter sizzling-hot Fox (Angelina Jolie), who crashes into his life and introduces him to the Fraternity, a secret society of assassins, led by the enigmatic Sloan (Morgan Freeman). Seems Wes’s long-lost father was killed while working for the Fraternity and Wes has been selected to target the rogue member who murdered him. But before he can complete his assignment, Wes must first uncover the dark secrets behind the Fraternity in order to determine his own destiny. Movie Review & Trailer

Edwin A. Salt (2010) Genre: Drama Starring: Angelina Jolie Director: Peter Berg Release Date: TBA :::Synopsis Movie Review

Salt (2010) Genre: Espionage Thriller Starring: Andre Braugher, Angelina Jolie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Liev Schreiber, Daniel Olbrychski Director: Phillip Noyce Release Date: July 23, 2010 :::Synopsis Angelina Jolie stars in Columbia Pictures’ Salt, a contemporary espionage thriller. Before becoming a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt (Jolie) swore an oath to duty, honor, and country. She will prove loyal to these when a defector accuses her of being a Russian sleeper spy. Salt goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture, protect her husband, and stay one step ahead of her colleagues at the CIA. Movie Review

The Tourist (2010) Genre: Thriller Starring: Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany, Rufus Sewell, Sam Worthington Director: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck Release Date: December 10, 2010 :::Synopsis Johnny Depp stars as an American tourist whose playful dalliance with a stranger leads to a web of intrigue, romance and danger in The Tourist. During an impromptu trip to Europe to mend a broken heart, Frank (Depp) unexpectedly finds himself in a flirtatious encounter with Elise (Angelina Jolie), an extraordinary woman who deliberately crosses his path. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Paris and Venice, their whirlwind romance quickly evolves as they find themselves unwittingly thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Movie Review

Untitled Kay Scarpetta Project (2010) Genre: Suspense, Thriller Starring: Angelina Jolie Release Date: TBA :::Synopsis Movie Review

Kung Fu Panda: The Kaboom of Doom (2011) Genre: Animation, Adventure Starring: Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, Jack Black, Jackie Chan Director: Jennifer Yuh Nelson Release Date: May 26, 2011 :::Synopsis Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five – Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey. But Po’s new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. It is up to Po and The Furious Five to journey across China to face this threat and vanquish it. But how can Po stop a weapon that can stop kung fu? He must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins; only then will he be able to unlock the strength he needs to succeed. Movie Review

Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) Genre: Animation, Adventure Starring: Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, Jack Black, Jackie Chan Director: Jennifer Yuh Nelson Release Date: May 26, 2011 :::Synopsis Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five – Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey. But Po’s new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. It is up to Po and The Furious Five to journey across China to face this threat and vanquish it. But how can Po stop a weapon that can stop kung fu? He must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins; only then will he be able to unlock the strength he needs to succeed. Movie Review

Serena (2011) Genre: Drama Starring: Angelina Jolie Director: Darren Aronofsky Release Date: TBA :::Synopsis Movie Review

Untitled Angelina Jolie Bosnian War Film (2012) Genre: Drama, Romance, War Starring: Angelina Jolie Director: - Release Date: TBA :::Synopsis - Movie Review

This image from the upcoming Sherlock Holmes movie shows a bloodied Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.)  standing in what may be a dog-fighting arena.  Bare-knuckle boxing, perhaps?

NEW MOVIE : Fifty-nine Deceits in Fahrenheit 9/11

Last revised: November 12, 2004.

To the left is the poster for FarenHype 9/11 a new film released on DVD on October 5, 2004. Dave Kopel appears in the film. Click on the image or go to http://www.fahrenhype911.com/ for details and a trailer. A new college student activist website, Must Have Info, promotes campus screenings of Farenhype.

Actress Julia Roberts’ niece, actress Emma Roberts is labeled America’s next sweetheart in a new retro-glamorous photo shoot for the upcoming issue of Marie Claire Magazine (November 2010)- more pictures below.

The 19 year-old has a very classy style and she is also carefully choosing her roles. Emma has several new projects out: “The Winning Season” and “It’s Kind Of A Funny Story”; and she is currently filming “Scream 4”. Emma is also rumored to be playing Mary Jane in the upcoming fourth movie of “Spider Man”, a prequel.

