12 New Movies to See in Theaters in January
What to watch in between catching up on awards contenders.
Insidious: The Last Key
Good horror franchises never die, and regardless of criticisms of previous Insidious installments, one simply cannot start something without finishing it. That's exactly what horror producers James Wan and Jason Blum set out to do with this finale, which belongs to paranormal psychologist Dr. Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye).
In theaters January 5. Get tickets
Blame
Everyone has a favorite high school required-reading pick. For 22-year-old filmmaker Quinn Shephard, that might be Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, as she writes, directs, and stars in this riff on the bewitching classic. Chris Messina co-stars as an English teacher and object of her desire.
In theaters January 5. Get tickets
The Strange Ones
Magic Mike’s Alex Pettyfer and a fellow passenger get weird in a SXSW road-trip thriller that’s headed for goosebump city. An eerie and atmospheric ride that will fray your nerves, this debut from directing duo Christopher Radcliff and Lauren Wolkstein is a trip worth taking.
In theaters January 5. Get tickets
Proud Mary
Charlize Theron, Gal Gadot, Fat Amy in that bizarre Pitch Perfect finale - femme fatales are taking center stage, and now it’s Taraji P. Henson’s turn to kick some ass. She plays a hit woman employed by a crime family in Boston, and judging from the Tina Turner-tuned trailer, we’re in for a great time.
In theaters January 12. Get tickets
Paddington 2
Audiences - us included - didn’t get their fill of orange-flavored marmalade, so BAFTA regular Paul King is unleashing another chapter in the British bear’s fanciful escapades. This time, settle the entire family in for a whodunit stuffed with all the feels and visuals that made the original so beloved.
In theaters January 12. Get tickets
Saturday Church
A New York teen struggles with gender identity in Damon Cardasis’s coming-out musical number some are describing as Moonlight meets La La Land. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last year to glowing reviews and should be a bright spot in what can be a mixed-bag month for cinema.
In theaters January 12. Get tickets
Vazante
Everything is and isn’t black and white in Brazilian director Daniela Thomas monochromatic tragedy about slavery, displacement, and feminism in 1821 Brazil. On the surface, the story’s about a man who marries his dead wife’s 12-year-old niece, but underneath are the simmering roots of a country’s dark past.
In theaters January 12. Get tickets
Small Town Crime
John Hawkes and Octavia Spencer lead a 90-minute potboiler from the Nelms brothers about an alcoholic ex-cop searching for a killer. Its comedy-meets-brutality style doesn’t pretend to be anything but an homage to the pulpy noir that came before it. Think Bullitt and everything Martin McDonagh.
In theaters January 19. Get tickets
The Final Year
Anytime a peek inside the West Wing is made available, we don’t blink. Here, filmmaker Greg Barker chats up former President Barack Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power during the final duration of their term in office.
In theaters January 19. Get tickets
Please Stand By
Dakota Fanning plays an autistic Star Trek fan intent on submitting her screenplay to a writing competition. Ben Lewin, whose indie The Sessions was a sleeper hit back in 2012, is back with a sci-fi road trip comedy starring several familiar faces including Toni Collette, Alive Eve, and Patton Oswalt.
In theaters January 26. Get tickets
American Folk
The tragedy of 9/11 has spawned many a cinematic retelling, but none like David Heinz’s cross-country musical. Though a work of fiction, real-life musicians Joe Purdy and Amber Rubarth play a pair of displaced strangers who traverse the country - and their mutual love of music - together.
In theaters January 26. Get tickets
A Ciambra
Catch director Jonas Carpignano’s authentic drama about growing up in contemporary Italy before he learns his fate at the Indie Spirit Awards on March 3. Italy’s official entry into the Oscar race, the film is an awards magnet. Plus, anything shepherded by Martin Scorsese is probably worth its ticket price.
In theaters January 26. Get tickets
What to watch in between catching up on awards contenders.