New year, new resolutions… kinda. I saw a video on Instagram Reels that suggested creating a ‘resolution bingo card’ instead of a single, large resolution like ‘lose 30 pounds’. The thinking is that if you come up with 24 (because we still give ourselves a free space) bitesize goals for the coming year, you’re much more likely to actually stick with trying to attain them. And when October and November roll around, while many folks have long forgotten what their resolution even was, you can still work towards getting a bingo for the year.

In that spirit, I put a few squares on my 2025 bingo related to writing out these recommendation posts (as well as some other goals surrounding In Praise of Folly) every month, and I hope that will help me keep them coming. So, in just under the wire, here are January’s recommendations for new films! (If you missed it, here is my 2024 catch up post.)

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl – Limited Release, December 18th, 2024 and Netflix, January 3rd

The dynamic duo returns in Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. A direct sequel to The Wrong Trousers, the villainous penguin Feathers McGraw returns to seek revenge on our favorite inventor and doggo. Expect the usual blend of clever humor and charming stop-motion animation that Aardman Animations is known for. You can read my review here.

Better Man – Theaters, January 10th

Dive into the wild and whimsical world of Robbie Williams with Better Man. ‘Robbie Williams who?’ comes the average American response. Unimportant. Directed by Michael Gracey, this biographical musical features Williams as a CGI-animated chimpanzee, reflecting his self-perception. It’s a unique take on the traditional musical biopic, filled with humor, heart, and some of Robbie’s greatest hits.

Star Trek: Section 31 – Paramount Plus, January 24th

Oscar winning Michelle Yeoh reprises her role as Philippa Georgiou in Paramounts first foray into feature length Star Trek content Star Trek: Section 31. This film explores the darker side of Starfleet, with Georgiou joining a secret division tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets. It’s a thrilling addition to the Star Trek universe, promising intrigue and action.

Love Me – Theaters, January 31st

In a month of bizarre movie premises, this last one still stands out. Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun star in Love Me, a post-apocalyptic romance where a space buoy and a satellite fall in love after the end of human civilization. Directed by Sam and Andy Zuchero, this film offers a unique and imaginative take on love and identity in a world mediated by technology.

I hope you enjoy these recommendations for January movies and get out to the theater if you can!