The Green Hornet movie has a (troubled) history going back to mid-2007 when rumors first floated that Seth Rogen would be playing the titular hero (and writing the script). Initially Stephen Chow (director of the hysterically funny Kung Fu Hustle) was set to play the role of Kato (the sidekick), and then came word that Chow would be directing as well. Well a few months passed and that sequence reversed itself: Chow was not going to direct (due to creative differences) but would still play Kato. A few more weeks go by and Chow bowed out of the project completely.

Having seen the final product, I am left seriously wondering what a Stephen Chow-directed Green Hornet film would have been like.

I’m sure I will be hit with the standard “Hey, can’t you just enjoy a fun movie?” argument, so let me preface this review by saying that I am a fan of director Michel Gondry’s very funny Be Kind Rewind. And while I’m not a huge Seth Rogen fan, I did enjoy Superbad, which he co-wrote.

Enough preamble. In this latest incarnation of The Green Hornet, Britt Reid (Rogen) is the son of a newspaper magnate who didn’t have time for him as a child (his mother died when he was young). Dad is stern and has high standards – and Britt rebels by going the opposite direction and ending up as a 30 year old, irresponsible party boy. After one last “I’m disappointed in you” his father dies of a bee sting (he’s allergic), leaving the newspaper and wealth to a son who is not only unprepared for the responsibility – he doesn’t want it.

He comes to know Kato (now played by Jay Chou), who was not only his father’s auto mechanic (garage full of gorgeous, rare automobiles), but he makes an incredible cup of coffee using an espresso machine he built himself. Britt comes to learn that his father was paranoid about security and has had Kato build some pretty hard core defenses into “Black Beauty” – a very cool black sedan from the late 60s. They become friends (kind of) and with both of them feeling the need for some excitement (and maybe, purpose) one thing leads to another and they decide to form a crime-fighting duo. But in order to be more effective (and this really doesn’t make much sense) they decide that the best way to help people and be “the good guys” is to pretend to be bad guys.

While Kato has extreme martial arts skills in addition to apparently being able to assemble multiple heavily armored and weaponized cars from scratch in the span of days (by himself), Britt has basically zero skills. Of any sort, whatsoever. While this is obviously to be milked for laughs, within the context of the film (especially as it moves ahead) it seems more ridiculous and annoying as it goes on.

While their goal is to disrupt gang crime in Los Angeles, they draw the attention of an old school crime boss named Chudnofsky (played by Christoph Waltz, who was amazing in Inglourious Basterds). Chudnofsky, while seemingly on his way out as young up and comers try to take over is not someone to be trifled with – in fact he’s even more dangerous than ever because he feels like he’s losing respect and authority among the crime bosses in the area. Also drawn into the fray is Cameron Diaz (less annoying than usual) as Britt’s secretary/assistant. Britt and Kato are clueless about the workings of the criminal mind and she happens to be very well versed in that based on her degree in journalism.

As you can probably guess, eventually the duo gets in over their head and have to not only figure out how to save themselves from being killed, but how to overthrow Chudnofsky as well.

I have to say, Green Hornet started out (surprisingly) on a very high note. The opening scene with Waltz as the older gangster meeting with a younger, disrespectful younger crime boss (who I won’t name to keep the surprise) started out cautiously, but just got better and better as it went on. It was, in fact, damn funny. But immediately on its heels comes the aftermath, in which there are a lot of people killed, which kind of hits you upside the head right as you come off a very funny scene. That point notwithstanding, the film does an excellent job of introducing and establishing the main characters within the span of the first 10 minutes or so. Films have tried to do that before and failed (*cough* The Losers *cough*).

We see that yes, Britt is a complete ass and Kato is a faithful, hardworking guy. We soften a bit (JUST a bit, and temporarily) towards Britt as he wants to learn about Kato and what he did for Britt’s father, and it’s fun to watch Kato introduce Britt to the cool stuff he worked on and did for dear, departed dad, and gives insight into what sort of person he was. Although it starts down the “ridiculous” slide, their excitement about doing something exciting and adventurous is almost contagious – and their first experience taking down a bunch of street punks is fun and a super-cool action/fight scene.

