A year’s worth of stars and stories

Action

Avatar

An Avatar, a human mind in an alien body, finds himself torn between two worlds, in a desperate fight for his own survival and that of the indigenous people. With Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez and Sigourney Weaver. Written and directed by James Cameron. Also in Imax 3-D. 20th Century Fox, Dec. 18.

Chocolate

An autistic girl learns martial arts from watching Tony Jaa and Bruce Lee films so as to exact revenge on those who bankrupted her mother. Starring Jeeja Vismistananda. Written by Chukiat Sakveerakul and Nepalee Sakweerakul. Directed by Prachya Pinkaew. Magnet Releasing, Feb. 6.

Crank: High Voltage

A hit man launches himself on a chase through Los Angeles in pursuit of the Chinese mobster who has stolen his nearly indestructible heart. Starring Jason Statham, Amy Smart, Dwight Yoakam, Efren Ramirez, Clifton Collins Jr. and Bai Ling. Written and directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor. Lionsgate, April 17.

The Dark Knight

A rerelease of the 2008 summer blockbuster. Batman returns in his crusade to clean up Gotham City but faces a new challenge: the Joker. With Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman. Directed and co-written by Christopher Nolan with Jonathan Nolan. Also in Imax. Warner Bros., Jan. 23.

Fast & Furious

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker reteam in this sequel when a crime brings the ex-con and FBI agent back to L.A., forcing them to confront a shared enemy. Directed by Justin Lin. Written by Chris Morgan. Universal, April 3.

Fighting

A small-town boy forms a partnership with a New York City scam artist and becomes a star street-fighter. With Channing Tatum and Terrence Howard. Directed and co-written by Dito Montiel with Robert Munich. Rogue Pictures, April 24.

Free Style

Corbin Bleu stars in this story about a young man determined to win a coveted spot on the Grand National motocross racing team. With Penelope Ann Miller. Directed by William Dear. Written by Jeffrey Nicholson & Joshua Leibner. Samuel Goldwyn Films, February.

G. I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra

The G.I. Joe team uses the latest in next-generation spy and military equipment to fight the corrupt arms dealer Destro. With Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans and Dennis Quaid. Screenplay by Stuart Beattie and David Elliot & Paul Lovett. Directed by Stephen Sommers. Paramount Pictures, Aug. 7.

Mirageman

A recently orphaned young man becomes a reluctant superhero after saving a woman from a trio of thugs. With Marko Zaror. Written and directed by Ernesto Diaz Espinoza. Magnet Releasing, TBA.

Ninja Assassin

A young assassin on the run from the clan that trained him must team with a Europol agent to save both their lives. With Rain, Naomie Harris, Ben Miles and Rick Yune. Screenplay by Matthew Sand and J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by James McTeigue. Warner Bros. Pictures, TBA.

Public Enemies

Johnny Depp stars as legendary Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger, who became the No. 1 target of J. Edgar Hoover’s fledgling FBI and a folk hero to much of the downtrodden public. With Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Giovanni Ribisi, Billy Crudup. Directed by Michael Mann. Written by Mann, Ronan Bennett, Ann Biderman and Mark St. Germain. Universal, July 1.

Sherlock Holmes

Guy Ritchie directs the newest portrayal of Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous characters, Sherlock Holmes and his stalwart partner Dr. Watson. With Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams. Screenplay by Ritchie, Mike Johnson, Anthony Peckham. Warner Bros. Pictures, Nov. 20.

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li

Devastated by the kidnapping of her father, a girl takes to the streets of Hong Kong, embarking on an epic quest for justice. With Kristin Kreuk, Chris Klein, Neal McDonough. Directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak. Screenplay by Justin Marks. 20th Century Fox, Feb. 27.

Taken

Liam Neeson stars as an ex-government operative with less than four days to find his daughter, who has been kidnapped while on vacation in Paris. With Maggie Grace and Famke Janssen. Written by Luc Besson & Robert Mark Kamen. Directed by Pierre Morel. 20th Century Fox, Jan. 30.

The Taking of Pelham 123

Denzel Washington stars in this remake of the hijacking of a New York City subway train. With John Travolta, John Turturro and James Gandolfini. Directed by Tony Scott. Screenplay by Brian Helgeland. Columbia Pictures, July 31.

Terminator Salvation

Set in post-apocalyptic 2018 with John Connor ready to lead the human resistance against Skynet and its army of Terminators. With Christian Bale, Sam Worthington and Common. Written by Michael Ferris & John Brancato, Paul Haggis, Jonathan Nolan, Shaun Ryan and Anthony Zuiker. Directed by McG. Warner Bros. Pictures, May 22.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Shia LaBeouf returns as Sam Witwicky, who again joins with the Autobots against their sworn enemies, the Decepticons. With Megan Fox. Screenplay by Ehren Kruger & Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman. Directed by Michael Bay. Also in Imax. DreamWorks/Paramount, June 26.

12 Rounds

After escaping from prison, a criminal mastermind enacts his revenge on the cop that accidentally killed his girlfriend, using a series of near-impossible puzzles and tasks. With John Cena, Steve Harris, Ashley Scott, Aidan Gillen and Brian White. Directed by Renny Harlin. Written by Daniel Kunka. 20th Century Fox, March 27.

2012

A global cataclysm brings an end to the world, forcing a heroic struggle on the survivors. With John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Thandie Newton. Directed and co-written by Roland Emmerich with Harald Kloser. Columbia Pictures, July 10.

Watchmen

A washed-up vigilante reconnects with his ragtag group of retired superheroes to uncover a plot to kill and discredit all superheroes with catastrophic consequences for the future. With Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Carla Gugino, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Patrick Wilson. Screenplay by David Hayter and Alex Tse. Directed by Zack Snyder. Also in Imax. Warner Bros. Pictures, March 6.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

The story of Wolverine’s monumentally violent and romantic past and his relationship with Victor Creed and the ominous Weapon X program. With Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, will .i.am, Danny Huston, Dominic Monaghan and Ryan Reynolds. Directed by Gavin Hood. Screenplay by David Benioff. 20th Century Fox, May 1.

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Adventure

Cirque du Freak

A boy unknowingly breaks a 200-year-old truce between warring factions of vampires. With John C. Reilly, Ken Watanabe and Salma Hayek. Directed and co-written by Paul Weitz with Brian Helgeland. Universal Pictures, TBA.

Duplicity

Julia Roberts and Clive Owen star as spies-turned-corporate operatives in the midst of a clandestine love affair when they find themselves embroiled in a high-stakes espionage game. With Tom Wilkinson and Paul Giamatti. Written and directed by Tony Gilroy. Universal, March 20.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Romance blooms as hormones rage at Hogwarts while Voldemort strengthens his hold on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds. With Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Jim Broadbent, Michael Gambon, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman and David Thewlis. Screenplay by Steve Kloves. Directed by David Yates. Also in Imax. Warner Bros. Pictures, July 17.

Inkheart

A father’s ability to bring fictional characters to life leads to him being kidnapped by a villain from a fable. With Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany, Helen Mirren and Jim Broadbent. Directed by Iain Softley. Screenplay by David Lindsay-Abaire. Warner Bros. Pictures, Jan. 23.

Race to Witch Mountain

A Las Vegas cab driver must get two teens with supernatural powers to Witch Mountain, a secret place in the desert, to save the world. With Dwayne Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, Carla Gugino and Ciaran Hinds. Directed and co-written by Andy Fickman with Matt Lopez and Mark Bomback. Walt Disney Pictures, March 13.

Severed Ways

Tony Stone wrote, directed and stars in an epic about two 11th century Vikings left behind in North America. Magnet Releasing, March 20.

Star Trek

The origins story of Capt. Kirk, Mr. Spock and the rest of the USS Enterprise crew. With Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Eric Bana. Directed by J.J. Abrams. Written by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci. Also in Imax. Paramount Pictures, May 8.

They Came From Upstairs

Kids on a family vacation must fight off an attack by knee-high alien invaders while the parents remain clueless. With Ashley Tisdale, Robert Hoffman, Andy Richter and Kevin Nealon. Directed by John Schultz. Written by Mark Burton and Adam F. Goldberg. 20th Century Fox, July 31.

Where the Wild Things Are

Director Spike Jonze brings Maurice Sendak’s classic tale of adventure to the big screen. With Catherine Keener, James Gandolfini, Catherine O’Hara and Forest Whitaker. Screenplay by Jonze & Dave Eggers. Warner Bros. Pictures, Oct. 16.

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Animation

Alpha and Omega

Two mismatched young wolves must work together to make the long journey home to prevent war in their packs. With the voices of Justin Long, Hayden Panettiere, Christina Ricci and Danny Glover. Directed by Anthony Bell and Ben Gluck. Written by Steve Moore and Christopher Denk. Lionsgate, April 16.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Inspired by the beloved children’s book, the film focuses on a town where food falls from the sky like rain. Screenplay by and directed by Chris Miller & Phil Lord. Columbia/Sony Pictures Animation, Sept. 18.

Coraline

Henry Selick wrote and directed this 3-D stop-motion adventure based on the book by Neil Gaiman about a young girl who discovers an alternate world through a secret door in her new home. With the voices of Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher and Ian McShane. Focus Features, Feb. 6.

The Fantastic Mr. Fox

Based on the story by Roald Dahl, the noble and charming Mr. Fox uses his wits and cunning to outfox three dimwitted farmers. With the voices of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman and Bill Murray. Directed by Wes Anderson. Screenplay by Anderson and Noah Baumbach. 20th Century Fox, Nov. 6.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

On a mission to rescue the hapless Sid, the gang ventures into a mysterious underground world where they have close encounters with dinosaurs and meet a relentless, one-eyed, dino-hunting weasel named Buck. With the voices of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary and Queen Latifah. Directed by Carlos Saldanha. Screenplay by Michael Berg & Peter Ackerman. 20th Century Fox, July 1.

Monsters vs. Aliens

The president enlists a motley crew of Monsters, confined in a secret government compound, to combat an alien robot and save the world from imminent destruction. With the voices of Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, Rainn Wilson, Stephen Colbert, Kiefer Sutherland and Paul Rudd. Directed by Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon. Also in Imax. Paramount Pictures, March 27.

9

A post-apocalyptic fantasy in which a band of courageous rag dolls battles for the survival of civilization. With the voices of Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, Martin Landau, Christopher Plummer and John C. Reilly. Written by Pamela Pettler. Directed by Shane Acker. Focus Features, Sept. 9.

$9.99

This stop-motion animated feature offers slightly less than $10 worth of insight into the meaning of life. With the voices of Geoffrey Rush, Anthony LaPaglia, Samuel Johnson and Claudia Karvan. Screenplay by Etgar Keret and Tatia Rosenthal. Directed by Rosenthal. Regent Releasing, April 3.

Planet 51

An American astronaut lands on Planet 51 to discover little green people living an idyllic life. With the voices of Dwayne Johnson, Seann William Scott, Jessica Biel, Justin Long, Gary Oldman and John Cleese. Written by Joe Stillman. Directed by Jorge Blanco. Tristar Pictures, Nov. 20.

The Princess and the Frog

A hand-drawn animated musical with a modern twist on the classic tale. With the voices of Anika Noni Rose and John Goodman. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. Walt Disney Pictures, Dec. 25.

Toy Story

Buzz Lightyear and Woody return in the rerelease of the 1995 original, the first of the “Toy Story” saga to be released in 3-D. With the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Don Rickles. Directed by John Lasseter. Screenplay by Joss Whedon, Andrew Stanton, Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow. Disney/Pixar, Oct. 2.

Up

A 78-year-old balloon salesman fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America, unbeknownst to the 8-year-old stowaway on board. With the voices of Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer and John Ratzenberger. Written by Bob Peterson. Directed by Peterson and Pete Docter. Disney/Pixar, May 29.

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Comedy

Adventureland

Jesse Eisenberg plays a college graduate in 1987 who cannot afford the grand European tour he had planned and must spend the summer working at an amusement park. With Kristen Stewart and Ryan Reynolds. Written and directed by Greg Mottola. Miramax Films, March 27.

All About Steve

Sandra Bullock plays an eccentric crossword puzzle constructor who falls for a handsome cable news cameraman and follows him across the country. With Thomas Haden Church and Bradley Cooper. Directed by Phil Traill. Written by Kim Barker. 20th Century Fox, March 6.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel

A sequel to the chipmunks’ blockbuster holiday 2007 release. 20th Century Fox, Dec. 25.

The Art of Being Straight

Two college friends question their sexual orientation in New York City. Featuring Jesse Rosen, Rachel Castillo, Jesse Janzen and Tyler Jenich. Written and directed by Jesse Rosen. here! Films, Regent Releasing, April 17.

Away We Go

An expectant couple travel the U.S. in search of a place to put down roots and raise a family. With John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph, Jeff Daniels, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Allison Janney and Catherine O’Hara. Written by Dave Eggers. Directed by Sam Mendes. Focus Features. TBA

Big Man Japan

A middle-aged slacker, who happens to double as a giant superhero entrusted with defending his country from monsters, must deal with an ungrateful public, sponsorship opportunities and an Alzheimer’s-stricken grandfather. Written and directed by and starring Hitoshi Matsumoto. Co-written by Mitsuyoshi Takasu. Japanese with English subtitles. Magnet Releasing, March.

The Blue Tooth Virgin

A writer gives negative feedback to another’s screenplay, causing a rift in their friendship, making them both reevaluate their motivations to write. With Austin Peck, Bryce Johnson, Tom Gilroy, Roma Maffia and Karen Black. Directed and written by Russell Brown. Regent Releasing, March 6.

The Boat That Rocked

A band of rogue DJs blast pirate radio to the U.K. from the high seas 24 hours a day during the 1960s. With Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy and Kenneth Branagh. Directed by Richard Curtis. Universal Pictures, TBA.

Bruno

Sacha Baron Cohen returns to the big screen with his flamboyant fashion-journalist character Bruno. Written by Cohen, directed by Larry Charles. Universal Pictures, May 15.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Isla Fisher stars as an intrepid New Yorker whose love life and nascent career as an advice columnist are threatened by the mountain of debt she has accumulated. Screenplay by Tim Firth and Tracey Jackson. Directed by P.J. Hogan. Touchstone Pictures, Feb. 13.

Couples Retreat

Four Midwestern couples embark on a journey to a tropical island resort and must participate in the “couples therapy” sessions. With Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman, Kristen Davis and Kristen Bell. Written by Vaughn, Favreau and Dana Fox. Directed by Peter Billingsley. Universal Pictures, TBA.

Dance Flick

A spoof of the dance-movie genre. With Damon Wayans Jr., Craig Wayans and Affion Crockett. Written by Keenen Ivory Wayans & Shawn Wayans & Marlon Wayans & Craig Wayans & Damien Dante Wayans. Directed by Damien Dante Wayans. Paramount Pictures, Aug. 14.

Easy Virtue

An American woman and Jazz Age race car driver impulsively ties the knot with a young Englishman and travels to England to meet his privileged but batty family. With Jessica Biel, Colin Firth, Kristin Scott Thomas and Ben Barnes. Directed and written by Stephan Elliot. Sony Pictures Classics, May 22.

