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Branded
Who: Ed Stoppard, Leelee Sobieski, Jeffrey Tambor, Max von Sydow
What: A sci-fi heavy mindbender set in the future, where corporate advertising is so ingrained in everyone that it alters their behavior.
When: January 15th
Why: I saw plenty of TV ads for this (with crappy CGI) before it was released to a quick box office death in September. I wanted to see Emperor Ming (Von Sydow) play a corporate villain, but this movie may be the worst I’ve seen all year.

Dragons: Riders of Berk
Who: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera (voices)
What: Four episodes of the TV series sequel to the animated movie How to Train Your Dragon.
When: January 15th
Why: If you or your kid want more of the Dragon franchise, this series, running on the Cartoon Network, is a bridge between the first movie and the upcoming theatrical sequel.

Farewell, My Queen
Who: Lea Seydoux, Diane Kruger, Virginie Ledoyen
What: A French costume drama based on the novel and set in the court of Marie Antoinette (played by Kruger).
When: January 15th
Why: I might watch this for the history. Kruger is best known as the love interest in Troy and National Treasure, and as a supporting character in Inglourious Basterds.

Pitch Perfect
Who: Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Anna Camp, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson, Elizabeth Banks, John Michael Higgins
What: A Glee-style acapella take on the dance-off genre. Kendrick plays a reluctant college addition to an all-girl vocal team in competition against an all-guy group and other teams. Banks and Higgins provide color commentary to the competition, similar to the pairs in Dodgeball and Best in Show.
When: January 15th
Why: You may have heard of this sleeper hit, and for good reason: everyone I know who has seen it has really liked it. The girls are gorgeous and/or hilarious (Rebel Wilson gives my favorite performance of the year), the music is good, and it’s all around a fun movie.

Sparkle
Who: Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Cee Lo Green, Carmen Ejogo
What: A remake of the 1976 movie, about a Motown girl group in 1968 similar to The Supremes.
When: January 15th
Why: This is Whitney Houston’s last film and music before her death, and word is that Ejogo gives a good performance.

To Rome With Love
Who: Alison Pill, Woody Allen, Judy Davis, Alec Baldwin, Jesse Eisenberg, Greta Gerwig, Ellen Page, Roberto Benigni, Penelope Cruz, directed by Woody Allen
What: An ensemble Woody Allen film featuring four romantic/comedic storylines set in Rome.
When: January 15th
Why: No doubt Woody Allen fans will want to see this, as will fans of the many actors in the ensemble.

Abel’s Field
Who: Samuel Davis, Kevin Sorbo
What: Davis plays a troubled teenager who is mentored by the school groundskeeper (Sorbo).
When: January 22nd
Why: Sorbo fans might take an interest in this.

Beauty is Embarassing
Who: Wayne White, Paul Reubens, Matt Groening, Todd Oldham
What: A documentary about modern artist Wayne White.
When: January 22nd
Why: Primarily for art fans. I’m intrigued by what Pee Wee Herman’s connection here is.

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