Sometimes movie audiences just don't want to see a retired wrestler dressed up like a fairy.
According to Box Office Mojo and Metacritic, the first few months of a new year have the lowest number of quality films and commercial successes. Between 2000 and 2009, only two film releases at the top of the year made $100 million at the box office. Metacritic calls January the "cruelest month" for movie releases, and February is not close behind.
"No matter what the studio or production company says, January is a dumping time for films not up to being the Oscar hopefuls of November and December," said Wes Gehring, film studies professor in the Ball State University telecommunications department.
January is almost over and, according to U.S. box office reports, the films making the most money are the ones released at the end of 2009, such as "Sherlock Holmes," "It's Complicated" and last year's biggest hit, "Avatar."
Moviegoers will have to decide if the upcoming releases for January and February have the ability to change box office statistics, or if this time of year will continue to leave theater seats empty.
Jan. 22:
"Tooth Fairy" (Twentieth Century Fox) – Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stars as Derek Thompson, a hockey player who garners the nickname "Tooth Fairy" because of his tactics on the ice. After making a small child sad, Thompson is punished by becoming the actual Tooth Fairy for one week. Not only does Thompson inherit the Fairy's responsibilities, he must also wear her outfit. The film also features Ashley Judd, Julie Andrews and Seth MacFarlane. It is rated PG for mild language, some rude humor and sports action.
"Crazy Heart" (wide release) (Twentieth Century Fox) – Last Sunday, the film's star, Jeff Bridges, was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Actor (Drama) for his performance in this musical/drama about a superstar country singer who has fallen from the limelight. He is a multiple-time divorcee and alcoholic who lives a modest life, alone, until he meets a young, helpful journalist played by Maggie Gyllenhaal. Their relationship inspires him to turn his life around. The film also stars Robert Duvall and Colin Farrell. It is rated R for language and brief sexuality.
Jan. 29:
"Edge of Darkness" (Warner Bros. Pictures) – Mel Gibson returns to the action genre in this film adaptation of a British television series of the same name. Gibson stars as Thomas Craven, a homicide detective in Boston. After his daughter is murdered, Craven begins a mission to uncover the reason why his only child was the victim of such a violent crime. The film is directed by Martin Campbell, who directed the action-packed James Bond film "Casino Royale." Also starring Ray Winstone and Danny Huston, it is rated R for strong bloody violence and language.
Feb. 5:
"From Paris With Love" (Lionsgate) – John Travolta plays a wild, non-traditional American spy in this action comedy, also starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Meyers plays James Reese, a U.S. ambassador who — unwillingly — has to work with Travolta's Charlie Wax to avoid a terrorist attack in the city of Paris. This film is French director Pierre Morel's first film since the 2008 blockbuster hit "Taken." The film is rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, drug content, pervasive language and brief sexuality.
Feb. 12:
"Valentine's Day" (New Line Cinema) – This star-studded film takes place during a single Valentine's Day, focusing on the connecting lives and love stories of its many characters. A number of notable names appear in the film: Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, Eric Dane, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Topher Grace, Anne Hathaway, Ashton Kutcher, Queen Latifah and many more. The film is rated PG-13 for some sexual material and brief partial nudity.
Feb. 26:
"Cop Out" (Warner Bros. Pictures) – Featuring the unique combination of Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan, this buddy cop action-comedy is directed by cult film icon Kevin Smith. This film marks the first time Smith directed a script that he did not write. The film also experienced a title change after the original name, "A Couple of Dicks," was deemed inappropriate by the studio. The film also features Seann William Scott, Adam Brody and Smith-film regular Jason Lee. The film has not yet been rated.
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