The 5 Best Films Scheduled for Spring 2012 Release

The Spring 2012 lineup of movies contains more movies than even a die-hard fan can possibly take in. Offerings cover a wide range of cinematic tastes, and just about everyone will find something to enjoy. After going through the trailers of the movies planned for spring (January to April) release, though, I've found that there are a few that stand out from the crowd. My top five picks are:

Beauty and the Beast (in 3D). Disney seldom releases a bad animation, and Beauty and the Beast 3D, scheduled for release on January 123, is no exception. This remake, or update, of an old classic has some great music, and the animation is first rate. With Paige O'Hara as the voice of Belle and Robby Benson doing the Beast, the kids will love it, and you won't regret taking them.

21 Jump Street. I loved this TV show which gave Johnny Depp his first big break. The modern remake of 21 Jump Streethas Jonah Hill and Tatum Channing as the main characters, Schmidt and Jenko as two youthful looking cops who go undercover in a high school to investigate a drug ring. The dangerous drug dealers are the least of their problems as they confront the terror and anxiety of being teens again. This is as funny and endearing as the original TV series. Set for release on March 18.

Iron Sky. If you're a fan of sci-fi parodies, you'll love Iron Sky, from the makers of Star Wreck. Few of the actors will be familiar, and that adds to the fun. Nazis in space; what else could you ask for? This is a rib-tickler that will have you rolling in the aisle and spilling your popcorn. Release date for this yuck fest is April 4.

The Three Stooges. Unless you're a fan of late night reruns of old TV shows, and I mean real old, you're probably not familiar with The Three Stoogesshow. All I can say is, you don't know what you missed; slapstick comedy at its classic best. Left on a nun's doorstep, Curly, Larry, and Moe grow up into the same loveable, madcap characters that delighted thousands before the advent of color TV. Will Sasso (Curly), Sean Hayes (Larry), and Chris Diamantopoulos (Moe) are so close to the original characters, I had to pinch myself, and Larry David does a great job as Sister Mary Mengele, the nun who gets stuck with raising them. Coming to theaters on April 13.

The Cold Light of Day. Just so no one thinks I only like kid flicks, The Cold Light of Daywith Bruce Willis and Henry Cavill is my dramatic pick for spring. Cavill plays a young American who uncovers a dangerous conspiracy (is there any other kind?) while he's attempting to rescue his family who were kidnapped while vacationing in Spain. There's also a great performance by one of my favorite actresses, Sigourney Weaver, a little less tense in this film than in the Alien flicks, but still one of the sexiest women on the big screen. The Cold Light of Day is due to be released on April 9.