Coming Soon, January 2012

Past Christmas, we've seen the last round of wide releases for 2011. Welcome to 2012, where January is an odd mixture of serious contenders and movies that are contenders for the Golden Raspberry awards. Happy Hunting!

Contenders expected in Wide Release:

The Artist — This black and white near silent film about a silent film star dealing with the end of the silent film era has been a festival and critical favorite. This could be one of the Best Pictures of the Year.

The Iron Lady (Jan. 13) — This film, starring Meryl Streep, is about Margaret Thatcher. Streep is the most honored American actress, and this could get her more award consideration.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close — This film, based on the novel by Jonathan Frazen, is about a father who dies during the 9/11 attacks and the clues he leaves his son. Featuring Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, and Viola Davis, this looks like a warm-hearted film.

We Need to Talk About Kevin (Jan. 27) — This indie favorite is earning rave reviews for star Tilda Swinton. Likely a darker drama.

Rampart (Jan. 27) — This film, which has earned acclaim as a gritty police drama, features Woody Harelson in a performance that has been hailed by a number of critics. His performance is likely to earn Oscar buzz.

Albert Nobbs (Jan. 27) — This film, about a woman who lives life as a man to find work, has been hailed for Glen Close's performance. Another of the films that has drawn acclaim for individual performances.

Friday, January 6:

The Devil Inside — This film is another "fun" film about demon possession. It seems these tales have become all the rage — to varying degrees of quality — in recent years. Doubtless this film is going for a horror-focused take on the plot.

Friday, January 13:

Contraband — This film, starring Mark Wahlberg, Giovanni Ribisi, and Kate Beckinsale, is a crime drama. It looks like it will have plenty of action, an easy to follow plot, and not much else. Welcome to January.

Joyful Noise — This somewhat religious film, starring Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton, is about a church choir trying to get together enough money, and enough of a routine, to do well in a big choir competition. The movie will likely have a saccharine sweet message, plenty of musical numbers, and some questionable acting. Again, Welcome to January.

Beauty and the Beast re-issue, in 3D — This will be a trend in 2012, classic films being re-released in 3D. Disney sent out the "Lion King" in 2011, and it gets 2012 jumping with "Beauty and the Beast."

The Divide — A horror movie about a group of people trapped in a New York basement following a Nuclear attack... No, I am not making up that plot, but when you see the film you'll wish I was.

Loosies — The title alone indicates Hollywood is no longer trying to impress us. This is a romantic comedy about a New York pick pocket. It also stars Joe Panaliano, Michael Madsen, and William Forsythe. I've got goosebumps already...

Friday, January 20:

Underworld: Awakening — The "Underworld" franchise isn't great, but it does make for a couple hours of mindless entertainment. This edition of the franchise brings back Kate Beckinsale's character, and will likely feature plenty of vampires, fight scenes, and slayings. What there won't be is any emotional depth. Enjoy!

Haywire — This could be a great action drama, or it could be terrible. I am leaning toward it being the gem of the new films in January. Director Steven Soderbergh has put together a pretty good ensemble cast around former American Gladiator Gina Carano, a martial arts expert. The trailer looks pretty good, so the movie might be a diamond in a sea of rough.

Coriolanus — This is some kind of roman epic starring Ralph Fiennes and Gerard Butler. Yeah, sounds great, doesn't it?

Red Tails — A World War II film about African American pilots starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Terrence Howard. The special effects look pretty impressive in the trailer, as does the ensemble cast and the story. Could be another diamond in the sea of rough.

Friday, January 27:

The Grey — This film, starring Liam Neeson, is about an Alaskan oil drilling crew that survives a plane crash only to be hunted by wolves. You know, it's a feel good story of survival... or not. Hard to tell if this will be good, or rife with unintentional comedy. I'm leaning toward the latter.

One For The Money — Katherine Heigl does her best Jennifer Aniston impression with a romantic comedy about a lady forced into bounty hunting. This looks pretty similar to the Aniston-Gerard Butler film, only with lesser actors and a worse looking plot.

Man on a Ledge — This suspense film is about a manly, who is framed for a crime, and goes to extreme measures to prove his innocence. It boasts an impressive cast and a somewhat enticing trailer. Could be a decent winter thriller.