The 20 Hottest Summer Movies of 2011

‘Crazy, Stupid, Love.’ (July 29)

Directed by: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Written by: Dan Fogelman
Starring: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Jonah Bobo, John Carroll Lynch, Marisa Tomei, Kevin Bacon, Analeigh Tipton, Josh Groban, Liza Lapira and Joey King

Carell stars as straitlaced fortysomething Cal Weaver, who thinks he has it all: good job, nice house, great kids and marriage to his high-school sweetheart. Cal learns that all is not what it seems, however, when he discovers that his wife Emily (Moore) is having an affair and wants a divorce. Suddenly thrust back into the dating pool, hapless Cal is ill-equipped to deal with the singles scene until he meets Jacob (Gosling), a handsome, thirtysomething player who takes Cal on as his wingman, introducing him to flirty women, manly drinks and a new sense of style. But despite Cal’s makeover, the one thing that can’t be made over is his heart. Ficarra and Requa, the filmmaking team behind “I Love You Phillip Morris,” direct. (Warner Bros.)

‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ (Aug. 5)

Directed by: Rupert Wyatt

Written by: Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver

Starring: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow and Andy Serkis

Franco may topline this action-adventure origin story “inspired by” Pierre Boulle’s “Planet of the Apes” novel, but the real star will be a computer-animated ape created by the Oscar-winning visual effects team behind “Avatar” and “The Lord of the Rings.” The CGI simian will express the emotion and intelligence to presage the epic battles that lead to the rise of the apes — and, inevitably, the fall of man. (20th Century Fox)

‘The Help’ (Aug. 12)

Directed/Written by: Tate Taylor
Starring: Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer and Emma Stone

Stone (breakout star of “Easy A”) stars in this drama based on the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett as Skeeter, a 1960s-era Southern belle who returns from college determined to become a writer. For her first project, she decides to interview the black women who have spent their lives serving prominent Southern families. Davis co-stars as Skeeter’s best friend’s housekeeper, who is the first to open up. Neither of the women’s communities is happy about the project, but soon more helpers come forward to tell their stories, and a new sisterhood emerges. (Walt Disney Pictures)