3. Hugo

This adaptation of the best-selling novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, seems an odd choice for director Martin Scorsese. It concerns a young boy who lives in a Paris train station. He sets out to solve a mystery involving his late father and a robot he invented. That the director is using 3-D effects in the film adds even more intrigue to the project. (Nov. 23)

4. The Muppets

Rescued a few years back by Disney Studios, Jim Henson’s Muppets finally return to the big screen for the first time since 1996. Here they must reunite in order to stop a heartless oil executive (Chris Cooper) who wants to drill for black gold under the Muppets’ beloved theater. Self-professed Muppet maniac Jason Segel co-wrote the script and stars in the film with Amy Adam, Rashida Jones and a bevy of guest stars. (Nov. 23)

5. New Year’s Eve

The folks who brought you last year’s Valentine’s Day present another tale of intersecting stories that focus on various romantic couples, some of them holdovers from the previous film, and how they handle the second most romantic night of the year. An all-star cast features Robert De Niro, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Biel, Michelle Pfeiffer and Hilary Swank, among many others. (Dec. 9)

6. The Sitter

Jonah Hill stars as a college student on suspension who decides to earn a few extra bucks by babysitting the kids next door. He’s unprepared for the mayhem that ensues and we’ll be left wondering how this Adventures in Babysitting retread made it to the big screen. (Dec. 9)

7. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Gary Oldman stars as George Smiley, John le Carre’s master spy, who’s charged with ferreting out a suspected Russian mole who’s infiltrated the ranks of MI6. This adaptation of the classic novel features an award-worthy turn from Oldman, who’s ably supported by Colin Firth. Tom Hardy, Toby Jones, Mark Strong and John Hurt. (Dec. 9)