Plot: This is the true story of controversial professor Melvin Tolson (Denzel Washington) and his attempt to take the newly formed African-American Wiley College Texas debate team to elite status. Through their struggles, they are invited to battle the national champions, Harvard. Who’s it for: Anyone needing or wanting further education on what life was life, especially in the South, during the 1930s. Plus, when Washington joins with Forest Whitaker in a film, it’s bound to draw an audience.

Expectations: Washington can act, and he’s directing his second film here (his first being 2002’s “Antoine Fisher”). Plus, I was very curious to see how debate was structured in the 1930s.

SCORECARD Actors: Denzel Washington as Melvin Tolson: For Washington, this is a controlled performance, much more

Plot: A young widow (Hilary Swank) loses that one in a million love, but her dead husband (Gerard Butler) has left numerous letters behind to help her get on with her life. Who’s it for: Women. But this treads some tricky ground. If you’ve recently lost someone, this film isn’t really about recovering, but more about not letting go.

Expectations: Hilary Swank has proved herself as a powerful actress, but a romantic comedy … actually, I don’t know if this is just a drama or can be considered a comedy. Anyway, I had my worries.

SCORECARD Actors: Hilary Swank as Holly: Swank’s job isn’t so much as to pull on our heartstrings, but instead to slowly pluck them, never letting us forget she’s mourning. Holly doesn’t

Plot: Dominic (Tim Roth) is an old professor of linguistics. When he is struck by lightning, his youth is somehow restored. Nazi scientists are interested, and Dominic must go on the run. He then encounters a woman who reminds him of his lost love, and he must choose between his life’s work and love. Who’s it for: To whom shall I recommend this film? I’m not sure. If you see everything, and want to see something original (and confusing/rambling) then this is for you.

Expectations: Francis Ford Coppola has directed “The Godfather” and “Jack.” It’s best not to have expectations anymore. I was intrigued with Tim Roth, whose last great role came in 1995 with “Rob Roy.”

SCORECARD Actors: Tim Roth as Dominic: Roth is able

Plot: This is the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathieu Amalric), a successful editor of French Elle. A horrific stroke leaves his mind intact but his entire body paralyzed. He finds hope with his memories and imagination, attempting to make something of his new state. Who’s it for: This is a fantastic art-house film. It’s in subtitles (French), so you must be willing to read and handle the exploration of life after a severe stroke.

Expectations: I thought nothing of this film when I first heard of it. But then a fellow critic said it might be his favorite film of 2007.

SCORECARD Actors: Mathieu Amalric as Jean-Dominique Bauby: Most of the film is through the one working eye of Jean-Dominique. So when the film goes

Plot: Wendy (Laura Linney) and Jon (Philip Seymour Hoffman) are siblings who find themselves removed from their self-centered lives in an attempt to deal with their ailing father. The two must look beyond themselves as they deal with putting their dad in a home. Who’s it for: “The Savages” seems perfect for adults who have had to deal with putting one of their parents in a home. I can’t imagine a younger crowd will be drawn to this film.

Expectations: With a title like “The Savages,” I was expected some brilliantly uncomfortable moments between two great actors in Linney and Hoffman.

SCORECARD Actors: Laura Linney as Wendy Savage: Wendy has an affair, lies about her job, and criticizes her brother Jon on his life choices. This

Plot: By the team that brought you the comedy “Talladega Nights” comes the story of singer Dewey Cox (John C. Reilly), who leads a hard life, has ups and downs trying to survive in the music industry, and reinvents himself many times over. Who’s it for: If you like your comedy wacky and without boundaries, you will definitely have fun with this film. It’s definitely not for the kids though, with sex, drugs and violence being the center of the jokes.

Expectations: I really liked “Walk the Line” and “Ray” and as soon as I heard about “Walk Hard” I thought this could be a great satire. Plus, giving John C. Reilly his first starring role with Judd Apatow (“Knocked Up”) as the screenwriter, I

Plot: This musical gets the big-screen adaptation from director Tim Burton. Sweeney Todd (Johnny Depp) is a highly trained barber who was wrongly imprisoned by Judge Turpin (Alan Rickman). He comes back to town, seeking revenge and gets help from Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter) and her meat pie shop. Who’s it for: It’s definitely a musical, so be prepared to sit through numerous numbers. Less than half are of the upbeat variety.

