Movie sneak peeks for the holidays

The 2011 Holiday Movie Preview is a broad snapshot of films opening through early January. Release dates and other details, as compiled by Oliver Gettell, are subject to change.

Nov. 9

J. Edgar

A biopic about the life of J. Edgar Hoover, who ran the FBI for nearly 50 years. With Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Watts, Armie Hammer and Judi Dench. Written by Dustin Lance Black. Directed by Clint Eastwood. Warner Bros. Pictures

Nov. 11

11-11-11

A famous author who has lost his wife and son travels to Spain to see his estranged brother and dying father, where he discovers that the time 11:11 is tied to tragic events. With Timothy Gibbs, Michael Landes and Denis Rafter. Written and directed by Darren Lynn Bousman. Big Air Studios / Rocket Releasing

An African Election

This documentary follows the twists and turns of the 2008 presidential elections in Ghana. Directed by Jarreth Merz. In English, Twi and local languages, with English subtitles.

The Big Fix

This documentary examines the causes and consequences of the catastrophic Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill. Directed by Josh Tickell and Rebecca Harrell Tickell. Green Planet Productions

The Conquest

A fictional account of French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s rise to power. With Denis Podalydès, Florence Pernel and Bernard Le Coq. Written by Xavier Durringer and Patrick Rotman. Directed by Durringer. In French with English subtitles. Music Box Films

Dragonslayer

A documentary portrait of Josh “Skreech” Sandoval, a skateboarder and new father in the Orange County suburb of Fullerton. Directed by Tristan Patterson. Drag City

Dzi Croquettes

This documentary tells the story of the Brazilian theater troupe Dzi Croquettes, which challenged Brazil’s military dictatorship in the 1960s and ‘70s. Directed by Tatiana Issa and Raphael Alvarez. In English, French and Portuguese, with English subtitles. Tria Productions

The Greening of Whitney Brown

After her formerly well-off family moves to the country during hard times, a spoiled young girl befriends a horse and learns some life lessons. With Aidan Quinn, Brooke Shields, Kris Kristofferson and Sammi Hanratty. Written by Gail Gilchriest. Directed by Peter Skillman Odiorne. Arc Entertainment

Immortals

When a bloodthirsty, power-hungry king rampages across ancient Greece in search of a legendary weapon, a brave young stonemason assembles a band to stop him. With Henry Cavill, Stephen Dorff, Isabel Lucas and Freida Pinto. Written by Charley Parlapanides and Vlas Parlapanides. Directed by Tarsem Singh. In 3-D. Relativity Media

Jack and Jill

A successful advertising executive with a beautiful wife and kids dreads the annual Thanksgiving visit of his passive-aggressive twin sister. With Adam Sandler, Katie Holmes and Al Pacino. Written by Sandler, Steve Koren and Robert Smigel. Directed by Dennis Dugan. Columbia Pictures

Killing Bono

Two brothers from Dublin form a band and pursue rock ‘n’ roll fame, only to be overshadowed by their schoolmate’s rival group — U2. With Ben Barnes, Krysten Ritter and Robert Sheehan. Written by Dick Clement, Ian La Frenais and Simon Maxwell. Directed by Nick Hamm. Arc Entertainment

Limelight

A documentary chronicling the rise and fall of Peter Gatien, the nightlife mogul who owned and operated such 1980s New York City clubs as Limelight, Tunnel and Palladium. Directed by Billy Corben. Magnolia Pictures

London Boulevard

A newly released ex-con falls for a movie star hounded by paparazzi but also gets mixed up with a friend from his past and a ruthless mob boss. With Colin Farrell, Keira Knightley and Ben Chaplin. Written and directed by William Monahan. IFC Films

Melancholia

A young couple’s disastrous wedding brings about family tensions and frayed relationships; meanwhile, a planet called Melancholia is discovered to be heading toward Earth. With Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland and Charlotte Rampling. Written by and directed by Lars von Trier. Magnolia Pictures

Nothing Special

An insurance underwriter in Los Angeles takes in her mother, whose Section 8 apartment has recently been condemned, and the new arrangement puts a strain on the younger woman’s personal and professional life. With Karen Black, Julia Garcia Combs and Barbara Bain. Written and directed by Angela Garcia Combs. Yellow Wallpaper Productions

Under Fire:

Journalists

in Combat

This documentary examines the experiences, dangers, psychological costs and motivations of war correspondents. With Paul Watson, Chris Hedges, Susan Ormiston and Ian Stewart. Written and directed by Martyn Burke. Mercury Media International

