Friday’s openings: Snipers, wrestlers and bears, oh my

We're already two weeks into the new year, and that means that many of the films that have opened elsewhere — those special seven-day, Oscar-hopeful screenings in New York and L.A. — are finally arriving here in the hinterlands. Two of those films, plus a number of others — as well as a couple of Golden Globe-mentioned second runs — are on Friday's movie release schedule.

Friday's openings are as follows:

American Sniper (IMAX and regular): Clint Eastwood directed this look at Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), the man billed as "the most lethal sniper in U.S history." Expect a few flags to be waved.

Foxcatcher: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo star as the Olympic wrestling Schultz brothers (Tatum and Ruffalo) who become involved with the emotionally unstable billionaire heir John du Pont (Carell). Somebody doesn't make it to the third round. 

The Wedding Ringer: Having no one else to turn to, a shy kind of guy (Josh Gad) hires a professional wedding planner (Kevin Hart) to be his best man. Two words: Kevin Hart.

Blackhat: Michael Mann gives us this story of a hacker so devious that the government enlists the services of a genius  Internet criminal (Chris Hemsworth) to battle him. What, Edward Snowden wasn't available?

Paddington: Based on Michael Bond's popular children's-book character, this PG-rated movie follows a talking bear that finds refuge with a London family — and predictable mayhem ensues. Think of what might have happened had the family adopted Babar the elephant.

The second-run Golden Globe winners are Boyhood (Best Dramatic Motion Picture, Best Director Richard Linklater) and Whiplash (Best Supporting Actor J.K. Simmons), while Nightcrawler was a nominee (Best Actor in a Motion Picture Jake Gyllenhaal).

The good movies are still coming. So go see one. And enjoy.