Unfortunately, that right there (about 20-30 minutes in) ends the “high note” and is where the downward slide begins.

Reid continues to be an insufferable ass throughout the entire film, and the longer it goes on the dumber it seems that he’s out there risking his life against seasoned criminals. Sure, Kato is there to watch his back – but that brings up another point: Why in the world is this supposedly very grounded and intelligent guy sticking around a flighty, irresponsible egomaniac who takes him for granted?

There are many car chase scenes, all very hyper-kinetic with lots going on – and here is another sticking point: There was more than one instance where their chase through the city causes police cars to go flying into other vehicles – if they’re truly trying to be “the good guys,” what about all the collateral damage they’re causing? Bystanders just driving nearby, taking the bus, etc. whose vehicles get totally destroyed (with passengers within)? Oh and there was one scene included to show off the bullet proof glass where during a police chase, a cop pulls up next to them and opens fire. Really? Cops shoot at you when you just try to outrun them without having shot first? And don’t get me started on the scene where they use missiles in an unconventional manner to get out of a tight spot.

Cameron Diaz seemed almost like a character inserted after the script was written, and James Olmos didn’t make much of an impact, even with his built in gravitas. Christoph Waltz also seemed almost like his scenes were spliced in from a different film – all very disconnected and odd-feeling.

There were other things that didn’t work, either… It seemed quite seriously like those involved (Rogen?) really, REALLY wanted this to be an R-rated movie, but were locked into PG-13 due to the subject matter. Why do I say that? Because I can honestly not remember the last time I watched a PG-13 with so much profanity. I didn’t try to keep count of the number of s-bombs Rogen drops in the film, but I would have lost it anyway – had to be at least a couple dozen. Add to that one or two a-holes, b*tch and I don’t know what else. Frankly, it felt completely superfluous and it just added to the obnoxious, unlikability of Rogen/Britt. You can have an obnoxious protagonist, but when you start rooting for the bad guys, you have a problem.

And that’s the problem with Rogen’s Reid – the guy is such a monumental jerk that it’s hard to get past it. He treats the guy who is keeping him alive in the field like he should be happy to be allowed to come along, he’s a disgusting example of an over-cocky, sexually harassing pig with his secretary (Diaz), and just all around supremely annoying. By the end of the movie you’re not hoping for redemption, you’re hoping someone puts him in the hospital.

Also, this was pretty violent for a PG-13 movie that is sure to attract parents to bring their kids. Sure, you have violence in PG-13 movies, even superhero movies – but do we need close ups of two different people who’ve been crushed to death in a “light-hearted” semi-superhero comedy? If you’re thinking this looks like a “fun” romp the kids would enjoy, I recommend you reconsider and leave them at home for this one.

Will you like it? Maybe. Some of the audience I attended the screening with seemed to enjoy it. Am I saying it’s not funny or not worth seeing? No. There were moments beyond the first act where I laughed – not a lot, but a couple. There were tons of cool action scenes and Jay Chou’s martial arts fights were exciting (when you could tell what was going on due to the super fast editing in some scenes), and director Michel Gondry did some interesting things, visually. These items and the first act are why I’ve gone as high as 2.5 stars on this.

But overall, The Green Hornet is an uneven mix that’s not nearly as funny or enjoyable as it could have been

We all now know what the iconic star-spangled uniform worn by star Chris Evans in Captain America: The First Avenger will look like thanks to some recent official photos but we still haven’t seen what his arch-nemesis Johann Schmidt (Hugo Weaving) looks like once he transforms into the notorious Red Skull.

While no official stills of The Red Skull from the film have been released yet, as per most comic book movies, images of movie tie-in merchandise have appeared online, revealing what The Red Skull’s attire and face will generally look like.

So far, the response has been generally positive about Evans bringing to life the classic Marvel superhero, Steve Rogers, and the same goes for his WWII Captain America costume and shield. You can’t go wrong with Hugo Weaving – or his powerful voice and on-screen presence – playing the villainous Red Skull, but will the same be said about his look once he becomes the appropriately titled Red Skull?

