Monthly Movie Preview – June 2011 Spring has sprung and for those of us in the Chicago area, it's already come and gone. As Summer picks up, so do the cash cows that Hollywood keeps trying to sell us on. This year's cash crop ranges from flights of fancy to funny, but this is just the beginning. Studios always seem to start with their best foot forward so you can expect plenty of razzle dazzle to happen in June, but who are we kidding? This is just the red carpet. There's more to come over the next few months.

But let's try to stay in the now, shall we? With studios offering fanboys and fangirls plenty to look at, something raunchy for fans of Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake, as well as some family fun with Cars 2, it looks like June has a little something for everyone.

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June 3

Movie of the Week

X-Men: First Class

The Stars: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence The Plot: The fifth movie in the X-Men franchise (I don't like to talk about the third or fourth) sees some familiar faces back in the 1960s. It details the origin story of Professor X and magneto's age-old rivalry, but also the birth of Xavier's group of superheroes we now know as the X-Men. The Buzz: I'm an X-Men fan, okay? I have the little kid's backpack to prove it. Still, even I was nervous about this one. When Ratner took the reins on Last Stand, my faith in the franchise died a little. X-Men Origins: Wolverine didn't really help matters either. And yet, I'm still willing to fall for this one. Not only do the previews look incredibly promising, with Singer's return as producer and Kick-Ass director Matthew Vaughn at the helm, I'd go so far as to say I'm excited for it. With a gifted cast and an interesting origin story, I believe X-Men: First Class just might have what it takes to restore glory to the franchise.

June 10

Movie of the Week

Super 8

The Stars: Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Amanda Michalka The Plot: After several young friends witness a train derailing, havoc breaks loose in their town and it's up to the children to figure out just what is going on. The Buzz:The word surrounding this one is mostly speculation at this point. In true J.J. Abrams fashion, no one is entirely sure what it's about. My guess? Considering the influential Spielberg signed on as a producer and given Abrams penchant for sci-fi, there's something alien at work here. Still, I can't really say for sure, but then again, isn't that half the fun of this movie? I'm not expecting a masterpiece, but looking at Abrams' cinematic track record, I'm at least expecting a good time at the movies.

The Others:

Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer - Jordana Beatty, Heather Graham, Parris Mosteller

June 17

Movie of the Week

Green Lantern

The Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Saarsgard The Plot: Green Lantern follows the birth of superhero. Pilot Hal Jordan's life is forever changed when he is called to join an intergalactic group of superheroes. The Buzz: No offense to fans of the comic, but this choice came about mostly as a choice of the lesser of two evils. The casting of Ryan Reynolds from day one, filled me with disappointment, but out of respect to the comic and my love of Hal Jordan, I know I'll end up seeing this one. Truth be told, with my expectations this low, I could be pleasantly surprised, but Green Lantern mainly ended up as my pick of the week because it's the one I'm most curious about/nervous for this summer. I'm hoping Marvel doesn't let me down again, like they did with Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.

The Others:

Mr. Popper's Penguins - Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Angela Lansbury

June 24

Movie of the Week

Bad Teacher

The Stars: Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Jason Segel The Plot: A foul-mouthed teacher has her work cut out for her when she falls for the new teacher who doesn't seem to even notice that she's alive. The Buzz: Cameron Diaz needs a hit. After a couple of lackluster ventures, she's about due for another There's Something About Mary. A surefire way to get people interested? Bring the guy who brought us Dick in a Box onto the scene and you've at least got my interest. The fun thing about this movie is that Diaz looks like she's in fine comedic form, but the supporting cast, including Phyllis from The Office and funnyman Jason Segel, are what sells me on this. It's a pretty shallow concept, but if anybody can mine it for its worth, it would be he seemingly endless cast of comedic talents that are attached to the project.

The Others:

Cars 2 - Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine