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6) Music and Lyrics

Hugh Grant stars as a washed-up pop singer from the 1980s. But in a sign that he still has *it, after a run-in with one of the current leading ladies of the pop world, she asks him to write a song so that they can sing a duet together. He has just a few days to do it though, and he ends up getting help from an eccentric young woman, played by Drew Barrymore. You can guess what happen from there, I think. Otherwise, well, it wouldn't be a romantic comedy opening on Valentine's Day! In a sign that this may well have been written for Sandra Bullock (instead of Barrymore?), the movie's writer is Marc Lawrence, whose resume includes Forces of Nature, Miss Congeniality (and its sequel), and Two Weeks Notice. Grant, of course, is a veteran of the romantic comedy genre with many adoring fans. Assuming that it is actually a half-decent movie, Music and Lyrics has the makings of being a solid winter hit.

Opening weekend: $16 million.

7) Bridge to Terabithia

I'll admit: I've never even heard of this story. But apparently it is a very popular, and award-winning, children's fantasy novel. Go see it.

Opening weekend: $14 million.

8) Breach

Breach is based on the real-life story of FBI agent Robert Hanssen. You might recognize that name. He was arrested in 2001 and later convicted on charges of treason. Over some two decades he spied for the Soviet Union / Russia by selling U.S. intelligence secrets. In the film Chris Cooper stars as Hanssen and Ryan Philippe is Eric O'Neill, a junior agent who works for him. It becomes a game of cat and mouse as Hanssen gradually realizes that O'Neill was picked to watch him because the agency was starting to get suspicious of the traitor. We know what the end result is, so the key will be how well director Billy Ray (Shattered Glass) can make it new and thrilling. On paper Breach sounds pretty good and looks to be one of the few decent adult dramas of the season.

Opening weekend: $12 million.

9) Because I Said So

The tagline is "She's just your normal, overprotective, overbearing, over-the-top mother." Diane Keaton stars as a mother with two very successful (and married) daughters. And a third, younger daughter (Mandy Moore) whose crime is that she isn't yet married. Hilarity ensues. Be warned, however, that early reviews for the movie have been scathing.

Opening weekend: $11 million.

10) The Astronaut Farmer

I don't think I like the rather bland title, but The Astronaut Farmer, starring versatile actor Billy Bob Thornton sounds like a pretty good family movie. He stars as a man with a dream of going to space and being an astronaut. With his family's help, and despite financial difficulties and the government trying to stop him, he builds his own rocket. The very reputable cast also includes Virginia Madsen (who has two movies opening the same day), Tim Blake Nelson, Bruce Dern, and character actor J.K. Simmons. The marketing campaign isn't terribly impressive, so word-of-mouth will likely make or break this one.

Opening weekend: $7 million.

Just Under the Radar

Amazing Grace

Ioan Gruffudd (Reed Richards in the Fantastic Four) stars as William Wilberforce, a leader of the anti-slavery movement in England during the 18th century.

Black Snake Moan

Samuel L. Jackson stars in this Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow) film as an old blues musician who takes in a trashy white girl (Christina Ricci) and tries to help her with all her problems.

The Lives of Others

In this award-winning German film, set during the waning years of the former East Germany, a playwright tries to gain favor with the party establishment by snitching on his lover, an actress.

* Please note that all opening weekend estimates are preliminary and do not account for final screen counts.

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