The 2012 Sundance Film Festival films were announced recently. And while the list of those that made it looks interesting, Sundance may not have the star power of previous seasons. Several movies that were anticipated simply vanished and didn’t make the cut. One that I thought might have a Sundance start, Lawrence Kasdan’s “Darling Companion,” with Diane Keaton and Kevin Kline, is instead opening the Santa Barbara Film Festival on January 26th. Also missing: Penn Badgley as Jeff Buckley in “Greetings from Tim Buckley.” I know the people who made that film thought they were heading to Sundance. Oscar nominated director/writer Terry George has a lovely film with “Whole Lotta Sole.” Somehow, it didn’t make the cut. A natural for Sundance, Walter Salles‘s “On the Road,” was not even mentioned. And the James Franco-(John) Carter art film collaboration, “Maladies.” also is MIA. I had heard it was supposed to go into the New Frontiers section, but there was a snafu. And still, weirdly, nowhere despite a lot of interest: Darryl Roodt‘s “Winnie” with Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard; and Geoffrey Fletcher’s “Violet and Daisy,” with Alexis Bliedel and Saorise Ronan. I’ve actually seen the latter, and it seemed like it was prfect for Sundance. It’s very hip and fun. There were probably more than just these films. If you know of more, please don’t hesitate to comment at bottom.