This weekend's film releases in the US: Denzel Washington in 'The Book of Eli'

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Another post-apocalyptic tale -- the hot theme of recent blockbusters -- heads to the US box office the weekend of January 15 to do battle with Avatar, while a retired spy faces an old nemesis. Also, a couple film fest darlings include the story of a British teen facing life's changes and an Australian boy's return home.

Another post-apocalyptic tale - the hot theme of recent blockbusters - heads to the US box office the weekend of January 15 to do battle with Avatar, while a retired spy faces an old nemesis. Also, a couple film fest darlings include the story of a British teen facing life's changes and an Australian boy's return home.

The Book of Eli
A lone man fights his way across a desolate world, trying to protect a sacred text from a despot, with hopes of unlocking the secret to saving mankind. Stars Denzel Washington ( The Taking of Pelham 123, Training Day) and Gary Oldman ( The Dark Knight, Harry Potter movies). Directed by the Hughes brothers, Allen and Albert, ( American Gangster), teaming with Denzel again, this action-adventure is the only contender to beat out Avatar.

The Spy Next Door
Jackie Chan stars in this action comedy, playing a former CIA spy on a personal assignment - to win over his girlfriend's kids. But when one of them downloads a top-secret formula, his nemesis, a Russian terrorist, suddenly appears. Also stars Billy Ray Cyrus (Miley's dad, the country singer) and comedian George Lopez.

Fish Tank
The most honored British film of the year, this independent film focuses on a 15-year-old girl whose world changes with her mother's new boyfriend. Directed and written by Andrea Arnold who took the Jury Prize at Cannes. Features Michael Fassbender ( Inglorious Basterds) and newscomer Katie Jarvis.

Bran Nue Dae (Brand New Day)
An uplifting musical road movie, set in Australia 1965, tells of an Aboriginal boy's travels home after escaping from boarding school. Enjoyed at the Toronto and Melbourne film fests, it stars Geoffrey Rush ( Shine, Pirates of the Caribbean). It opens on January 14 in limited release.

The Lovely Bones
The Peter Jackson film, based on the bestselling novel by Alice Sebold, about a murdered girl watching over her family - and murderer. Stars Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, and Stanley Tucci. It opens wide in North America after its limited release for Oscar consideration.

http://thebookofeli.warnerbros.com/
www.thespynextdoorfilm.com
www.ifcfilms.com/films/ifc-in-theaters/fish-tank
www.brannuedaemovie.com
www.lovelybones.com

RC