Extract

Jason Bateman is the owner of a flavor extract plant who finds himself faced with a series of unfortunate predicaments at work and at home. With Mila Kunis and Ben Affleck. Written and directed by Mike Judge. Miramax Films, Fall.

Fanboys

To honor a dying friend’s last wish, a group of obsessive “Star Wars” fans journey across country to infiltrate George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch. With Jay Baruchel, Dan Fogler and Kristen Bell. Directed by Kyle Newman. Written by Ernest Cline, Adam F. Goldberg, Dan Pulick. The Weinstein Co., Feb. 6.

Fired Up

Dreading another summer at football camp, the two star players hatch a scheme to join the cheerleaders at cheer camp instead. With Nicholas D’Agosto and Eric Christian Olsen. Directed by Will Gluck. Written by Freedom Jones. Screen Gems, Feb. 20.

Funny People

Adam Sandler stars in this story of a famous comedian who has a near-death experience. With Leslie Mann, Seth Rogen, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill and Jason Schwartzman. Written and directed by Judd Apatow. Universal, July 31.

G-Force

Highly trained guinea pigs working in covert operations and armed with the latest high-tech spy equipment discover that the fate of the world is in their paws. With the voices of Nicolas Cage, Penelope Cruz, Steve Buscemi and Tracy Morgan. Written by Marianne and Cormac Wibberley and Tim Firth and Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio. Directed by Hoyt Yeatman. In 3-D. Walt Disney Pictures, July 24.

Gentleman Broncos

A home-schooled loner pens his first story, only to be ripped off by a legendary fantasy novelist and small-town filmmaker who adapt the story into a disastrous movie. With Michael Angarano and Sam Rockwell. Directed by Jared Hess. Written by Jared Hess & Jerusha Hess. Fox Searchlight, TBA.

The Girl From Monaco

A brilliant and neurotic attorney goes to Monaco to defend a famous criminal, where he falls for a beautiful she-devil. With Fabrice Luchini and Louise Bourgoin. Directed by Anne Fontaine. Magnolia Pictures, TBA.

The Girlfriend Experience

Director Steven Soderbergh looks at the life of a $10,000-a-night escort. Starring adult film star Sasha Grey. Magnolia Pictures, TBA.

The Goods

A man and his ragtag crew find unexpected love when they descend on a town to help save an ailing car dealership from bankruptcy. With Jeremy Piven, Ving Rhames, Ed Helms and James Brolin. Written by Andy Stock & Rick Stempson. Directed by Neal Brennan. Paramount Vantage, April 24.

The Great Buck Howard

A law school dropout and aspiring writer takes a job with a has-been mentalist. With John Malkovich, Colin Hanks and Emily Blunt. Directed and written by Sean McGinly. Magnolia Pictures, March 20.

The Hangover

Three groomsmen must find the groom after a bachelor party in Vegas and get him back to L.A. in time for his wedding. With Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Heather Graham. Written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. Directed by Todd Phillips. Warner Bros. Pictures, June 5.

Hannah Montana: The Movie

Unable to juggle school, friends and her secret pop-star persona, Miley Stewart goes home to Crowley Corners, Tenn., for a dose of reality. With Miley Cyrus, Emily Osment, Vanessa Williams and Billy Ray Cyrus. Written by Dan Berendsen. Directed by Peter Chelsom. Walt Disney Pictures, April 10.

He’s Just Not That Into You

Intersecting story lines about relationships. With Ginnifer Goodwin, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Connelly. Written by Abby Kohn & Marc Silverstein. Directed by Ken Kwapis. New Line, Feb. 6.

Hippie Hippie Shake

The counterculture is alive and well in late ‘60s/early ‘70s London. With Cillian Murphy and Sienna Miller. Screenplay by Lee Hall. Directed by Beeban Kidron. Universal Pictures, TBA.

Hotel for Dogs

Two kids secretly take in nine stray dogs at a vacant house, transforming it into a magical dog paradise. With Emma Roberts, Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillon and Don Cheadle. DreamWorks/Paramount, Friday.

How About You

A spirited and headstrong young woman left in charge of a residential home over the Christmas holidays battles it out with four grumpy residents. With Hayley Atwell, Imelda Staunton, Vanessa Redgrave, Brenda Fricker and Joss Ackland. Directed by Anthony Byrne. Written by Jean Pasley. Strand Releasing, spring.

I Love You, Beth Cooper

A nerdy valedictorian proclaims his love for the hottest and most popular girl in school during his graduation speech. With Hayden Panettiere. Directed by Chris Columbus. Screenplay by Larry Doyle. 20th Century Fox, July 10.

I Love You, Man

A recently engaged real estate agent sets out to find a friend to be the best man in his wedding. With Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Jon Favreau and Jaime Pressly. Written and directed by John Hamburg. DreamWorks/Paramount, March 20.

Imagine That

Eddie Murphy stars as a financial executive with little time for his family until a career downturn leads him to discover some answers in his daughter’s imaginary world. With Thomas Haden Church and Martin Sheen. Written by Ed Solomon & Chris Matheson. Directed by Karey Kirkpatrick. Paramount Pictures, June 12.

The Informant

In this dark comedy based on a true story, Matt Damon stars as a whistle blower at Archer Daniels Midland whose ever-changing account of facts jeopardizes his heroic aspirations with the FBI. Directed by Steven Soderbergh. Screenplay by Scott Z. Burns. Warner Bros. Pictures, Sept. 18.

Julie & Julia

A government secretary cooks all 524 recipes from her idol Julia Childs’ legendary bible of French cuisine in just 365 days. With Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. Written and directed by Nora Ephron. Columbia Pictures, Aug. 7.

Land of the Lost

Will Ferrell stars as a has-been scientist who travels back in time and must survive a world full of marauding dinosaurs. Directed by Brad Silberling. Screenplay by Chris Henchy & Dennis McNicholas. Universal Pictures, June 5.

Madea Goes to Jail

Tyler Perry returns as Madea, the irreverent, pistol-packin’ grandmama who is raising hell behind bars and lobbying for her freedom. Written and directed by Tyler Perry. Lionsgate, Feb. 20.

Manuela and Manuel

An effeminate man must reacquaint himself with his masculine side when he is asked to pose as a friend’s fiance when she becomes pregnant. With Humberto Busto and Elena Iguina. Written by Jose Ignacio Valenzuela. Directed by Raul Marchand Sanchez. Regent Releasing, May 15.

Max’s Mardi Gras

Three college students head to New Orleans to lift their spirits. With Nicholas D’Agosto and Carmen Electra. Directed by Phil Dornfeld. Written by Josh Heald. Screen Gems, Aug. 28.

Miss February

A young man awakens from a four-year coma to learn that his high-school sweetheart has become a centerfold in a men’s magazine. With Zach Cregger and Trevor Moore. Directed and written by Zach Cregger & Trevor Moore. Fox Searchlight, Feb. 20.

My Gay Christian Baby

A religiously conservative married Southern woman receives a message from God instructing her to act as a surrogate mother and carry a child for two married gay men. With A.J. Cook, Sarah Carter, David Moscow, David Sutcliffe. Directed by Ron Satlof. Written by Satlof and Ira Pearlstein. Regent Releasing, Aug. 6.

My Life in Ruins

A travel guide who has lost her kefi (Greek for “mojo”) leads a rag-tag group of tourists around her native Greece. With Nia Vardalos and Richard Dreyfuss. Directed by Donald Petrie. Written by Mike Reiss. Fox Searchlight, May 8.

Next Day Air

When a package containing cocaine instead of weed is accidentally delivered to a slacker’s apartment, it sets in motion a chain of events that could cost him his life. With Donald Faison, Mike Epps and Mos Def. Directed by Benny Boom. Written by Blair Cobb. Summit Entertainment, May 8.

Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian

Artifacts from the Smithsonian, including Amelia Earhart’s plane, Dorothy’s ruby red slippers and Archie Bunker’s lounge chair, come to life in this sequel starring Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson and Robin Williams. Directed by Shawn Levy. Screenplay by Robert Ben Garant & Thomas Lennon.

Also in Imax. 20th Century Fox, May 22.

Observe and Report

A mall cop with dreams of entering the police academy is put to the test when the mall is struck by a flasher. With Seth Rogen. Written and directed by Jody Hill. Warner Bros. Pictures, April 10.

Old Dogs

Two friends are unexpectedly charged with the care of 6-year-old twins while on the verge of the biggest business deal of their lives. With John Travolta and Robin Williams. Directed by Walt Becker. Written by David Diamond & David Weissman. Walt Disney Pictures, Nov. 25.

Patrik, Age 1.5

A gay couple mistakenly adopt a 15-year-old homophobic boy. With Gustaf Skarsgard, Torkel Petersson and Tom Ljungman. Written and directed by Ella Lemhagen. Regent Releasing, July 31.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop

A New Jersey mall security officer must save the day when a heist shuts down the megaplex. With Kevin James. Directed by Steve Carr. Written by Kevin James & Nick Bakay. Columbia/Sony Pictures, Friday.

The Pink Panther 2

Steve Martin reprises his role of bumbling French police detective Inspector Jacques Clouseau as he tracks down the stolen Pink Panther diamond. Columbia/Sony Pictures, Feb. 6.

Post-Grad Survival Guide

A recent college graduate is forced to move back into her childhood home with her eccentric family while she attempts to find a job and the right guy. With Alexis Bledel, Carol Burnett and Michael Keaton. Directed by Vicky Jenson. Written by Kelly Fremon. Fox Searchlight, Aug. 14.

The Proposal

A high-powered book editor facing deportation hastily decides to marry her tormented assistant. With Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Malin Akerman and Craig T. Nelson. Directed by Anne Fletcher. Screenplay by Pete Chiarelli. Touchstone Pictures, June 12.

17 Again

A former high school basketball star is given a second chance at life when he is miraculously transformed back to a 17-year-old. With Zac Efron, Leslie Mann and Matthew Perry. New Line, April 17.

A Serious Man

A 1967 physics professor, whose life is in shambles, seeks advice from three rabbis to help him cope with his afflictions and become a “mensch.” With Michael Stuhlbarg, Richard Kind, Aaron Wolf, Sari Lennick, Jessica McManus and Adam Arkin. Written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Focus Features, TBA.

She’s Out of My League

Against all odds, a successful and outrageously gorgeous woman falls for an average airport security agent. With Jay Baruchel and Alice Eve. Written by Sean Anders & John Morris. Directed by Jim Field Smith. DreamWorks/Paramount, fall.

Shorts

Mayhem ensues when adults get their hands on a boy’s magical wish-granting rock. With Jon Cryer, William H. Macy, Leslie Mann and James Spader. Written and directed by Robert Rodriguez. Warner Bros. Pictures, Aug. 7.

Tokyo Sonata

An ordinary Japanese family is caught in the throes of inert pride, stymied by their own inability to communicate honestly. With Teruyuki Kagawa and Kyoko Koizumi. Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. Japanese with English subtitles. Regent Releasing, March 13.

Tooth Fairy

A hockey player nicknamed “The Tooth Fairy” for busting out teeth is sentenced to one week’s hard labor as a real tooth fairy. With Dwayne Johnson and Ashley Judd. Directed by Michael Lembeck. Written by Joshua Sternin & Jeffrey Ventimilia, and Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel and Randy Mayem Singer. 20th Century Fox, Nov. 13.

The Ugly Truth

A romantically challenged morning show producer is teamed with her chauvinistic correspondent. With Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler. Directed by Robert Luketic. Screenplay by Nicole Eastman and Karen McCullah Lutz & Kirsten Smith. Lakeshore Entertainment, April 3.

Untitled Nancy Meyers

Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin star in a story about two very different men who compete for the affections of the same woman. Written and directed by Nancy Meyers. Universal Pictures, Dec. 25.

When in Rome

An ambitious young New Yorker takes a whirlwind trip to Rome, where she plucks magic coins from a fountain of love, inexplicably igniting the passion of an odd group of suitors. With Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel. Directed by Mark Steven Johnson. Written by David Diamond & David Weissman. Touchstone Pictures, summer.

Wild Child

A spoiled 16-year-old from L.A. gets shipped off to a strict boarding school in England for some attitude adjustment. With Emma Roberts and Natasha Richardson. Directed by Nick Moore. Written by Lucy Dahl. Universal Pictures, May 8.

Year One

A couple of lazy hunter-gatherers banished from their primitive village set off on an epic journey through the prehistoric world. With Jack Black and Michael Cera. Directed by Harold Ramis. Screenplay by Ramis & Gene Stupnitsky & Lee Eisenberg. Columbia Pictures, June 19.

Zombieland

A mismatched pair of survivors find friendship and redemption in a world overrun by zombies. With Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg. Directed by Ruben Fleischer. Screenplay by Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick. Columbia Pictures, Oct. 9.

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Dance

BoogieTown

In a near-future society where battle dancing has been outlawed, two rival dance crews fight it out in a secret underground dance space in New York City. With Marques Houston, Mykal Bean, Brenda Song and Vanessa Simmons. Written and directed by Chris Stokes. Vivendi Entertainment, summer.

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Documentary

Anvil! The Story of Anvil

A look at the members of Canada’s longest-lived metal band. Directed by Sacha Gervasi. Abramorama, April 10.

The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)

A family’s epic journey from war-torn Laos to the mean streets of New York, filmed over the course of 23 years. Directed by Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath. Cinema Guild, Friday.

Blessed Is the Match

Documentary looks at the life and death of Hannah Senesh, a 23-year-old World War II-era poet, paratrooper and resistance fighter sent to rescue Jews in her native Hungary and ultimately captured, tortured and executed by the Nazis. Directed by Roberta Grossman. Balcony Releasing. Feb. 6.

Brothers at War

Being embedded with four combat units in Iraq provides a young filmmaker with insight into his two soldier brothers. Written and directed by Jake Rademacher. Samuel Goldwyn Films, Jan. 23.

Earth

The first film in the Disneynature series tells the story of three animal families and their journey across the planet. Narrated by James Earl Jones. Directed by Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield. Disneynature, April 22.

Eleven Minutes

Documentary follows fashion designer Jay McCarroll, dubbed “the next great American designer” on Season 1 of reality TV’s “Project Runway,” and his yearlong journey preparing his first independent runway show and selling his clothing line to stores. Directed by Michael Selditch and Robert Tate. Regent Releasing, Feb. 20.

Every Little Step

Documentary follows the plight of real-life dancers as they struggle through auditions for the Broadway revival of “A Chorus Line.” Directed by Adam Del Deo and James D. Stern. Sony Pictures Classics, April 24.

Food, Inc.

Director Robert Kenner and authors Eric Schlosser and Michael Pollan investigate the mechanisms behind the U.S. food industry. Magnolia Pictures, TBA .

Harvard Beats Yale 29-29

An inside look at the celebrated 1968 football game. Directed by Kevin Rafferty. Kino, March 6.

Not Quite Hollywood

A detailed examination and celebration of Australian genre cinema of the ‘70s and ‘80s when the censorship regime went from repressive to progressive. Directed by Mark Hartley. Magnet Releasing, spring.