Here are some images of the overpriced Halloween costumes found at Big Bad Toy Store:

The Social Network On DVD and Blu-Ray January 11 – MOVIE POSTER

Two years ago, when I first blogged about The Social Network, I poked fun at the notion that a film about Facebook would be “a compelling piece of cinema, a pre-ordained critical darling destined for box office success.” (“Poked” … get it? Didja get it?)

Even with the participation of screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, producer Scott Rudin, musician Trent Reznor and director David Fincher, I was skeptical about how a movie chronicling the founding of Facebook would turn out. Well, not only is The Social Network still my favorite film of 2010, it seems to be everyone’s favorite, earning the top spot on numerous critics’ lists and garnering a shit-ton of award nominations.

On Tuesday, January 11, The Social Network will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray. The two-disc set will be jam-packed with extras, including two commentary tracks, a feature-length documentary (How Did They Ever Make a Movie of Facebook?), and a half-dozen featurettes.

The movie itself is a pure triumph, with solid acting across the board from stars Jesse Eisenberg, Rooney Mara, Andrew Garfield, Armie Hammer, and Justin Timberlake. Sorkin’s masterful screenplay pop and crackles with dialogue reminiscent of classic screwball comedies. Reznor’s score is appropriately haunting, and Fincher brings his trademark visual flair to the proceedings. Seriously, the regatta scene, set to “In The Hall of the Mountain King,” is fucking breathtaking. Check it out below.

If you haven’t seen the film yet, you still have an opportunity to catch it on the big screen (where I saw it twice). On Friday, the film was re-released in about 600 nationwide theaters in an effort to take advantage of all the awards hype and to, maybe, cross the $100 million mark domestically. (The Social Network has grossed $94 million in the US and over $200 million worldwide.)

You can also order The Social Network from Amazon. Or you can be like me and trek to Best Buy the morning of the 11th. Ha!

Cinema buffs have a lot to look forward to, as there are a wide array of good movies coming in 2011. Some of these may end up being 2011 blockbuster films, while others may wind up as 2011 box-office bombs. Either way, it looks as though there are plenty of projects to be excited about. Below, I have included a detailed list of all the good movies coming in 2011.

Rango

This computer-animated film is scheduled to be released on March 18th, 2011. The premise involves a pet who runs away from home on a hilarious journey of self-discovery. Gore Verbinski will direct the film, and the following actors will lend their voices to the project: Johnny Depp, Ray Winstone, Isla Fisher, Alfred Molina and Abigail Breslin.

Spider-Man 4

James Vanderbilt has been tabbed to write the script for the next movie in the Spider-Man franchise (tentatively scheduled for May 31st, 2011). It’s still unclear if director Sam Raimi and star Tobey Maguire will be back on board, but there’s a good chance that the series will continue anyway. My pick for the next duo of villains (Hollywood seems obsessed with multiple villains) is The Vulture and The Lizard.

The First Avenger: Captain America

Opening on May 6th, 2011, this film will serve as a lead-in for the Avengers movie (which opens a few months later). Joe Johnston will direct, while Samuel L. Jackson has already signed on to reprise his role as Nick Fury. The movie follows the adventures of a scrawny World War II soldier who is injected with the Super Soldier Formula. This gives him amazing fighting abilities, and he takes on the Germans under the identity of Captain America. Eventually frozen in a block of ice, he’s thawed out decades later and fights supervillains as a member of The Avengers.

Cars 2

In this sequel to the Disney/Pixar animated hit, Mater and Lighting will head overseas for even more zany adventures. Cars 2 is one of many good movies coming in 2011, and it’s currently scheduled for a June 24th, 2011 release. Larry the Cable Guy and Owen Wilson have already signed on to provide their voices.

Kung Fu Panda 2

The first Kung Fu Panda film was released during the summer of 2008, and it made a ton of money for Dream Works Animation. Not surprisingly, a sequel has been scheduled for June 3rd, 2011. At this time, Jack Black and Angelina Jolie have both committed to the project.

The Avengers

Of all the good movies coming in 2011, this one may be the best. Scheduled for a July 15th, 2011 debut, the film will follow the exploits of The Avengers, the top superhero team of the Marvel universe. Zak Penn is writing the screenplay, and Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Downey Jr., and Don Cheadle are expected to star. Members of The Avengers should include Thor, The Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America, Ant Man, and (maybe) The Wasp.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II

The final book of the Harry Potter series is being split up into two movies. On July 15th, 2011, the final film of the blockbuster franchise will debut in theaters. As of this moment, David Yates is attached to direct. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint will all return for one last adventure at Hogwarts.

