What to Watch on IFC in January 2009

By Joanna Varikos on 12/31/2008

How is it already 2009? It seems the entire year was shorter than "The Hottie and the Nottie"'s run at the box office. Okay, no dwelling. Rather, IFC is ringing in the new year with some of the finest filmmaking indies have to offer in the form of ruthless, lowdown and dirty criminals. Beginning at 7:30AM Eastern/Pacific on January 1st, we're rolling out the big guns with "Confidence," featuring Dustin Hoffman, über hottie Rachel Weisz and Ed Burns as a conman looking to pull off his biggest heist yet. Then, check out the consummate Coen brothers gangster film "Miller's Crossing" as well as "State of Grace," featuring a stellar performance from Sean Penn. Plus, if you haven't seen Mickey Rourke in "The Wrestler" yet, go!...right after watching him in "The Pope of Greenwich Village," airing on IFC New Year's Day. Also wreaking havoc: Quentin Tarantino's cult hit "Reservoir Dogs," and rapper DMX in "Never Die Alone."

If you think the holiday events are over come January 1st, don't miss your chance to attend our Winter Kills Party. This unmissable gala includes IFC's premiere of "American Psycho," featuring Christian Bale as a disturbed yuppie who commits freakish acts of violence, and spawned some of the most infamous scenes in indie film. Other attendees include "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer," horror classic "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre"and "Coffin Joe: Strange Hostel of Naked Pleasures." Strange, indeed. You're invited January 29th, 8PM Eastern/Pacific sharp. Don't be late; you really, really don't want to upset the hosts.

And, it's what you've been waiting for: an all new season of "The Whitest Kids U' Know." Ye-essssss! The comedy troupe returns with new sketches, new antics but they're still the same ole' white kids. Catch them in the Automat every Tuesday beginning January 27th at 10PM Eastern/Pacific.

PREMIERES TO LOOK FOR:

• AMERICAN PSYCHO Batman wasn't the first role in which Christian Bale played someone leading a double life. In this film, he created an iconic character in Patrick Bateman -- a crazed, psychopathic killer by night/wealthy businessman by day. Cast also features Reese Witherspoon, Chlöe Sevigny and Jared Leto. Premieres Wednesday, January 14th @ 8PM Eastern/Pacific.
• BULLET After his release from prison, Butch "Bullet" Stein takes to his old habits of drugs and crime, but not without consequences. "Bullet" is another film this month you can catch featuring Mickey Rourke, alongside Oscar-winner Adrien Brody and the late Tupac Shakur. Premieres Monday, January 26th @ Midnight.
• VENUS Two aging actors fearful for the end of their careers and lives meet a young twenty-something beauty who changes the shape of things. Legendary actor Peter O'Toole stars. Premieres Monday, January 26th @ 6:30PM Eastern/Pacific.
• WASSUP ROCKERS Larry Clark ("Kids", "Bully") taps into the teen lifestyle once again with this film about a group of skaters from South Central who head to Hollywood and stir up trouble after hanging with local rich girls. Premieres Monday, January 5th @ 8PM Eastern/Pacific.
• FLAKES Indie darling Zooey Deschanel stars in this flick about restaurant owners that specialize in serving cereal to a resident hip crowd, and find themselves pitted against a business that steals their concept. Premieres Friday, January 23rd @ 6:30PM Eastern/Pacific.
• DUANE HOPWOOD A divorced father tries to get his life back together after running into trouble because of his problem with substance abuse. Featuring David Schwimmer and Jeanine Garofalo. Premieres Thursday, January 15th @ 6:30PM Eastern/Pacific.