Nov. 16

The Descendants

An indifferent father of two girls is forced to reexamine his life when his wife has a boating accident and he’s confronted with a big decision. With George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Beau Bridges and Robert Forster. Written by Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash. Directed by Payne. Fox Searchlight Pictures

Nov. 18

Another

Happy Day

A wedding-party weekend brings tensions among members of a troubled family to the surface. With Ellen Barkin, Demi Moore, Kate Bosworth and Thomas Haden Church. Written and directed by Sam Levinson. Phase 4 Films

Dog Sweat

Feeling misunderstood and oppressed by conservative Islamic society, six young people in Iran act out their desires behind closed doors. With Ahmad Akbarzadeh, Tahereh Esfahani and Bagher Forohar. Written by Hossein Keshavarz and Maryam Azadi. Directed by Keshavarz. In Farsi with English subtitles. IndiePix

Eames:

The Architect

& the Painter

This documentary explores the lives, work and legacy of husband-and-wife designers Charles and Ray Eames. Narrated by James Franco. Narration written by Jason Cohn. Directed by Cohn and Bill Jersey. First Run Features

Elite Squad: The Enemy Within

In Rio de Janeiro, the city’s top cop gets promoted to a government job and cracks down on gangs, drugs and violence, only to meet with dangerous new enemies. With Wagner Moura, Irandhir Santos and Andre Ramiro. Written by José Padilha and Bráulio Mantovani. Directed by Padilha. In Portuguese with English subtitles. Variance Films

Happy Feet Two

In this sequel to the 2006 animated film, a dancing penguin must help his young son find his rhythm while also setting things right in Antarctica. With the voices of Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Hank Azaria and Brad Pitt. Written by George Miller, Gary Eck, Warren Coleman and Paul Livingston. Directed by Miller. In Imax 3-D. Warner Bros. Pictures

The Heir Apparent:

Largo Winch

The adopted heir to an international corporation is set to take the reins after his father is murdered, but first he must deal with criminals and schemers. With Tomer Sisley, Kristin Scott Thomas and Miki Manojlovic. Written by Jérôme Salle and Julien Rappeneau. Directed by Salle. In French, English and Serbo-Croatian, with English subtitles. Music Box Films

Laredoans Speak: Voices On

Immigration

In this documentary, the inhabitants of a south Texas town express their views on undocumented immigration. With Pepe Serna. Directed by Victor A. Martinez and Ryan L. Schafer. In English and Spanish with English subtitles. Border Town Pictures

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1

In the first half of the conclusion to the “Twilight” series, human Bella and vampire Edward wed and conceive a child, with dangerous unforeseen consequences. With Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. Written by Melissa Rosenberg. Directed by Bill Condon. Summit Entertainment

Tyrannosaur

A violent alcoholic widower begins an unlikely friendship with a religious thrift store worker who harbors her own dark secrets. With Peter Mullan, Olivia Colman and Eddie Marsan. Written and directed by Paddy Considine. Strand Releasing

Nov. 23

A Dangerous

Method

A dramatization of the turbulent relationships among fledgling psychiatrist Carl Jung, mentor Sigmund Freud and the troubled woman who comes between them. With Keira Knightley, Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender and Sarah Gadon. Written by Christopher Hampton. Directed by David Cronenberg. Sony Pictures Classics

Arthur Christmas

In this animated film, the son of Santa Claus must complete an urgent mission before Christmas morning dawns. With James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent and Bill Nighy. Written by Peter Baynham and Sarah Smith. Directed by Smith. Columbia Pictures

The Edge

In the aftermath of World War II, the arrival of a Russian veteran shakes things up at a labor camp in the Siberian wilderness. With Vladimir Mashkov and Anjorka Strechel. Written by Alexander Gonorovsky. Directed by Alexey Uchitel. In Russian with English subtitles. Russian Film Releasing

Hugo

In 1930s Paris, an orphan living in a train station tries to unlock a mystery left behind by his late father. With Asa Butterfield, Chloë Moretz, Ben Kingsley and Sacha Baron Cohen. Written by John Logan. Directed by Martin Scorsese. In 3-D. Paramount Pictures

The Muppets

Three friends on vacation in Los Angeles reunite the Muppets and help them raise money to save their old stamping ground, the Muppet Theater. With Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper and Rashida Jones. Written by Segel and Nicholas Stoller. Directed by James Bobin. Walt Disney Pictures

My Week

With Marilyn

During the filming of “The Prince and the Showgirl” in 1956, a young British assistant introduces actress Marilyn Monroe to some of the charms of British life and helps her escape the pressures of Hollywood. With Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne, Kenneth Branagh and Judi Dench. Written by Adrian Hodges. Directed by Simon Curtis. Weinstein Co.

