Opens Friday:

”;The Blind Side”;: A wealthy, white Memphis couple take in a black homeless teen who goes on to be a football prodigy. Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw and newcomer Quinton Aaron star in this adaptation of the nonfiction best-seller. (PG-13)

”;An Education”;: In the postwar, pre-Beatles London suburbs, a bright schoolgirl is torn between studying for a place at Oxford and the more exciting alternative offered to her by a charismatic older man. Carey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard star. (PG-13)

”;Planet 51”;: The alien invasion story idea gets a switch-up in this animated movie about an American astronaut who lands on a planet inhabited by little green people happily living in a world reminiscent of 1950s suburban America. Justin Long, Dwayne Johnson, Gary Oldman and John Cleese lead the voice cast. (PG)

”;Precious: Based on the Book 'Push' by Sapphire”;: Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry have signed on as co-executive producers to give some promotional oomph behind this powerful drama that won both the Grand Jury and Audience prizes at this past Sundance Film Festival. Opening nationwide this weekend, it's the story of an obese Harlem teenager who struggles with illiteracy, a second unwanted pregnancy (by her father) and a dangerous home life due to her violent mother. Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe and veteran comedian Mo'Nique, playing Precious and her mother respectively, are getting Oscar buzz for their performances. Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd and Lenny Kravitz co-star in this film from director Lee Daniels. (R)

”;The Twilight Saga: New Moon”;: In the sequel to the popular vampire romantic horror movie—this time with werewolves!—Bella Swan delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of, only to find herself in greater peril than before. Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner are the pretty and broody main actors. (PG-13)