The highlights of the month include films from Iran, an adult look at married life, an early movie by the criminally underrated director Todd Haynes, and what is billed as the “best Nazi zombie movie ever.”

Ryan Gosling and Michele Williams star as a married couple in trouble in the film BLUE VALENTINE

By Justin Marble.

Princess Bride and Young Frankenstein. At the Brattle Theatre, January 6. It’s not often that viewers are treated to two cinematic classics in one night. First up is The Princess Bride, Rob Reiner’s silly fairy tale about a brave stable boy who saves his true love from the clutches of the evil Prince Humperdink. And second is perhaps Mel Brooks’ masterpiece, Young Frankenstein starring Gene Wilder as the mad doctor. Have fun storming the castle!

Blue Valentine. At Kendall Square, January 7. This hyperrealist film from Derek Cianfrance focuses on the roller-coaster relationship of a couple portrayed by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. The film has garnered early buzz for its depiction of how love changes as complications are introduced. If nothing else, it should serve as a great vehicle for two extremely talented actors.

Poison. At the Brattle Theatre, January 7–10. This sophomore offering from criminally underrated director Todd Haynes (Safe, I’m Not There) weaves together three startlingly different tales entitled “Hero,” “Horror,” and “Homo” into one dark, psycho-sexual film. The Brattle has obtained a new 35mm print, so fans of the director or those looking for a thoroughly alternative night at the movies should check it out.

Dead Snow. At the Coolidge Corner Theatre, January 14–15. The Coolidge’s website claims this is “the best Nazi zombie movie ever made.” We report, you decide. Shows at midnight on both nights.

Don't eat the DEAD SNOW—the best Nazi zombie movie ever?

The Boston Festival of Films from Iran. At the Museum of Fine Arts, January 14–29. While this festival lacks heavy hitters like Jafar Panahi and Abbas Kiarostami, it presents a smattering of films from the burgeoning film scene in Iran. In a country famous for the restrictions placed upon its filmmakers, it should be interesting to discover how the films address issues of politics and society.

(Some of) The Best of 2010. At the Brattle Theatre, January 21–31. With 2010 in the books, it’s a good time to reflect on the year in film and catch up on any movies that might have slipped past. Still haven’t seen Inception on the big screen? Miss Winter’s Bone? Couldn’t find a theatre playing Marwencol? This is your chance to take in the films that everyone’s been talking about.

Critic and filmmaker Gerald Peary

For the Love of Movies. At the Harvard Film Archive, January 29. Gerald Peary’s documentary For the Love of Movies examines the cinematic phenomenon from the perspective of the critics. The film provides a history of American film criticism, zeroing in on heavy hitters like Pauline Kael and Andrew Sarris while also discussing the future of criticism (spoiler: some of the latter is right here on The Arts Fuse). This screening features Mr. Peary in person, so those who are interested in discussing the role of the critics should mark the date on their calenders.