Rampart

When his checkered past and stubborn ways catch up with him, an LAPD officer who operates according to his own code of justice gets caught in a downward spiral. With Robin Wright, Sigourney Weaver, Ice Cube and Ben Foster. Written by James Ellroy and Oren Moverman. Directed by Moverman. Millennium Entertainment

Nov. 25

The Artist

In this silent film set in 1920s and ‘30s Hollywood, a movie star’s career takes a nose dive with the advent of talkies, while a young extra seems destined for fame. With Bérénice Bejo, Jean Dujardin, John Goodman and Malcolm McDowell. Written and directed by Michel Hazanavicius. Weinstein Co.

Garbo the Spy

A documentary about Juan Pujol, a double agent working for the Allies during World War II. With Nigel West, Mark Seaman and Xavier Vinader. Written by Edmon Roch, Isaki Lacuesta and Maria Hervera. Directed by Roch. In English, Spanish, Catalan and German, with English subtitles. First Run Features

Tomboy

Upon moving to a suburban neighborhood, a 10-year-old girl passes herself off as a boy among a new group of friends while hiding her alter ego at home. With Zoé Héran, Malonn Lévana and Jeanne Disson. Written and directed by Céline Sciamma. In French with English subtitles. Rocket Releasing

Dec. 2

Answers

to Nothing

Against the backdrop of a child kidnapping case in Los Angeles, the lives of a number of lost souls overlap and intersect. With Dane Cook, Elizabeth Mitchell, Julie Benz and Barbara Hershey. Written by Matthew Leutwyler and Gillian Vigman. Directed by Leutwyler. Roadside Attractions

Coriolanus

When a feared Roman general fails to win public support in seeking the position of consul, he is expelled from the city and teams with a sworn enemy to exact his revenge. With Gerard Butler, Ralph Fiennes, Brian Cox and Vanessa Redgrave. Written by John Logan. Directed by Fiennes. Weinstein Co.

Crazy Wisdom

This documentary tells the story of Chogyam Trungpa, a pivotal figure in bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West. With Ram Dass, Allen Ginsberg and Pema Chodron. Directed by Johanna Demetrakas. Alive Mind

Knuckle

A documentary exploring the Irish Traveller community through the lens of bare-knuckle boxing. With James Quinn Mcdonagh and Paddy Joyce. Directed by Ian Palmer. Arc Entertainment

The Lady

A biopic about the Burmese activist Aung San Suu Kyi. With Michelle Yeoh, David Thewlis, Jonathan Raggett and Jonathan Woodhouse. Written by Rebecca Frayn. Directed by Luc Besson. Cohen Media Group

Outrage

In the Japanese underworld, rival yakuza clans vie for power. With Ryo Kase, Jun Kunimura and Tomokazu Miura. Written and directed by Takeshi Kitano. In Japanese with English subtitles. Magnet Releasing

Shame

A New Yorker with a compulsive sex addiction has his insular life turned upside down when his wayward younger sister moves in. With Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale and Nicole Beharie. Written by Steve McQueen and Abi Morgan. Directed by McQueen. Fox Searchlight Pictures

Dec. 9

Catch .44

Three women who work in a strip club plot to intercept a drug shipment for their crime boss, but things go awry — with deadly consequences. With Forest Whitaker, Bruce Willis, Malin Akerman and Nikki Reed. Written and directed by Aaron Harvey. Anchor Bay Entertainment

I Melt With You

A group of friends from college meet for their annual trip to catch up with one another, but soon their weekend spirals out of control. With Thomas Jane, Rob Lowe, Jeremy Piven and Carla Gugino. Written by Glenn Porter. Directed by Mark Pellington. Magnolia Pictures

In Darkness

In Nazi-occupied Poland, a sewer worker and petty thief begin sheltering Jews in underground tunnels for profit. With Robert Wieckiewicz, Benno Fürmann and Agnieszka Grochowska. Written by David F. Shamoon. Directed by Agnieszka Holland. In German and Polish, with English subtitles. Sony Pictures Classics

