In Theaters This Weekend

Elizabeth: The Golden Age - the sequel to the movie that put Cate Blanchett at the forefront of incredible actresses who constantly make movies everyone needs to see, as well as nabbing her the first Oscar nomination of her career. It’s award season, folks, and nothing says that more than an elaborate period drama. Queen Elizabeth’s path to war against Spain’s mighty armada would be a compelling story regardless, but with Blanchett’s fire and passion so clearly on display in the trailer, this time there may be no denying her the trophy.

The Final Season - Samwise Gamgee coaches a high school baseball team to learn very special lessons. I know it’s not even remotely clever to continually refer to Sean Astin as Samwise Gamgee, but one should also never pass up an opportunity to say Samwise Gamgee.

Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married? - the out-of-nowhere hitmaking juggernaut of Tyler Perry continues with this ensemble cast of people in messed up matrimony. Janet Jackson is back in the game, and thankfully not just smiling next to Eddie Murphy in a fat suit. Or Tyler Perry in a fat suit for that matter.

We Own the Night - Academy Award Nominee Marky Mark (I will never get used to that) and Academy Award Nominee Joaquin Phoenix are brothers on opposite sides of the law, and since their father, Robert Duvall, is a legendary chief of police, it’s two against one. When things get ugly with the Russian mob, the bad guy just might have to call on his family for help before he gets busted by them. Eva Mendes mentioned on Letterman that the flick kicks off with a “love scene” that she told her family to come late to the movie to miss. Just so ya know. If you’re into that kinda thing, I mean.

IN SELECTED CITIES (and, to quote Letterman, “I hope to God your city has been selected.”)

Control - The short life story of Ian Curtis, lead singer of seminal band Joy Division, is told. After you see this, go rent 24 Hour Party People.

King Corn - another in the recent spate of ‘everything you eat is horrible’ documentaries, this time focusing on how much corn pervades our food and messes with our bodies. I suppose making a documentary about how good broccoli is for you wouldn’t be nearly as interesting.

Lars and the Real Girl - Ryan Gosling plays a deluded man who dates a Real Doll, and for the sake of his mental health, an entire town plays along with it. This one’s getting a lot of buzz.

Sleuth - Michael Caine and Jude Law politely trying to doublecross each other. Looks cute and clever, but there’s a significant difference between clever and “clever.” Here’s hoping it doesn’t cross the line.

Terror’s Advocate - a chilling documentary about French lawyer Jacques Verges, who defends all sorts of nasty terrorists, not to mention Nazi war criminals.