Any month offering performances from fine actors like Meryl Streep, Dennis Quaid, Eric Bana, Paul Giametti, Amy Adams, Brad Pitt, Rachel McAdams and Michael Keaton -- plus an animated film from the great Hayao Miyazaki  -- is sure to get movie fans like me very excited. Take a look at the August schedule below, but please remember all release dates are subject to change. 

Theatrical Releases

AUGUST 7:

Julie & Julia. In this film adaptation of two different books, Meryl Streep is Julia Child and Amy Adams plays a woman named Julie who’s inspired by the famous chef’s recipes.  

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.  Expect action galore in this movie about an elite military force out to dismantle a powerful arms-dealing organization. Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum and Marlon Wayans appear in key roles here. 

Shorts. The consequences of discovering a wish-granting rock take center stage in this Richard Rodriguez comic fantasy starring Jimmy Bennett, Kat Dennings, and James Spader.   

Cold Souls. Paul Giamatti portrays an actor who agrees to store his soul during his participation in a Chekov play. But what happens when his soul goes missing?  Note to self: Keep your soul safe. 

AUGUST 14:

District 9. Extraterrestrials become refugees in South Africa in this low-budget sci-fi movie directed by Neill Blomkamp of Halo fame.

Ponyo. A goldfish princess longs to become human in this Hayao Miyazaki animated movie featuring the voice talents of Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon and Liam Neeson. 

Bandslam. A school battle-of-the-bands musical with Vanessa Hudgens and Gaelan Connell. Directed by Todd Graff, who hopes to please fans of the High School Musical franchise.   

The Time Traveler’s Wife. Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams co-star in this romantic drama about a librarian who travels through time and the emotional complications it causes him. 

A Perfect Getaway. Who is stalking and murdering tourists in Hawaii? That’s what vacationing lovers want to find out in this mystery featuring Milla Jovovich, Steve Zahn, Timothy Olyphant and Kiele Sanchez. Where is Magnum P.I. when you need him?  

Paper Heart.  Artist Charlyne Yi and boyfriend Michael Cera explore what love means to different people in this creative experimental film.

The Goods. Live Hard, Sell Hard. How can an auto dealership make a big profit from a Fourth of July sale? By hiring a used-car liquidator played by Jeremy Piven, of course. Comic situations should ensue.  

Spread. Ashton Kutcher finds himself torn between Anne Heche and Margarita Levieva in this sexy drama helmed by David Mackenzie, who also directed Young Adam.

AUGUST 21:

Inglourious Basterds. A group of Jewish-American soldiers terrorize the Nazis in Quentin Tarantino’s latest action adventure. Brad Pitt heads up a cast that includes Eli Roth and Diane Kruger.  

Post Grad. College graduate Alexis Bledel moves back in with her eccentric family in this comedy which also stars Michael Keaton and Carol Burnett.

AUGUST 28:

Halloween II. Michael gets ready for another reunion with his sister. Scout Taylor-Compton and Tyler Mane co-star in this Rob Zombie horror offering. 

The Final Destination. Premonitions about Death continue, now in 3D. Nick Zano, Krista Allen, and Andrew Fiscella are on board for this fourth “FD” movie.    

Taking Woodstock. This background story about the amazing Woodstock Concert of 1969 boasts a wonderful cast. Just check out the lineup: Demetri Martin, Brenda Blethyn, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Liev Schreiber, Eugene Levy, Imelda Staunton, Emile Hirsch and Paul Dano. And, yes, there will be music!

DVD RELEASES

AUGUST 4:

Delgo

Fragments

Labor Pains

Obsessed

Race to Witch Mountain

The Soloist

AUGUST 11:

17 Again

Alien Trespass

Apres Lui

The Class

Gigantic

I Love You, Man

AUGUST 18:

Hannah Montana: The Movie

Julia

The Last House on the Left

Surveillance

Tyson

AUGUST 25:

Adventureland

Duplicity

Fighting

Rudo y Cursi

Sunshine Cleaning

(Ponyo poster: © 2009 The Walt Disney Company. All Rights Reserved.)