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Ready to ring in the New Year with a few movies to watch at home? I've got some fresh picks for you — and more than one is perfect for a good scare!

Paranormal Activity

If you're anything like me, then you might have been intrigued, but too terrified to see Paranormal Activity in theaters. Now that it's on DVD, perhaps you'll feel braver about checking out the Blair Witch Project-esque film that features "lost" footage of a couple as they are tormented by other-worldly elements in their home. The movie had one of the most successful viral marketing campaigns of all time earlier this year, so it might be worth checking out just to finally see for yourself what all your friends have been talking about.

DVD extras include an alternate ending and a downloadable digital copy of the film.

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See two more releases when you read more

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a press release today, announcing that 20 films have been submitted for Best Animated Film consideration at this year's Oscars. This means there could be five movies competing at the awards show in March. (In the history of the category, there have typically been only three.) So who is up for the honor?

Some are obvious choices. Up, for example, comes as no surprise thanks to its huge accolades. I also think Coraline stands a chance, as well as Fantastic Mr. Fox (look for my review on Friday!). But Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel seems like a long shot — even though it hasn't hit theaters yet, so I'm just making an early prediction. (Sorry, Alvin.)

With 10 movies in the Best Picture category, I wouldn't be surprised if some of these films end up with more than one nomination. Check out the full list of animated film contenders, and tell me which you think is most deserving of an Oscar when you read more

Guess people still haven't tired of seeing Tyler Perry in a grandma frock! His latest film in the Madea saga, I Can Do Bad All by Myself, took the box office crown with an estimated $24 million this weekend. Second place went to 9, which raked in $10 million. Rounding out the rest of the top five were Inglourious Basterds, All About Steve, and the box office winner of the past two weeks, The Final Destination.

As for the other new films that debuted? Most of you said that you were going to pass on Sorority Row, and the masses seem to agree — the film came in at No. 6 with only $5.2 million. Whiteout starring Kate Beckinsale trailed at No. 7 with $5.1 million.

Photo courtesy of Lionsgate

I was a bit apprehensive about going to see 9, because it didn't look like your typical animated movie. However, the buzz on it has been huge (the short film on which it's based was Academy Award nominated), and Tim Burton is one of the producers, so I figured it had to be twisted good fun to get his stamp of approval.

Directed by first-time feature film director, Shane Acker, the film opens with our robot hero, 9, in the workshop of his scientist creator — who has just died on the floor after completing his final invention. Like I said, this isn't your typical cutesy cartoon. 9 is a sad-looking underdog with a burlap bag for a body that's reminiscent of a child's sock puppet. Upon entering the world, he soon realizes that it's a bleak, postapocalyptic wasteland where humans have been wiped out by destructive machines.

A cautionary tale about the dangers of science gone too far, perhaps?

For more about the film, including my thoughts, read more