Of Time and the City

British director Terence Davies’ personal portrait of Liverpool, beyond the Beatles and football clubs. Strand Releasing,

Jan. 30.

Out Late

Directors Beatrice Alda and Jennifer Brooke examine the lives of those in the elderly gay and lesbian community. Regent Releasing, July 24.

Scott Walker -- 30th Century Man

The Walker Brothers’ lead singer’s rise to fame during London’s swinging ‘60s and his past 30 years in the music business. Directed by Stephen Kijak. Plexifilm, Feb. 17.

Sex Positive

This documentary explores the life of Richard Berkowitz, a gay S&M; sex worker turned AIDS activist in the 1980s. Directed by Daryl Wein. Regent Releasing, March 13.

Sing Praise

to the Lord

A look at the artists and times that fostered the growth of America’s Gospel music. Magnolia Pictures, TBA.

Taking Woodstock

The true story about Elliot Tiber, who inadvertently played a pivotal role in the famed Woodstock Music and Arts Festival. With Demetri Martin, Imelda Staunton, Henry Goodman, Jonathan Groff, Emile Hirsch and Eugene Levy. Written by James Schamus. Directed by Ang Lee. Focus Features, Aug. 14.

Tyson

Mike Tyson, the former boxing champion, looks at his life in and out of the ring. Directed by and screenplay by James Toback. Sony Pictures Classics, April.

Under the Sea 3-D

An exploration of some of the most exotic and isolated undersea locations on Earth, including southern Australia and New Guinea. Narrated by Jim Carrey. Directed by Howard Hall. Also in Imax. Imax,

Feb. 13.

Valentino: The Last Emperor

An examination of fashion designer Valentino. Directed by Matt Tyrnauer. Acolyte Films. March.

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Drama

Adoration

A student imagines a class assignment about a news story is based on his life as the unborn child of a woman whose terrorist boyfriend plants a bomb in her airline luggage. With Devon Bostik and Arsinee Khanjian. Directed and written by Atom Egoyan. Sony Pictures Classics, May 8.

All Good Things

A love story and murder mystery set against the backdrop of a New York real estate dynasty in the 1980s. With Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst, Jeffery Dean Morgan, Kristin Wiig and Frank Langella. Directed by Andrew Jarecki. Written by Marcus Hinchey, Andrew Jarecki and Marc Smerling. The Weinstein Co., September.

Amelia

Hilary Swank stars in this bio of legendary aviatrix Amelia Earhart. With Richard Gere, Ewan McGregor, Virginia Madsen and Christopher Eccleston. Directed by Mira Nair. Screenplay by Ronald Bass. Fox Searchlight, Oct. 23.

American Violet

Based on real events, a small-town African American single mother of four is wrongfully swept up in a drug raid and chooses to take on the criminal justice system. With Nicole Beharie, Alfre Woodard, Michael O’Keefe, Charles Dutton and Xzibit. Directed by Tim Disney. Written by Bill Haney. IDP/Samuel Goldwyn Films, March 6.

Astro Boy

Freddie Highmore is a young robot who must use his powers of super strength, X-ray vision, unbelievable speed and the ability to fly to save everything he cares about and to understand what it takes to be a hero. With Nicolas Cage, Kristen

Bell, Nathan Lane and Bill Nighy. Directed by David

Bowers. Written by Timothy Harris. Summit Entertainment, Oct. 23.

Bandslam

Vanessa Hudgens stars as a singer-songwriter and new kid in town who goes head to head against her egotistical musician ex-boyfriend at a battle of the bands. Directed and co-written by Todd Graff with Josh A. Cagan. Summit Entertainment, July 31.

The Boys Are Back

Clive Owen plays a widower struggling to raise his two sons. Directed by Scott Hicks. Screenplay by Allan Cubitt. Miramax Films, fall.

The Burning Plain

A woman takes an emotional journey back to the defining moment of her life, which connects her to others who are grappling with their own destinies. With Charlize Theron, Kim Basinger. Written and directed by Guillermo Arriaga. Magnolia Pictures, May 22.

Cheri

The lingering effects of a romance between an aging courtesan and a wealthy young man. With Michelle Pfeiffer, Kathy Bates and Rupert Friend. Directed by Stephen Frears. Screenplay by Christopher Hampton. Miramax Films/The Weinstein Co., spring.

Cherry Blossoms

A husband distraught over the sudden death of his wife embarks on a journey to Tokyo in the midst of the cherry blossom festival. With Elmar Wepper and Hannelore Elsner. Written and directed by Doris Dorrie. Strand Releasing, January.

Crossing Over

Immigrants with hopes and immigration enforcement officials with jobs to do come into conflict in contemporary L.A. With Harrison Ford, Ashley Judd and Sean Penn. Screenplay by and directed by Wayne Kramer. The Weinstein Co., Feb. 27.

Death in Love

A Jewish woman’s love affair with the doctor in charge of human experiments in a Nazi concentration camp affects the lives of her sons many years later. With Josh Lucas, Jacqueline Bisset, Adam Brody and Lukas Haas. Directed by and screenplay by Boaz Yakin. Screen Media Films, July.

The Debt

Twenty years after World War II, three Mossad agents learn that a Nazi war criminal is still alive and pursue him across Europe. With Helen Mirren and Sam Worthington. Directed by John Madden. Screenplay by Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn. Miramax Films, fall.

Disney’s A Christmas Carol

Director Robert Zemeckis captures the classic Dickens tale with a 3-D twist. With Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, Cary Elwes and Fionnula Flanagan. Walt Disney Pictures/Imagemovers Digital, Nov. 6.

Downloading Nancy

A woman leaves her husband of 15 years to be with a man she met online. With Rufus Sewell, Maria Bello and Jason Patric. Directed by Johan Renck. Screenplay by Pamela Cuming and Lee Ross. Strand Releasing, spring.

Dream Boy

A shy adolescent male in the Deep South attempts to escape domestic abuse by developing a relationship with the boy next door. With Stephan Bender, Maximillian Roeg, Randy Wayne and Owen Beckman. Written and directed by James Bolton. Regent Releasing, April 3.

Edge of Love

Two young couples’ lives become dangerously intertwined in the bohemian underworld of war-torn London. With Keira Knightly, Matthew Rhys, Sienna Miller and Cillian Murphy. Directed by John Maybury. Screenplay by Sharman Macdonald. ThinkFilm, March 13.

Eichmann

The story of captured Nazi Adolf Eichmann’s final confession days before his execution in Israel. With Thomas Kretschmann, Troy Garity, Franka Potente and Stephen Fry. Written by Snoo Wilson. Directed by Robert Young. Regent Releasing, June 19.

Everlasting Moments

A woman develops a love for photography while balancing a life with a houseful of children and her womanizing, alcoholic husband. With Maria Heiskanen, Mikael Persbrandt and Jesper Christensen. Screenplay by Niklas Radstrom. Directed by Jan Troell. IFC Films,

March 6.

Everybody’s Fine

In this remake of Giuseppe Tornatore’s “Stanno Tutti Bene,” a widower embarks on an impromptu road trip to reconnect with each of his grown children. Starring Robert De Niro, Kate Beckinsale, Drew Barrymore and Sam Rockwell. Written and directed by Kirk Jones. Miramax Films, fall.

Fame

Inspired by the 1980 film, “Fame” follows a group of dancers, singers, actors and artists over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts. With Asher Book, Kristy Flores, Megan Mullally, Kelsey Grammer and Debbie Allen. Directed by Kevin Tancharoen. Written by Allison Burnett & Aline Brosh McKenna. MGM, Sept. 25.