Expectations: I never saw a production of “Sweeney Todd,” but I knew the gist of the story. I was more curious to see if Depp could sing and if this really was a dark musical.

SCORECARD Actors: Johnny Depp as Sweeney Todd: Todd’s main goal is to remain angry the entire time. Depp

Plot: Based on a true story, Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) has a Houston socialite (Julia Roberts) push him toward helping Afghanistan, in their attempt to win their war with the Soviets. Wilson ends up traveling around the world trying to get this done with the help of CIA agent Gust Avrakotos (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Who’s it for: You will enjoy this film if you’re a fan of Hanks, Hoffman, Roberts, director Mike Nichols or screenwriter Aaron Sorkin. In other words, it will be tough not to find something to enjoy.

Expectations: I, um, randomly was watching “Oprah” one day and Hanks and Roberts were pimping the film. When a big cast gets together you always hope for the best (“The Departed”) and prepare

Plot: Based on Ian McEwan’s 2002 heartbreaking novel, this is a story of 13-year-old Briony accusing her sister (Kiera Knightley) and lover (James McAvoy) of a crime they didn’t commit. Things spiral beyond Briony’s control when World War II affects everyone in unforeseen ways. Who’s it for: This is a film about societal classes and a privileged little girl pushing too far. The romance feels real between Knightley and McAvoy and there is a bit of heartbreak.

Expectations: Ideally, I was thinking this is a film I wanted to watch with my wife. Potentially heartbreaking/romantic.

SCORECARD Actors: Kiera Knightley as Cecilia Tallis: Knightley seems at her best when working with director Joe Wright. They were together for her nominated performance in “Pride & Prejudice.” The absolute

Plot: The chipmunks get the CGI/live-action treatment, in this update. Songwriter Dave Seville (Jason Lee) is down on his luck, until he takes in three singing chipmunks. Led by Alvin, they get into constant trouble as they become pop sensations. Who’s it for: Adults will hopefully get to steer clear. Only briefly does the film tap into the history of this franchise.

Expectations: I was a little nervous, but then again I have seen every episode of the ’80s animated TV show, and the film “The Chipmunk Adventure” was my first solo experience in the movie theater.

SCORECARD Actors: Jason Lee as Dave Seville: Lee has been able to play the likeable, simple Earl on the sitcom “My Name is Earl” to perfection. Yet, all that talent is

Plot: Stanley Phillips’ (John Cusack) wife is killed serving in Iraq. He then takes his two daughters on a spontaneous road trip trying to overcome his grief and finding the strength to tell his daughters what has happened to their mom. Who’s it for: This film is for anyone dealing with Iraq on a personal level. There will be the occasional tear-jerking moment.

Expectations: Cusack is one of those actors I am always rooting for. Unfortunately, it seems he is rarely in a film that delivers. With a title like “Grace is Gone,” it’s obvious what is coming. Plus, both girls in the film are from Chicago, so it’s got that going for it, which is nice.

SCORECARD Actors: John Cusack as Stanley Phillips: Cusack walks

Plot: Based on the best-seller by author Khaled Hosseini, a lifelong bond between two Middle Eastern boys gets thrown into turmoil after a kite-fighting tournament. Years later Amir (Khalid Abdalla) is an author in California, and heads back to Afghanistan to help his old friend and his friend’s son. Who’s it for: Anyone who read the book will want to see this adaptation. The other audience should come from people wanting to expand their knowledge of other cultures.

Expectations: My mom loved the book. I don’t know if this helped or hurt, but I am typically drawn to learning anything about the Middle East, especially if it can be captured in an entertaining film.

SCORECARD Actors: Khalid Abdalla as Amir: Abdalla plays the adult Amir, an

Plot: Juno (Ellen Page) is an offbeat teenager who has an unplanned pregnancy. She makes the difficult decision to look for adoptive parents and finds Mark (Jason Bateman) and Vanessa (Jennifer Garner). Who’s it for: If you want a feel-good, off-beat film, this is for you. Ellen Page’s performance reminded me of Jason Schwartzman’s debut in “Rushmore.”

Expectations: There was definite buzz that “Juno” would be this year’s “Little Miss Sunshine.” High expectations are rarely good, but it helped that I had never seen a preview before watching the film, so the best parts weren’t repeats for me.

SCORECARD Actors: Ellen Page as Juno: Wow. Page is a force on the screen. She finds the ability to act much older than she is while not coming