New Year’s Eve

On the last night of the year, the lives of people searching for love, hope, forgiveness and second chances intertwine in New York City. With Halle Berry, Josh Duhamel, Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert De Niro. Written by Katherine Fugate. Directed by Garry Marshall. Warner Bros. Pictures

The Sitter

An unlikely baby sitter takes three out-of-control kids on a wild adventure through the streets of New York City. With Jonah Hill, Max Records, Ari Graynor, J.B. Smoove and Sam Rockwell. Written by Brian T. Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka. Directed by David Gordon Green. 20th Century Fox

Sleeping Beauty

A passive university student answers a newspaper ad for a job as a lingerie waitress and enters a strange, erotic underworld. With Emily Browning, Rachael Blake, Ewen Leslie and Peter Carroll. Written and directed by Julia Leigh. Sundance Selects

Tinker, Tailor,

Soldier, Spy

In this Cold War tale adapted from the John le Carre novel, a veteran spy hunts for a Soviet mole within the British intelligence agency MI6. With Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy and John Hurt. Written by Bridget O’Connor and Peter Straughan. Directed by Tomas Alfredson. Focus Features

W.E.

In 1998, an unhappily married woman in New York City becomes obsessed with the love story of King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, whose estate is being auctioned off. With Andrea Riseborough, Abbie Cornish, James D’Arcy and Oscar Isaac. Written by Madonna and Alek Keshishian. Directed by Madonna. Weinstein Co.

We Need to Talk About Kevin

A mother attempts to come to terms with her life after her son takes part in a school shooting. With Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly and Ezra Miller. Written by Lynne Ramsay and Rory Stewart Kinnear. Directed by Ramsay. Oscilloscope Laboratories

Young Adult

When a young-adult genre writer returns to her small hometown to relive her glory days and reunite with her now married high school sweetheart, things don’t go quite as she’d planned. With Charlize Theron, Patton Oswalt, Patrick Wilson and Elizabeth Reaser. Written by Diablo Cody. Directed by Jason Reitman. Paramount Pictures

Dec. 16

Alvin and the

Chipmunks:

Chipwrecked

A group of talking chipmunks and their human companions get shipwrecked on a remote island. With Jason Lee, David Cross, Jenny Slate and the voice of Justin Long. Written by Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger. Directed by Mike Mitchell. 20th Century Fox

Carnage

After two schoolchildren get in a fight, their parents meet to talk, only to have their discussion devolve into mayhem. With Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz and John C. Reilly. Written by Roman Polanski and Yasmina Reza. Directed by Polanski. Sony Pictures Classics

The Iron Lady

This biopic presents a portrait of Margaret Thatcher, the only woman to be prime minister of the United Kingdom. With Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Harry Lloyd and Alexandra Roach. Written by Abi Morgan. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Weinstein Co.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game

of Shadows

The famous detective meets his match in the criminal mastermind known as Professor Moriarty in this sequel to the 2009 film. With Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace and Jared Harris. Written by Michele Mulroney and Kieren Mulroney. Directed by Guy Ritchie. Warner Bros. Pictures

Dec. 21

The Adventures

of Tintin

When an intrepid young reporter purchases a model ship that holds the key to a mystery, he and his trusty dog embark on a globe-trotting adventure. With the voices of Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig and Simon Pegg. Written by Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish. Directed by Steven Spielberg. In Imax 3-D. Paramount Pictures

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

A journalist and a hacker search for a woman who has been missing for decades in this adaptation of the novel by Stieg Larsson. With Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer and Stellan Skarsgård. Written by Steven Zaillian. Directed by David Fincher. Columbia Pictures

Mission:

Impossible —

Ghost Protocol

After being blamed for a terrorist bombing of the Kremlin, a secret agent and his team must clear their organization’s name and prevent another attack. With Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg and Paula Patton. Written by Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Christopher McQuarrie. Directed by Brad Bird. In Imax. Paramount Pictures

Dec. 23

Albert Nobbs

After decades of passing as a man to work and survive in 19th century Ireland, a woman finds herself trapped in her own life. With Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska, Aaron Johnson and Janet McTeer. Written by Close, John Banville and Gabriella Prekop. Directed by Rodrigo García. Roadside Attractions

The Darkest Hour

Five young people stranded in Moscow fight to survive in the wake of a devastating alien attack. With Emile Hirsch, Olivia Thirlby, Max Minghella and Rachael Taylor. Written by Jon Spaihts. Directed by Chris Gorak. In 3-D. Summit Entertainment

