Last we heard from the prickly pen of Noah Baumbach, he had joined forces with Ben Stiller to bring us Greenberg. The chronicle of a man who resolved to do nothing, insult everyone, and miraculously seduce Greta Gerwig, as lovable grumps go it certainly pushed the envelope. What has the Baumer been up to of late? Why, reuniting with Stiller on Madagascar 3, released this week. Here’s the skinny on the alternative’s alternative to Wes Anderson.

Wondering what to fill your days with in 2012? We recommend some light viewing, considering the world will probably be over then. Here are our best and worst for next year. Prepare to be angry, then a little happy, then quite confused, and then happy again.

Frances McDormand signs up to play an animal control officer