Any month with films about such fascinating  characters as Wolverine, James T. Kirk, Spock, Robert Langdon, and John Connor is worth getting excited about. And, when a sequel to Night at the Museum plus romantic films with Jennifer Aniston and Rachel Weisz also show up on the release list, I become even more psyched up. Below is the May 2009 movie schedule. But remember, all release dates are subject to change.   

Theatrical Releases:

MAY 1

Battle for Terra. In this animated sci-fi adventure, a rebellious teenage girl tries to save her own planet as well as the Earthlings who plan to invade it. Voice talent includes Evan Rachel Wood, Dennis Quaid and Luke Wilson. 

Ghosts of Girfriends Past. This romantic comedy stars Matthew McConaughey as a bachelor haunted by girlfriends from his past. Jennifer Gardner and Michael Douglas also play key roles here. (Think A Christmas Carol for incurable romantics.)  

X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Hugh Jackman returns in the role that skyrocketed him to stardom. My only complaint? It isn’t a musical.

The Limits of Control. Written and directed by Jim Jarmusch, this crime thriller about a mysterious stranger stars Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, John Hurt and Gael Garcia Bernal.

MAY 8

Star Trek. What were James Kirk and Spock like before they signed on for Starfleet service aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise? This sci-fi film answers that question with the help of Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto in the roles of Kirk and Spock, respectively.  

Next Day Air. Mos Def and Mike Epps play inept criminals surprised by the delivery of a package of cocaine in this action comedy directed by Benny Boom.

Rudo y Cursi. Soccer takes center stage here as two brothers become rivals in that popular sport. Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna co-star. 

Love N' Dancing. Amy Smart, Billy Zane and Tom Malloy bring romance amid the world of Swing Dancing competition to the big screen.  

MAY 15

Angels & Demons. When terrorists threaten the Vatican, who ya gonna call? Tom Hanks -- in his symbologist Robert Langdon role (first seen in The Da Vinci Code) -- of course. Cast also includes Ewan McGregor, Stellan Starsgard and Ayelet Zurer.  

Management. Jennifer Aniston, Steve Zahn and Woody Harrelson form the love triangle in this limited-release romantic comedy about very different types of people looking for happiness.

MAY 22

Terminator Salvation. Man versus Machine -- with John Connor, played by Christian Bale, leading the humans in their battle against the Terminators. Among actors along for this sci-fi ride are Bryce Dallas Howard, Jane Alexander, Helena Bonham Carter, Anton Yelchin and Sam Worthington. 

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. When Jedediah (Owen Wilson) and Octavius (Steve Coogan) are shipped to the Smithsonian by mistake, Ben Stiller’s character must try to rescue them. Action, laughs, and lots of special effects should ensue. 

Dance Flick. Poking fun at those serious dance battle films, this comedy features Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Keenan Ivory Wayans, David Alan Grier, and Amy Sedaris.

Easy Virtue.  Jessica Biel, Ben Barnes, Colin Firth and Kristin Scott Thomas star in this romantic comedy about how lives are changed when a young Englishman marries an American and brings her home to his stuffy British parents.

The Girlfriend Experience. Follows the adventures of an expensive Manhattan call girl, played by Sasha Grey. Directed by Steven Soderbergh and billed as a comedy. 

MAY 29

Up. An elderly man and an 8-year-old stowaway set out for Africa in a most unusual fashion -- via a house tied to balloons. (Don’t try this at home.) Ed Asner and Jordan Nagai provide the voice talent for the intrepid travelers in this animated movie from Pixar. 

The Brothers Bloom. Con men played by Mark Ruffalo and Adrien Brody, decide to show an heiress, portrayed by Rachel Weisz, the greatest time of her life in this romantic crime dramedy.     

Drag Me to Hell. When a curse is placed upon her, a loan officer seeks help to remove it. Directed and co-written by Sam Raimi, this horror movie co-stars Alison Lohman and Justin Long.

DVD Releases:

MAY 5

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Last Chance Harvey

Smother

Wendy and Lucy

MAY 12

The Grudge 3

Passengers

Taken

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

MAY 19

Fanboys

My Bloody Valentine 3D

Paul Blart: Mall Cop

The Devil's Ground

MAY 26

Hindsight

Killshot

New in Town

(Star Trek poster: © 2009 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.)