In the Land of Blood and Honey

A man and a woman who knew each other before the Bosnian war find themselves on opposite sides of the brutal ethnic conflict as a soldier fighting for the Serbs and a Bosnian captive held in his camp. With Zana Marjanovic, Goran Kostic and Rade Serbedzija. Written and directed by Angelina Jolie. FilmDistrict

We Bought a Zoo

A single father moves his family into a house situated in the middle of a run-down zoo, which they try to restore. With Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson and Thomas Haden Church. Written by Aline Brosh McKenna and Cameron Crowe. Directed by Crowe. 20th Century Fox

Dec. 25

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

After finding a mysterious key that belonged to his father, who died in the Sept. 11 attacks, a young boy goes on a journey across the five boroughs of New York City. With Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Thomas Horn and James Gandolfini. Written by Eric Roth. Directed by Stephen Daldry. Warner Bros. Pictures

War Horse

During World War I, a horse is separated from the young man who tamed and trained him, threatening their special bond and sending the animal on an extraordinary journey. With Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson and David Thewlis. Written by Lee Hall and Richard Curtis. Directed by Steven Spielberg. DreamWorks Pictures

Dec. 28

Pariah

A black teenager embracing her identity as a lesbian deals with tension at home and other trials of adolescence. With Adepero Oduye, Pernell Walker and Aasha Davis. Written and directed by Dee Rees. Focus Features

Dec. 30

A Separation

In Iran, a married couple’s separation has far-reaching consequences for themselves, their family members and a newly hired maid. With Peyman Moaadi, Leila Hatami and Sareh Bayat. Written and directed by Asghar Farhadi. In Farsi with English subtitles. Sony Pictures Classics

Angels Crest

In a small working-class town in the Rockies, a young father does his best to raise a 3-year-old son, but tragedy strikes and plunges his life into turmoil. With Jeremy Piven, Thomas Dekker, Elizabeth McGovern and Mira Sorvino. Written by Catherine Trieschmann. Directed by Gaby Dellal. Magnolia Pictures

Jan. 6

Beneath the

Darkness

After their friend is murdered, a group of teenagers tries to bring down a sadistic mortician. With Dennis Quaid, Aimee Teegarden, Tony Oller and Devon Werkheiser. Written by Bruce Wilkinson. Directed by Martin Guigui. Image Entertainment

The Devil Inside

Twenty years after her mother confessed to three brutal murders, a woman travels to Italy and recruits two young exorcists to find out what really happened and set things right. With Fernanda Andrade, Simon Quarterman and Evan Helmuth. Written by William Brent Bell and Matthew Peterman. Directed by Bell. Paramount Pictures

Roadie

After losing his job of 20 years, a roadie for a rock band returns to his hometown to visit his aging mother and spends a wild night with some old friends. With Ron Eldard, Lois Smith, Jill Hennessy and Bob Cannavale. Written by Gerald Cuesta and Michael Cuesta. Directed by Michael Cuesta. Magnolia Pictures

Jan. 13

Addiction,

Incorporated

This documentary tells the story of Victor DeNoble, a tobacco company research scientist and whistle-blower. Written by Charles Evans Jr. and Don Whittemore. Directed by Evans. Variance Films

Contraband

A former international smuggler is forced to re-enter the criminal underground to settle his brother-in-law’s debt and protect his own family. With Mark Wahlberg, Kate Beckinsale, Ben Foster and Giovanni Ribisi. Written by Aaron Guzikowski. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur. Universal Pictures

The Divide

Nine tenants of a New York City high-rise survive a nuclear attack by hiding in the basement, but tensions flare as they find themselves trapped underground. With Lauren German, Michael Biehn, Milo Ventimiglia and Courtney B. Vance. Written by Karl Mueller and Eron Sheean. Directed by Xavier Gens. Anchor Bay Entertainment

Joyful Noise

The two leading ladies of a small-town Georgia choir butt heads while trying to win a national singing competition. With Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Keke Palmer and Courtney B. Vance. Written and directed by Todd Graff. Warner Bros. Pictures

Man on a Ledge

As a police negotiator tries to talk a fugitive former cop off a ledge, she begins to suspect he might have ulterior motives. With Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Jamie Bell and Anthony Mackie. Written by Pablo F. Fenjves. Directed by Asger Leth. Summit Entertainment

Premium Rush

For an intrepid New York City bike messenger, a routine delivery turns into a life-or-death chase. With Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Shannon, Dania Ramirez and Jamie Chung. Written by David Koepp and John Kamps. Directed by Koepp. Columbia Pictures