by Drew Von Burgen

December 17th

TRON: Legacy (PG)
Twenty-eight years after the original cult classic, Disney is betting big on this high-tech 3D sequel. The sci-fi action film stars Garrett Hedlund as a young man whose search for his father, played by Jeff Bridges, gets him caught in a digital world. Olivia Wilde and Michael Sheen also star. Although the film is directed by newcomer Joseph Kosinski, it is already receiving praise for its stunning visuals and its score by French electric duo Daft Punk.

How Do You Know (PG-13)
Reese Witherspoon stars as a former athlete who gets caught up in a love triangle with two men, played by Paul Rudd and Owen Wilson. Jack Nicholson has a supporting role. Written and directed by Oscar winner (and frequent Simpsons writer) James L. Brooks, this romantic comedy looks to be a contender for the Golden Globe’s Best Picture Comedy or Musical category.

December 22nd

True Grit (PG-13)
In this Western, Jeff Bridges stars as a Marshal who helps a young girl find her father’s killer, played by Josh Brolin. Matt Damon is also featured in the film by Oscar favorites Joel and Ethan Coen.

December 31st

Blue Valentine (NC-17)
Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling star as a couple who fall in and out of love. The two are said to give Oscar-caliber performances, but the film caused controversy recently after receiving the rare NC-17 rating for “a scene of explicit sexual content.” The company behind the film is appealing the rating, which would allow the film to play in significantly more theaters than its current rating would allow.

January 7th

Season of the Witch (PG-13)
Nicolas Cage stars in this action film about a 14th century soldier who is put in charge of transporting a young girl accused of being a witch. Director Dominic Sena does not have the best track record, and the film has been delayed several times to avoid competition, which is usually not a good sign for the quality of a film.

January 14th

The Green Hornet (Not Yet Rated)
Seth Rogan stars as the heir to a vast media empire who decides to begin fighting crime. With the help of his assistant, played by Jay Chou, the two masquerade as villains in order to hunt down real ones. Cameron Diaz also stars in this action film, which is being converted to 3D after being shot in 2D, a technique which rarely (if ever) produces quality results.

The Dilemma (PG-13)
Vince Vaughn plays a man who must make a tough choice after he discovers that his best friend’s wife, played by Winona Ryder, is having an affair with another man, played by Channing Tatum. The film’s trailer came under fire recently, due to a gay slur. The scene was removed from the trailer, but is still in the film, according to director Ron Howard.