Fireflies in the Garden

A mother’s tragic death leads her grown son to face up to painful childhood memories and finally stand up to his abusive father. With Julia Roberts, Ryan Reynolds, Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson, Carrie-Anne Moss and Hayden Panettiere. Written and directed by Dennis Lee. Senator Entertainment. May 8.

$5 a Day

A free-spirited hustler who boasts he can live on $5 a day goes on a cross-country trip with his son to find a cure for his fatal sickness. With Christopher Walken, Alessandro Nivola, Sharon Stone, Amanda Peet, Peter Coyote and Dean Cain. Directed by Nigel Cole. Screenplay by Neal H. Dobrofsky and Tippi Dobrofsky. ThinkFilm, April 24.

Fragments

Survivors of a random act of violence at an L.A. diner follow their own paths to recovery. With Kate Beckinsale, Dakota Fanning, Jackie Earle Hayley, Jennifer Hudson, Guy Pearce and Forest Whitaker. Directed and written by Rowan Woods. Samuel Goldwyn Films,

April 10.

The Hurt Locker

A new sergeant takes over a highly trained bomb-disposal team amid violent conflict. With Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty and Ralph Fiennes. Screenplay by Mark Boal. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow. Summit Entertainment, April.

The Informers

Several intertwined tales set in early ‘80s L.A., where movie executives, rock stars, a vampire and other morally challenged characters commingle and connect. With Billy Bob Thornton, Kim Basinger, Mickey Rourke and Winona Ryder. Written by Bret Easton Ellis & Nicholas Jarecki. Directed by Gregor Jordan. Senator Entertainment, spring.

Inglourious Basterds

In Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a group of Jewish American soldiers known as “The Basterds” is chosen to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by engaging in brutal acts of retribution against the Nazis. With Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Melanie Laurent, Eli Roth, Samm Levine, Mike Meyers and Cloris Leachman. Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. Universal Pictures/The Weinstein Co., Aug. 21.

Is There Anybody There?

A 10-year-old becomes obsessed with the ghosts and after-lives of the residents of his house, which his parents turned into a retirement home. With Michael Caine, Bill Milner, Anne-Marie Duff, David Morrissey and Rosemary Harris. Directed by John Crowley. Written by Peter Harness. Big Beach Films, April 17.

Jolene

A teenage orphan spends 10 years traveling cross-country experiencing life, love and heartbreak. With Dermot Mulroney, Chazz Palminteri, Rupert Friend, Michael Vartan and Denise Richards. Directed by Dan Ireland. Screenplay by Dennis Yares. Screen Media Films, spring.

Julia

Tilda Swinton stars as a manipulative alcoholic who commits a desperate act when an opportunity arises to make a large amount of money. Written and directed by Erick Zonca. Magnolia Pictures, TBA.

Just Say Love

An exploration of whether physical attraction appears to be the obvious explanation for two people to become a pair. With Matthew Jaeger, Robert Mammana and Bill Humphreys. Directed by Humphreys. Written by David Mauriello. Regent Releasing,

April 10.

Kabei: Our Mother

Director Yoji Yamada explores the strong bond between a mother and her family during WWII. With Sayuri Yoshinaga. Strand Releasing, spring.

Last Night

A husband and wife are tempted to stray as he takes a business trip with a desirable colleague and she encounters her past love at home. With Keira Knightley, Eva Mendes, Sam Worthington and Guillame Canet. Written and directed by Massy Tadjedin. Miramax Films, August.

The Limits of Control

Set against the landscapes of Spain, writer-director Jim Jarmusch tells the story of a mysterious loner -- who trusts no one -- in the process of completing a job. With Gael Garcia Bernal, John Hurt, Bill Murray, Jean-Francois Stevenin and Tilda Swinton. Focus Features, TBA.

Lion’s Den

An incarcerated woman struggles to raise her son from prison. With Martina Gusman, Elli Medeiros and Rodrigo Santoro. Written by Alejandro Fadel, Martin Mauregui, Santiago Mitre and Pablo Trapero. Directed by Trapero. Strand Releasing, spring.

Little Ashes

The young life and loves of artist Salvador Dali, filmmaker Luis Bunuel and writer Federico Garcia Lorca in 1922 Spain. With Robert Pattinson. Written by Philippa Goslett. Directed by Paul Morrison. Regent Releasing, March 27.

The Little Traitor

Set in Palestine in 1947, a few months before Israel becomes a state, an 11-year-old Israeli boy befriends a British officer and is sent to trial for being a traitor. With Alfred Molina, Jake Barker and Theodore Bikel. Written and directed by Lynn Roth. Regent Releasing,

April 17.

The Lovely Bones

A young girl who has been murdered watches over her family and her killer from heaven. Screenplay by Peter Jackson & Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens. Directed by Jackson. Paramount Pictures, Dec. 11.

Lymelife

An awkward, sensitive 15-year-old boy’s family life is turned upside-down after an outbreak of Lyme disease hits the community. With Alec Baldwin, Rory Culkin, Kieran Culkin, Jill Hennessy, Timothy Hutton, Cynthia Nixon, Emma Roberts. Directed by Derick Martini. Screenplay by Derick and Steven Martini. Screen Media Films, April 17.

The Magician

A Melbourne hit man commissions his film student neighbor to document his life. With Scott Ryan, Ben Walker, Massimiliano Andrighetto and Kane Mason. Written and directed by Ryan. Regent Releasing,

June 5.

Medicine for Melancholy

A love story about a one-night stand told through two African American 20-somethings dealing with issues of class, identity and race in a rapidly gentrifying San Francisco. With Wyatt Cenac and Tracey Heggins. Written and directed by Barry Jenkins. IFC Films, Feb. 6.

My Sister’s Keeper

A young couple living an idyllic life with their two children must make an unorthodox decision to save their baby girl’s life. With Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin, Alec Baldwin, Joan Cusack, Sofia Vassilieva and Jason Patric. Written by Jeremy Levin and Nick Cassavetes. Directed by Cassavetes. New Line, June 26.

New Moon

Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson return in this sequel to “Twilight,” which finds Bella drawn into the world of werewolves after the devastating departure of her vampire love. Directed by Chris Weitz. Screenplay by Melissa Rosenberg. Summit Entertainment, Nov. 20.

New York, I Love You

A collaboration from several filmmakers weaves tales of love and encounters that unfold beneath the Manhattan skyline. With Orlando Bloom, James Caan, Julie Christie, Chris Cooper, Shia LaBeouf, Natalie Portman. Directed by Fatih Akin, Yvan Attal, Randall Balsmeyer, Allen Hughes, Shunji Iwai, Wen Jiang, Scarlett Johansson, Shekhar Kapur, Joshua Marston, Mira Nair, Natalie Portman, Brett Ratner and Andrei Zvyagintsev. Written by Emmanuel Benbihy, Hal Powell, Akin, Attal, Alexandra Cassavetes, Hu Hong, Iwai, Olivier Lecot, Joshua Marston, Suketa Mehta, Yao Meng, Anthony Minghella, Jeff Nathanson, Portman, Stephen Winter, Andrei, Zvyagintsev. Vivendi Entertainment, spring.

Notorious

The life story of rapper Notorious B.I.G., who rose from the streets of Brooklyn to become a gifted hip-hop artist only to be shot down. With Angela Bassett, Derek Luke, Jamal Woolard and Anthony Mackie. Directed by George Tillman Jr. Written by Reggie Rock Bythewood and Cheo Hodari Coker. Fox Searchlight, Friday.

Phoebe in Wonderland

After being cast as the lead in the school production of “Alice in Wonderland,” a young girl retreats to the play’s imaginary fantasy world. With Elle Fanning, Patricia Clarkson, Campbell Scott, Felicity Huffman and Bill Pullman. Written and directed by Daniel Barnz. ThinkFilm, March 6.

Public Enemy Number One

The true story of Jacques Mesrine, France’s most notorious bad guy throughout the 1970s. With Vincent Cassel and Gerard Depardieu. Directed by Jean-Francois Richet. Screenplay by Abdel Raouf Dafri and Richet. Senator Entertainment, summer.

Shake Hands With the Devil

The story of Canadian commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Dallaire’s personal journey through the 1994 Rwandan genocides. Directed by Roger Spottiswoode. Written by Michael Donovan, based on the autobiography of Romeo Dallaire. Regent Releasing, April 22.

Shanghai

An American returns to the Japanese-occupied city during World War II to investigate the death of his father. With John Cusack and Gong Li. Written by Hossein Amini. Directed by Mikael Hafstrom. The Weinstein Co., spring.

Shutter Island

Two U.S. marshals are summoned to a remote and barren island off the coast of Massachusetts to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a prisoner from the island’s fortress-like hospital for the criminally insane. With Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Emily Mortimer, Michelle Williams. Directed by Martin Scorsese. Screenplay by Steven Knight. Paramount Pictures, Oct. 2.

The Soloist

A unique friendship is formed when a journalist discovers a former classical music prodigy playing his violin on the streets of L.A. With Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx. Screenplay by Susannah Grant. Directed by Joe Wright. DreamWorks/Paramount, April 24.

The Song of Sparrows

After losing his job at an ostrich farm, an Iranian man finds a new profession as a motorcycle taxi driver. With Reza Naji and Maryam Akbari. Directed by Majid Majidi. Written by Majidi and Mehran Kashani. Regent Releasing, April 10.

Spinning Into Butter

A hate crime on a New England college campus forces the school’s dean to examine her own feelings about race and prejudice while maintaining her administration’s politically correct policies. With Sarah Jessica Parker, Beau Bridges, Miranda Richardson and Mykelti Williamson. Directed by Mark Brokaw. Screenplay by Rebecca Gilman and Doug Atchison. Screen Media Films, March.

Sugar

The story of Miguel Santos, a Dominican pitcher struggling to make it to the big leagues and pull himself and his family out of poverty. With Algenis Perez Soto. Directed and written by Ryan Fleck & Anna Boden. Sony Pictures Classic, April 3.

Sunshine Cleaning

A single mother persuades her sister to go into the crime-scene cleanup business with her to make quick cash for her son’s private school in this comedy-drama. With Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Alan Arkin. Directed by Christine Jeffs. Written by Megan Holley. Overture Films, March 13.

The Tempest

A gender-defying twist in this adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” finds Helen Mirren reigning over the magical island. With Djimon Hounsou, Russell Brand, Alfred Molina and Felicity Jones. Written and directed by Julie Taymor. Miramax Films, fall.

Tennessee

Two brothers on a road trip to their childhood home to search for their estranged father are joined by a woman trying to overcome her past. With Adam Rothenberg, Ethan Peck, Mariah Carey and Lance Reddick. Directed by Aaron Woodley. Written by Russell Schaumburg. Vivendi Entertainment, March 6.

Tokyo!

Three stories examine life in Tokyo. Written and directed by Michel Gondry, Leos Carax and Bong Joon-ho. Liberation Entertainment, March 6.

Two Lovers

Joaquin Phoenix stars as a charismatic but troubled man who returns home to Brighton Beach, where he falls for two women. With Gwyneth Paltrow, Vinessa Shaw, Isabella Rossellini. Screenplay by James Gray & Richard Menello. Directed by Gray. Magnolia Pictures, February.

Untitled Clint Eastwood Project

The inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team to help unite their country. With Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. Screenplay by Anthony Peckham. Directed by Clint Eastwood. Spyglass Entertainment, December.

Watercolors

A young artist uses painting to transcend the grief of losing his first love. With Tye Olson, Kyle Clare, Greg Louganis and Karen Black. Written and directed by David Oliveras. Regent Releasing, June 5.

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Foreign

Absurdistan

In a small desert village where the genders are divided and the men are too lazy to fix a rickety pipeline, the women make a vow of “no water, no sex” until the pipeline is fixed. Written and directed by Veit Helmer. First Run Features, Feb. 6.

Chandni Chowk to China

Bollywood’s first kung fu comedy follows one man’s passage from simple cook to kung fu fighter. Directed by Nikhil Advani. Written by Shridhar Raghavan. In Hindi/Chinese with English subtitles. Warner Bros. Pictures, Friday.

The Class

Cultures and attitudes clash as teachers prepare for a new year at a high school in a tough neighborhood. Directed and written by Laurent Cantet. Sony Pictures Classics, Jan. 30.

Dog Eat Dog

An agoraphobic Colombian crime boss asks a voodoo priestess to avenge the murder of his godson by casting a deadly spell on the shooter. Directed by and co-written by Carlos Moreno with Alonso Torres. Spanish with English subtitles. IFC Films, Jan. 21.

Goodbye Solo

A friendship between a Southern good ol’ boy and an extroverted Senegalese taxi driver explores the rapidly changing face of America. Directed by Ramin Bahrani. Written by Bahrani and Bahareh Azimi. Roadside Attractions, April 10.

Lorna’s Silence

A woman is caught between love and the law of the underworld. Directed and written by Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne. In French with English subtitles. Sony Pictures Classics, May 22.

Made in the USA

Jean-Luc Godard’s 1966 mod film noir is finally released in the U.S. His wife Anna Karina stars as a young woman caught up in a mysterious, convoluted Cold War conspiracy. Rialto Pictures, Friday.

Moscow, Belgium

A mother of three and wife to a cheating husband finds romance with a younger man. Directed by Christophe Van Rompaey. Written by Jean-Claude van Rijckeghem and Pat van Beirs. Neo Classic Films, Feb. 20.

O’Horten

A train engineer facing retirement after 40 years contemplates his future. Written and directed by Bent Hamer. In Norwegian with English subtitles. Sony Pictures Classics, April 24.

The Owl and the Sparrow

A 10-year-old girl runs away to Saigon, where she befriends two lovelorn strangers. Written and directed by Stephane Gauger. Vietnamese with English subtitles. Wave Releasing, Friday.

Paris 36

Set in 1936 Paris, three men attempt to produce a hit musical that will allow them to buy the neighborhood music hall. Directed by Christopher Barratier. Written by Barratier, Pierre Phillipe and Julien Rappeneau. French with English subtitles. Sony Pictures Classic, April 3.

Serbis

The travails of the Pineda family, who run a dilapidated movie theater that doubles as the family’s home. Screenplay by Armando Lao. Directed by Brillante Ma Mendoza. In Tagalog with English subtitles. Regent Releasing, Jan. 30.

Shall We Kiss?

A simple kiss has unexpected consequences for a couple’s chance meeting and evening together. Written and directed by Emmanuel Mouret. French with English subtitles. Music Box Films, February.

Three Monkeys

A noir tale of a politician trying to cover up a hit-and-run accident. Directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan. Written by Bilge Ceylan, Ebru Ceylan and Ercan Kesal. New Yorker Films, March 27.

12

Twelve jurors discuss a verdict to pass on an 18-year-old Chechen boy concerning his guilt in the murder of his stepfather, an officer of the Russian army. Directed and written by Nikita Mikhalkov. Russian with English subtitles. Sony Pictures Classics, March 6.

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Horror

All the Boys Love Mandy Lane

When all the rich boys pursue the same virginal social climber during a weekend outing at a ranch, someone starts knocking them off one by one. With Amber Heard. Directed by Jonathan Levine. Written by Jacob Foreman. Occupant Films, spring.

