Dave Owens takes a look at the movies that will have film fans flocking to the multiplexes in 2011

Sucker Punch

Released: March

Skirting the same cult territory as Scot Pilgrim vs The World and Kick A**, Sucker Punch will see every self-respecting geek racing to their multiplex to view this computer animated, sci-fi, action adventure featuring a myriad sexy girls slicing and dicing. Think St Trinian’s with machine guns. The plot revolves around a young girl who is institutionalised by her wicked stepfather. Retreating to an alternative reality as a coping strategy, she envisions a plan that will help her escape from the facility. Cue mayhem.

Scream 4

Released: April

Showing there’s still life left in this enduring horror franchise, Scream 4 unites the three survivors from the first films – Neve Campbell, David Arquette and Courtney Cox – and brings back writer Kevin Williamson to fashion an excuse to get them all back on the big screen. Wes Craven has now signed up to direct too, in what could be the first of a brand new trilogy of Scream movies.

The Hangover Part II

Released: May

Such was the success of the first instalment of this boozy American romp, producers have wasted no time in rushing through a sequel. Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms are all back on board for another rollicking tale of hedonistic mishap and misadventure. After his memorable appearance in the original Mike Tyson is rumoured to be back for the sequel and there’s also talk of former President Bill Clinton making a cameo.

Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Released: May

Poor Johnny Depp, he has such a hard life. The fourth instalment of the Pirates’ adventure sees the star continue to rule the stormy seas; however this time his irresistibly flamboyant alter-ego is paired with one of the most beautiful woman in the world. Penelope Cruz stars as the daughter of the infamous Blackbeard, and apparently crosses more than swords with the temperamental Captain Jack.

Thor

Released: May

2011 looks set to be year of comic books translating to the big screen, and the God of Asgard leads this year’s super-hero charge. Thor’s an old-school Norse God working as a superhero and saving the earth on a near-daily basis. Kenneth Branagh attempts to prove he’s not just about Shakespeare adaptations as he takes on this Marvel Comics saga. Chris Hemsworth takes the title role alongside the ever-alluring Natalie Portman.

Green Lantern

Released: June

Continuing the comic book theme, Ryan Reynolds may well be sick of the sight of Lycra by the end of the year as he steps into two comic book roles. As well as the lead in X-Men spin-off Deadpool he takes on the coveted title role of Green Lantern. The DC Comics’ adapted film is helmed by James Bond and Mask Of Zorro director Martin Campbell, while Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Tim Robbins and Angela Bassett also star.

Cars 2: World Grand Prix

Released: June

Cars is widely regarded as Pixar’s weakest film – unsurprising when it’s measured against the all-conquering Toy Story. Yet, in terms of the amount of toy sales it generates – with star car Lightning McQueen and his friends raking in the billions – it’s a merchandising dream. So it’s unsurprising that a sequel has been scheduled for this summer, if only to keep the cash registers ringing.

Captain America

Released: July

More comic book capers. Proving that he can’t get enough of a good thing, US star Chris Evans might have already starred as a Marvel comics superhero – lining up as Johnny Storm in the Fantastic Four movies – but that was evidently just a precursor to stepping into the legendary shoes of America’s Hitler-clobbering super-soldier.

Cowboys And Aliens

Released: July

Whetting the appetite of fans of both Indiana Jones and James Bond is this big screen adaptation of this colourful graphic novel by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg. Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig star as the Wild West gunslingers slugging it out with alien foes. With Iron Man director Jon Favreau on board expect an explosive bang for your buck.

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Released: July

So it’s time to grab your hankie and shed a tear as this most magical and enchanting of big-screen franchises finally comes to a close. The outcome of the boy wizard’s titanic tussle with the paragon of all evil that is Voldermort is cloaked in secrecy, but expect this to be the Harry Potter film to end all Potter films... until JK Rowling is down to her last billion and decides to resurrect her spellbinding creation that is!

Transformers 3

Released: July

Expect another CGI-fest as Michael Bay gets Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox back in tandem to race around while carnage is wreaked by huge robots hell-bent on taking each other to the scrapyard. Joining in the special effects generated fun are Frances McDormand and John Malkovich.

Rise Of The Apes

Released: August

Considering the disastrous big-screen outing that was director Tim Burton’s Planet Of The Apes remake, the thought of a prequel doesn’t exactly thrill me with excitement. However, the premise of explaining the origin of the Planet Of The Apes story is decent enough. Set in present-day San Francisco, experiments with genetic engineering lead to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy. Stars James Franco and Freida Pinto.

Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn

Released: October

The story of the Belgian comic book hero comes to life with an all-star British cast featuring the likes of Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Mackenzie Crook and Jamie Bell in the title role. The big-screen adaptation of Herge’s iconic creation has film fans frothing at the mouth, as it sees Tintin-obsessed Steven Spielberg joining forces with Peter Jackson to create a new kind of motion capture animation.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1

Released: November

There are very few certainties in Hollywood but if you want to put your money on a bankable hit then every teenager’s favourite vampire story would certainly be the movie to rake in the dollars and pounds. The thirst for screen idol Robert Pattinson and his vampiric adventures shows no sign of abating.

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol

Released: December

Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in the fourth instalment of this high-octane blockbuster. Look out for Simon Pegg adding a comedic touch. Expect enough stunts, explosions and special effects to fry your eyeballs!