Monthly Movie Preview – May 2011 If what they say is true and April showers do indeed bring May flowers then consider May ripe for the picking. After the past few lukewarm months at the box office, it seemed like Hollywood had hit a slump. It's sort of to be expected in January, which is commonly known as "dump month" where studios pile all of their garbage into one long month... but then things didn't really seem to let up as we entered February and even March. But it is with May that we're seeing some signs of life at the box office again.

This month may not feature a whole lot of new picks, but it's breaking out some of the heavy hitters that is sure to bring a rip-roaring start to the Summer season. Check out the list below and be sure to sound off on what movies you're most excited for this May!

[polldaddy poll=4998494]

May 6

Movie of the Week

Thor

The Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins The Plot: When alien warrior, Thor, is outcast from his homeland, he is sent to Earth where he becomes just the hero that this planet has been looking for. The Buzz: The comic book geek in me is excited for this one. While I'm not gonna lay claim to being some huge Thor fanatic, the previews make this look like a good time at the movies. The story is a little thin, I'll admit, but that's never stopped me from enjoying a superhero movie before, now has it? Plus, with such a stunning cast, I'm counting on this to at least be amusing enough to warrant a trip to the theaters. But then again, who am I kidding? I'm just as excited for the movie itself as I am for the inevitable scene after the end credits. Maybe a little teaser of Captain America: the First Avenger? I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

The Others:

Jumping the Broom - Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Loretta Devine Something Borrowed - Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield

May 13

Movie of the Week

Bridesmaids

The Stars: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne The Plot: A group of women gather to celebrate their friend getting married. However, when one challenges another for the duties of the Maid of Honor, things get complicated. The Buzz:The strong cast of comediennes alone is reason enough to see this movie. Kristen Wiig has always had the comedic chops to carry a movie, but she's never really had much of a chance until now. Furthermore, Rose Byrne's deliciously passive aggressive antics in the trailer seem to promise a good time. My only concern is that I'm overhyping it for myself, but with this fine cast, I'm not sure it's possible. While some are writing it off as a female-driven The Hangover, I have faith that Bridesmaids has plenty of its own madcap style to stand on its own two feet.

The Others:

Priest (in 3D) - Paul Bettany, Maggie Q, Cam Gigandet

May 20

Movie of the Week

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

The Stars: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane The Plot: Jack and a whole band of ne'er do wells find themselves on a quest for the Fountain of Youth. paired with an unlikely ally, Blackbeard's daughter Angelica, the two find themselves in over their heads on their search for immortality. The Buzz: Fun seems to be the name of the game this May. I hafta admit, I'm a little skeptical about this one, but I've decided to give it the benefit of the doubt. With the returning cast of heavyweights, including Oscar winners Penelope Cruz and Geoffrey Rush, and Oscar-nominated director Rob Marshall taking the wheel in place of Gore Verbinski, I have a good feeling that this could be a nice change of pace for the Pirates franchise. Only time will tell, but I'm willing to throw my money down on this one.

The Others: The Beaver (expanding): Starring Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster Midnight in Paris (limited): Owen Wilson, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams

May 27

Movie of the Week

Kung Fu Panda 2

The Stars: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman The Plot: Everybody's favorite big-bellied bear and his group of fellow kung fu masters must join forces with another group in order to take down an old enemy. The Buzz: I'm a big fan of the original and the first sign that you've got yourself a solid sequel? When all of your A-list stars that made the first one decide that they're willing to come back and do a second one. Think about it. How many animated movies go through a re-casting when they make it out for a sequel? So, if Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Seth Rogen, and Jackie Chan all made it out for this sequel, there's gotta be something good there, right? At least, that's what I'm hoping. Either way, I've got high hopes for this one and if it's able to live up to the original, I'm sure I won't be let down.

The Others:

The Hangover Part II - Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms