With the 2011 movie season concluded, save for the upcoming Academy Awards, it’s time to look forward. 2012 appears to have some goodies coming our way. Here’s my can’t-wait-to-see film list in the action/adventure, comedy and thriller genres.

The first film I am looking forward to seeing is “The Avengers.” A mash-up of our favorite superheroes: Iron Man, Captain America, The Hulk and Thor, to name a few, are banded together by Samuel L. Jackson to save the world. A cheesy premise, sure, but in the hands of Joss Whedon (director of “Firefly,” “Serenity” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), I am confident that “The Avengers” will not disappoint. “The Avengers” hits theaters on Friday, May 4.

Next on my list in the comedy “Rock of Ages.” Okay, yes, “Rock of Ages” is probably more of a musical because it is based on the Broadway musical of the same title and has the same director as “Hairspray.” Centered around the height of eighties rock and roll, a rock and roll club is threatened with being torn down to “clean up the streets.” In an attempt to stall the destruction, the club tries to put on one last show. Normally, I am not swayed by sheer star power, but I am psyched for this cast: Paul Giamatti, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand and Catherine Zeta-Jones, not to mention Tom Cruise playing a rock and roll star. What could go wrong?! “Rock of Ages” comes out Friday, June 1.

Last, but definitely not least on my list is the consummate thriller, “The Dark Knight Rises.” The final chapter to Christopher Nolan’s Batman series promises to be well worth the four-year wait, and releases on Friday, July 20. Christian Bale is back reprising the role of Bruce Wayne, and again has the solid back-up of Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman and Michael Caine. A new villain is introduced with the surprise casting of Anne Hathaway. How is this great story going to end?

Get the popcorn ready, because 2012 has some promising movies on the horizon! Fear not, I will be sure to give my reviews of them as they come.