Veteran actors Jackie Chan, Denzel Washington, Dennis Quaid, Willem Dafoe, Mel Gibson and Harrison Ford are among the stars celebrating the New Year with films released during January, 2010. Also ushering in the next decade with appearances in January offerings are: Amy Adams, Michael Cera, Dwayne Johnson, Paul Bettany and Kristen Bell. Check out the schedule below, but remember all release dates are subject to change.

JANUARY 8

Daybreakers. Vampires have taken over the world by the year 2019, but they are running short of their blood supply. What can they do? Will the humans fight back? Ethan Hawke, Sam Neill and Willem Dafoe play key roles in this sci-fi/horror flick.    

Leap Year.  Amy Adams, Matthew Goode and Adam Scott star in this romantic comedy about a woman who develops an elaborate plan to propose to her boyfriend on February 29.  Guess she hasn’t heard what Robbie Burns said about the best plans “of mice and men.” (I’m sure he meant women too.)  

Youth in Revolt. This comedy starring Michael Cera boasts a highly intriguing cast including Steve Buscemi, Fred Willard, Ray Liotta, Jean Smart and Zach Galifianakis. Cera plays a young man hoping to lose his virginity to his dream girl, played by Portia Doubleday.       

JANUARY 15

The Book of Eli. Denzel Washington heads up the cast in this post-apocalyptic story about a man trying to protect a book that holds the secret to saving humankind.  

The Spy Next Door.  What kind of a baby sitter would Jackie Chan be? This action comedy places him in that precarious position. Consequently, Chan’s character, a CIA spy, faces an assignment more dangerous than he imagined – and, hopefully, also more amusing.   

Hoodwinked Too! Hood VS. Evil. Hansel and Gretel have disappeared, so who ya gonna call to investigate? Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, of course. If this animated sequel is half as funny as the original Hoodwinked, I’ll be a happy camper. 

The Last Station.  This historical drama about Count Leo Tolstoy’s struggle to maintain a balance between fame and wealth co-stars acclaimed actors Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren.  (Limited opening on December 4, 2009)

The Lovely Bones.  This film version of Alice Sebold’s best-seller about the murder of a 14-year-old girl boasts a splendid cast including Saoirse Ronan, Susan Sarandon, Rachel Weisz, Stanley Tucci and Mark Wahlberg. (Limited opening December 11, 2009)

JANUARY 22

Tooth Fairy. A mean, tough hockey player gets forced into duty as the Tooth Fairy. Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) portrays the unlucky guy in this family comedy, which also stars  Ashley Judd, Julie Andrews, and Billy Crystal.  

Legion. Another apocalypse-related film! This one showcases the talents of Paul Bettany, Dennis Quaid, Lucas Black and Kate Walsh. There will be angels.   

Extraordinary Measures. Parents, played by Brendan Fraser and Keri Russell, find a  researcher -- portrayed by Harrison Ford -- who might have a cure for their children’s rare disease.

JANUARY 29

Edge of Darkness. While investigating the death of his daughter, a homicide detective discovers she led a secret life. He also suspects a cover-up is involved. Mel Gibson and Caterina Scorsone play the father and daughter.  The thriller’s cast also includes Danny Huston, Ray Winstone and Denis O’Hare.  

When in Rome.  Kristen Bell portrays a young woman unlucky in love who steals coins from a fountain of love -- and then finds herself pursued by a number of men. Josh Duhamel, Will Arnett, Dax Shepard, Jon Heder and Anjelica Huston also appear in this romantic comedy.    

DVD Releases

JANUARY 5

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Trucker

In the Loop

JANUARY 12

Big Fan

The Burning Plain

Fame

Halloween II

The Hurt Locker

Post Grad

Moon

JANUARY 19

Gamer

Pandorum

JANUARY 26

The Boys Are Back

Bright Star

Little Ashes

This Is It

Surrogates

Whip It

(Poster: Legion © 2010 Sony Pictures. All Rights Reserved.)

HAPPY NEW YEAR, MOVIE FANS!