This weekend's US film releases 'Daybreakers' and 'Leap Year' in the lead

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With the releases of holiday fare and Oscar candidates behind us, new films heading to the large screen in the US on January 8 include a vampire tale and some comedies -- from romantic to youthful. Some of the smaller films could break through with audiences looking for an alternative to December's blockbuster selection.

With the releases of holiday fare and Oscar candidates behind us, new films heading to the large screen in the US on January 8 include a vampire tale and some comedies - from romantic to youthful. Some of the smaller films could break through with audiences looking for an alternative to December's blockbuster selection.

Daybreakers
Set in the year 2019, a plague transforms people into vampires who farm surviving humans for blood. A researcher (Ethan Hawke) works on saving humankind from extinction. Also stars Willem Dafoe and Sam Neill, and is directed by Michael and Peter Spierig, the brothers who did the horror film Undead. This thriller takes advantage of the vampire craze with a bloodier bite.
www.daybreakersmovie.com

Leap Year
Amy Adams ( Julie & Julia) and Matthew Goode ( A Single Man) star in this romantic comedy directed by Anand Tucker (Steve Martin's Shopgirl). A woman travels to Dublin to propose to her boyfriend on leap day, February 29, in accordance with Irish tradition. Weather interferes with her plans to marry until an innkeeper comes to the rescue.
www.universalpictures.com/leapyear

Y outh in Revolt
A coming-of-age comedy starring Michael Cera ( Juno, Superbad) about Nick Twisp, who falls for a free-spirited young woman and discovers his alter ego, Francois. Based on the novel by C.D. Payne, this independent film could break through as a favorite. Starring Michael Cera ( Juno, Year One), and a fun cast including Steve Buscemi, Ray Liotta, Fred Willard, and Mary Kay Place. www.weinsteinco.com/#/film/youth_in_revolt

Wonderful World
This small dark comedy hits the big screen in limited release (after a stint as a video-on-demand) with Matthew Broderick playing an unemployed cynic, whose life changes when his roommate is suddenly hospitalized and his visiting sister moves in to his apartment. Should find fans among those not interested in the mainstream films. www.wonderfulworldfilm.com

Crazy on the Outside
A madcap comedy also in limited release about an ex-con trying to get his life and former girlfriend back. Stars Sigourney Weaver ( Avatar), Kelsey Grammer ( Fraser), Ray Liotta, and Tim Allen, who also directs.
www.crazyontheoutsidethemovie.com

RC