Crapola.

Is it just me, or do all the big-budget movies coming out this year look like crap? Two super-hero movies with the word Green in the title, an animated Gnomeo and Juliet, which- you guessed it, is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet - except with garden gnomes, plus there's Red Riding Hood in the style of Twilight, a remake of The THING, a much unneeded fourth installment of Pirates of the Caribbean (Yarr), and just when you thought you could at least count on an original and heart-warming future classic from Pixar come June, they're releasing Cars 2 --the least deserving of a sequel of all the Pixar films -- Seriously?! Plus let's not forget to dishonorably mention: Transformers 3, The Hangover 2, The Smurfs, Piranha 3DD (that's not a typo), Spy Kids 4, Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Alvin and the Chipmunks 3, and last and almost certainly least: Justin Beiber: Never Say Never.

All is not lost, however. There are a few ripe tomatoes among the rotten. Last November's seventh installment of the Harry Potter Series was a surprising gem, and, if the directional style stays consistent, the second half, with the much-needed addition of more action and special effects, should be outstanding. Plus, there's a new Muppets movie (shut up, everything with muppets rocks), and Scream 4 (should be a fun popcorn-muncher). I'll also hold judgement on Kung Fu Panda 2 and Super 8 - both of which have a tentative positive outlook.

But hey, let's look on the bright side. If nothing else, 2011 might be the year we all keep our newyears resolutions to read more books.