Case 39

Renee Zellweger stars as a social worker whose efforts to save a 10-year-old girl take a terrifying turn. With Jodelle Ferland, Ian McShane and Bradley Cooper. Written by Ray Wright. Directed by Christian Alvart. Paramount Pictures, Aug. 22.

Drag Me to Hell

A tale of a young woman’s desperate quest to break an evil curse. With Alison Lohman, Justin Long and David Paymer. Directed by Sam Raimi. Written by Sam Raimi & Ivan Raimi. Universal Pictures, May 29.

Final Destination: Death Trip 3-D

Crash survivors must figure out how to cheat death before reaching their final destination. With Shantel VanSanten, Krista Allen, Andrew Fiscella, Richard T. Jones and Mykelti Williamson. Directed by David R. Ellis. Written by Eric Bress. New Line Cinema, Aug. 21.

Friday the 13th

In this reimagining of the classic horror film, a new generation of college kids heads to infamous Crystal Lake for a weekend of terror. With Jared Padalecki, Danielle Panabaker, Aaron Yoo and Amanda Righetti. Directed by Marcus Nispel. Screenplay by Damian Shannon & Mark Swift. New Line/Paramount, Feb. 13.

Jennifer’s Body

A small-town high school hottie possessed by a hungry demon starts offing her male classmates. With Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Brody and J.K. Simmons. Directed by Karyn Kusama. Written by Diablo Cody. 20th Century Fox, Sept. 18.

My Bloody Valentine 3-D

In this remake of the 1981 horror film, a vengeful coal miner returns 10 years after being killed to resume his murder spree. With Jensen Ackles, Jaime King and Kerr Smith. Directed by Patrick Lussier. Screenplay by Todd Farmer and Zane Smith. Lionsgate, Friday.

Orphan

A young couple recently suffering from the loss of their unborn child adopt a seemingly angelic little girl who is not what she appears to be. With Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman and CCH Pounder. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. Screenplay by David Leslie Johnson. Dark Castle Entertainment, July 24.

Sorority Row

A mysterious killer goes after five sorority girls who inadvertently caused the death of one of their sisters in a prank gone wrong. With Briana Evigan, Lea Pipes, Rumer Willis and Carrie Fisher. Directed by Stewart Hendler. Screenplay by Josh Stolberg. Summit Entertainment, Oct. 2.

Splice

Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley star as scientists who develop an animal/human hybrid that threatens mankind as it rapidly evolves. Directed by Vincenzo Natali. Screenplay by Natali, Antoinette Terry Bryant & Doug Taylor. Senator Entertainment, September.

Stepfather

A student returns home from military school to find his mother in love with a suspicious man who seems to be hiding a dark side. With Dylan Walsh, Sela Ward and Penn Badgley. Directed by Nelson McCormick. Written by J.S. Cardone. Screen Gems, Oct. 16.

Taxidermia

Three stories involving three generations of men, their surreal desires and the aesthetics of brutality. Directed by Gyorgy Palfi. Written by Written by Palfi and Zsofia Ruttkay. Regent Releasing, May.

The Wolfman

A nobleman returns to his ancestral homeland to discover the curse of the werewolf. With Benicio Del Toro, Hugo Weaving and Art Malik. Directed by Joe Johnston. Screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker and David Self. Universal Pictures, Nov. 6.

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Musical

Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience

Excerpts from the brothers’ “Burning Up” concert tour, including guest performances from Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift. Directed by Bruce Hendricks. Walt Disney Pictures, Feb. 27.

Nine

This musical follows the life of film director Guido Contini as he tries to balance the numerous women in his life. With Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Judi Dench, Daniel Day-Lewis, Penelope Cruz, Stacy Ferguson, Marion Cotillard and Sophia Loren. Directed by Rob Marshall. Screenplay by Anthony Minghella and Michale Tolkin. The Weinstein Co., fall.

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Romantic comedy

500 Days of Summer

After a greeting card copywriter is dumped by his girlfriend, he reflects on their 500 days together to figure out what went wrong. With Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Clark Gregg and Minka Kelly. Directed by Marc Webb. Written by Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber. Fox Searchlight, TBA.

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

A committed bachelor is visited by the ghosts of his past jilted girlfriends on the eve of his brother’s wedding. With Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Lacey Chabert, Michael Douglas and Emma Stone. Directed by Mark Waters. Screenplay by Jon Lucas & Scott Moore. New Line, May 1.

Love N’ Dancing

A bored-with-life English teacher connects with a former West Coast swing dance champion to vie for the world title and each other. With Amy Smart, Tom Malloy, Billy Zane, Betty White, Rachel Dratch and Caroline Rhea. Directed by Robert Iscove. Screenplay by Malloy. Screen Media Films, April 24.

New in Town

An ambitious Miami executive is transferred to the middle of nowhere and finds the man of her dreams. With Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr. Written by Kenneth Rance and C. Jay Cox. Directed by Jonas Elmer. Lionsgate, Jan. 30.

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Sci-fi

District 9

Extraterrestrials are refugees in South Africa. With Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope. Directed by Neill Blomkamp. Written by Blomkamp & Terri Tatchell. Screen Gems, Aug. 14.

Dragonball: Evolution

Akira Toriyama’s popular manga (and Japanese TV series) about the battle for the mystical spheres of the title gets a big-screen adaptation. With Justin Chatwin and James Marsters. Directed by James Wong. Written by Ben Ramsey and Wong. 20th Century Fox, April 8.

Sleep Dealer

In a future where a digital network ties together people around the world, three strangers risk their lives to connect with each other and break the barriers of technology. With Luis Fernando Pena, Leonor Varela, Jacob Vargas. Directed by Alex Rivera. Screenplay by Rivera and David Riker. Maya Entertainment, March 20.

Surrogates

Bruce Willis and Radha Mitchell are FBI agents investigating the murder of a college student linked to a man who creates robotic versions of people. Directed by Jonathan Mostow. Screenplay by John Brancato and Michael Ferris. Touchstone Pictures, Sept. 25.

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Thriller

Alien Trespass

An alien, an astronomer and a waitress set out to save mankind after a spaceship crashes in the California desert. With Eric McCormack, Jenni Baird, Dan Lauria and Robert Patrick. Directed by R.W. Goodwin. Written by James Swift and Steven P. Fisher. Roadside Attractions, April 3.

An American Affair

Set in 1963, a teenager has an inside view of JFK’s torrid affair with his neighbor and secret CIA assassination plans. With Gretchen Mol, Noah Wyle and James Rebhorn. Directed by William Olsson. Screenplay by Alex Metcalf. Screen Media Films, March 6.

Angels & Demons

Tom Hanks reprises his role as Harvard religious expert Robert Langdon, who discovers an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati, which planted a time bomb somewhere in the Vatican. Directed by Ron Howard. Screenplay by David Koepp and Akiva Goldsman. Columbia Pictures, May 15.

Armored

A crew of officers at an armored transport security firm risk their lives when they embark on a heist against their own company. With Matt Dillon, Jean Reno and Laurence Fishburne. Directed by Nimrod Antal. Written by James V. Simpson and Chris Parker. Screen Gems, Sept. 18.

The Box

A suburban couple face a moral dilemma when they receive an anonymous wooden box promising $1 million for pushing a button that will cause the death of another person. With Cameron Diaz, James Marsden and Frank Langella. Written and directed by Richard Kelly. Warner Bros. Pictures/Radar Pictures, Nov. 6.

Donkey Punch

Several young party people aboard a luxury yacht in the middle of the Mediterranean must decide what to do when one of them dies in a freak accident. With Robert Boulter, Sian Breckin, Tom Burke. Directed by Oliver Blackburn. Written by Blackburn and David Bloom. Magnet Releasing, Jan. 23.

Ede