Hotel Transylvania

People can’t seem to get enough of the animated comedies, and this one should be especially beloved by fans of the old Universal movie monsters. The plot of the film has Dracula, the Mummy, the Werewolf and Frankenstein hanging around an Eastern European hotel after being made irrelevant by modern technology and ideas. Scheduled for a September 30th, 2011 release.

The Hobbit

Right now, the plan is to have The Hobbit hit theaters on New Year’s Eve, 2011. Peter Jackson will produce, and Guillermo Del Toro will direct. A prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, this film will follow the adventures of Bilbo Baggins. Expect Gandalf the Wizard (Ian McKellen) to make an appearance, as well as that precious little Gollum.

The Bear and the Bow

This animated movie from Pixar will feature the voices of Reese Witherspoon, Emma Thompson and Billy Connolly. The story revolves around the adventures of a princess who would rather be an archer and her quest to free her mother and kingdom from a dreadful curse. Scheduled to be released on December 31st, 2011.

The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn

Another one of the good movies coming in 2011, this 3D motion capture film will be directed by Steven Spielberg and star Daniel Craig, Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, Toby Jones and Mackenzie Crook. The central character, Tintin, is a young reporter who gets into all kinds of amazing adventures. Based on the character created by author Georges Remi, also known by his pen name “Herge.”

Big Cats

This Disney nature film will allow audiences of all ages to meet a leopard, a lioness and a cheetah. As they raise their young, these three feline mothers will use their wits and physical prowess to survive the dangerous surroundings of the African plains. This should be one of the best family films of 2011.

Frankenweenie

Made with 3D animation, this project will be a remake of Tim Burton’s 1984 short film about a dog brought back to life by his owner. Walt Disney Pictures will be handling the project, and Burton will be filling the producer’s role.

Naked Beauty: A Love Story that Feeds the Earth

Another Disney film for 2011, Naked Beauty follows the act of pollination, both from the perspective of flowers, and animals such as butterflies, bees, bats and hummingbirds. This film will present a great educational opportunity for the entire family.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Jim Carrey is signed to star in this film about a man who became famous for scouring the world for human oddities. Along the way, he realizes these special people deserve just as much respect as anyone else. Director Chris Columbus will helm this heartwarming tale.

Terminator 3

Three Terminator films are planned with actor Christian Bale (assuming he doesn’t kill one of the crew members before that time). The 4th film will hit theaters in 2009, and it will be followed up by this 2011 movie. McG is penciled in to direct the trilogy.

Tusker

Ted Tally is writing the screenplay for this tale of a young elephant’s journey to find himself. This should be one of many quality family films for 2011.

Transformers 3

The planned release date is June 29th, 2011. Expect the original cast to return and more robots to be introduced. Man, nobody beats Hollywood when it comes to getting kids to buy useless plastic toys.

Atlantis Rising

Len Wiseman will direct this film adaptation of the popular graphic novel. Scheduled to be one of the summer movies of 2011.

Get Smart 2

After the success of the first Get Smart film, Warner Bros wasted no time in signing Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway to do another one.

The Lone Ranger

Expected to be released in 2011, the film will be based on the classic black-and-white television show. In 2008, it was announced that Johnny Depp would be portraying Tonto, the Lone Ranger’s Indian partner. As of this writing, the role of the Lone Ranger has yet to be filled.

The Giver

Slated for a 2011 release, The Giver is based on a novel written by Lois Lowry. The story revolves around a young boy and his life in a society which has eliminated pain and strife. As you might have guessed, this development comes with a price. David Yates is attached to direct, although no cast has been selected.

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote

This Terry Gilliam film originally started filming in 2000, but it stopped production after a number of on-set accidents. In 2009, pre-production started up again. In the film, a British ad executive travels through time and gets involved in the adventures of Don Quixote. Johnny Depp has signed on to star in the film, but his busy schedule will cause shooting to be delayed.