Well, we’re almost out of the woods. We made it through the January bilge and a February with nothing but Oscar re-releases that were worth seeing. Spring break is almost over, and the studios know that the time has come to start releasing some movies that people actually will pay to see. Here’s what we have (hopefully) to look forward to this spring:

I’m not going to lie to you: We are in for a strange month of movies. December is typically peppered with Oscar favorites and holiday family fun, but this year is anything but usual.

It’s a fun time of the year, movie-wise. If you’re eagerly awaiting Oscar buzz, the moment has arrived. And if you’re excited for some holiday horror, there’s plenty of that, as well. But, if you’re waiting for some wholesome family fare…well, you’re going to have to wait a little longer. Like November days, next month’s movies are moody and dark.

When you see previews for this movie, you see a shoot-‘em-up action flick or a car chase/revenge thriller when in actuality, this is a romantic comedy—a violent romantic comedy, but nonetheless. Real-life couple Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard co-star, and do most of the work behind the camera, as well. They also managed to assemble an A-list supporting cast for this quirky, engaging story.

It may be almost a month before the official start of autumn, but the kids are back in school, there’s a nip in the air and Hollywood is ready for awards season…or horror season—or both. Here’s what’s coming in September:

I know I sound like a broken record when I talk about the lack or originality in Hollywood, but prepare to be amazed. Lately, they aren’t even remaking movies, they’re just re-releasing them in 3D. Anyway, I hope you have plans for July, because you’re not going to be spending next month at the movies.

If you are in the mood for car chases and alien invasions, I have good news: I count no fewer than four alien-battling blockbusters this spring. If, however, you are in the mood for more substantial fare, you may be disappointed. Here’s what’s coming up!

Movie spring has sprung. We may have three more weeks on the calendar, but at the Cineplex, the new season has arrived. Here are the highlights:

Autumn is right around the corner, and this September seems to be more about thrills than Oscars. In fact, the entire fall movie season seems surprisingly light—and surprisingly scary. Maybe Hollywood is reacting to our need to escape a dismal economy? This is the autumn of the thriller, and I, for one, couldn’t be happier.

September:

Summer is almost halfway over, if you can believe it. More important, we are through the Harry Potter madness. And in spite of the fact that we hit our super hero limit somewhere between Thor and X-Men First Class, there still are more to come:

Musical:    “The Little Mermaid”

In theaters now…Zookeeper, starring lovable everyman KEVIN JAMES, makes its nationwide debut today, but St. Louisans got a sneak peak last week. The actor attended the movie’s red-carpet premiere at the Saint Louis Zoo, and shared the spotlight with some local celebs and a few of the animals from the Children’s Zoo. The Saint Louis Zoo is the only zoo in the country to host the film’s premiere.

Summer is right around the corner, and while you may not know it from the advertising, there are other movies coming out besides The Hangover Part II. Here’s what looks interesting:

    Renowned American artist HARRISON HOWARD will be in St. Louis next week to debut a handpicked selection of his artwork. Best known locally for his original artwork on the cover of St. Louis Seasons magazine and next month’s upcoming Ladue News Elegant Living publication, Howard has spent most of his professional career devoted to mural work in private homes. His April 28 appearance at Sallie Home (9821 Clayton Road in Ladue) is from 5 to 8 p.m., and is free and open to the public.

It may not officially be spring yet, but the weather thinks it’s spring and so does the cineplex. Awards season is over, and now it’s time to kick back with a trough of popcorn and a bucket of soda and watch some stuff blow up. An ongoing theme in this spring’s movie releases seems to be changing the course of fate/stopping the dominoes from falling…hmmm.

The Oscar race is heating up and these films may be late to the gate but they are definitely not lagging behind. It may be awards season, but it is also holiday season, and the family-friendly film is well represented.

It’s hard to believe summer has come and gone. The kids are back in school, the temperatures’ dropping and the cineplex is brooding. Gone are the days of eating your body weight in popcorn and watching stuff blow up. It’s awards season. And frankly, after some of this summer’s action offerings (The Expendables, Takers), I could use some headier stuff. Here’s what to look forward to:

    Gorgeous George…In case you missed him, GEORGE CLOONEY was spotted biking in Italy near his Lake Como home this week sporting a souvenir from his St. Louis stay in spring 2009. Clooney’s Affton High School Basketball T-shirt was a gift from the school. The actor, co-star VERA FARMIGA and crew members of Up in the Air spent days filming at the school, which was transformed into ‘Ashton High School’ for the movie.

It’s the last hurrah for summer movies. So get to the megaplex and watch some car chases and explosions because awards season is just around the corner. Here’s what’s in store.

It’s getting to be that time when we are all looking for excuses to escape the heat—and possibly our workout. Hollywood is offering some tempting options for all ages in July. Here’s what’s in store:

Spring is here and love is in the air. Not love so much as car chases, explosions and slapstick. No Oscar contenders on the schedule for the 2010 spring movies, just a lot of popcorn munching fun. Here’s what’s slated:

'Tis the season…of red carpets and weighty statues. It’s always ‘somebody’s year’ come awards season. I’ve heard people say, It’s Clooney’s year. I’ve also heard people say, It’s Robert Downey Jr.’s year. It certainly is Sandra Bullock’s year. I would give the year to Meryl Streep, but she’s had enough years. With the quality of movies we’ve been enjoying of late, I’d say it’s our year. Here’s what’s coming in January:

    If there is one thing I simply cannot abide, it is when a trailer for a film, in an attempt to garner a broader audience, makes it look like something else. When a gory horror film preview makes you think it’s a taut thriller, or in this case, when the trailer for Everything’s Fine leads you to believe you are going to see a dysfunctional family holiday comedy. The dysfunctional family is there, sadly the holiday comedy is not. That’s not to say it’s a bad film. It’s just not what you thought you signed up for.