Holiday Film Frenzy

Sometimes too much decking the halls makes you want to deck your fat uncle who has incessantly been humming “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” … in your ear. What to do when the winter holidays bring a little too much togetherness? Well, escape to the movies, of course! Here’s a small sampling of what to look forward to over the holidays. (Tip: Don’t sit next to your uncle in the theater.)

December 10, 2010: The Tourist

Starring: Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp

The Premise: Escaping the States after heartbreak, Frank (Depp) comes across the path of beautiful, breathtaking Elise (Jolie). The two embark on a dangerous whirlwind adventure while pursuing a potential romance.

The Prediction: Sounds cheesier than late-night nachos. Having said that, it is going to be a feast for the eyes. Still, you could always save your money and watch Pirates of the Caribbean and Tomb Raider instead.

December 17, 2010: Yogi Bear

Starring (the voices of): Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake, Anna Faris

The Premise: Yogi Bear (Aykroyd) is back in this animated flick with some serious vocal star power. When a greedy mayor threatens to shut down Jellystone Park, Yogi and his pals must work to save their home.

The Prediction: Maybe a good flick to see with those snotty-nosed little cousins that are visiting for the holidays. But remaking a cartoon classic? Risky. Remember 2002’s Scooby Doo? Didn’t think so.

December 22, 2010: Little Fockers

Starring: Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Jessica Alba, Dennis Hoffman, Barbra Streisand

The Premise: When the whole Meet the Parents gang reunites for a big birthday bash, Greg (Stiller) must prove himself all over again to Jack (De Niro) in hopes of becoming the family’s next patriarch.

The Prediction: Parents was amazing. Fockers was atrocious. You’ve got to see Little Fockers just to fulfill your curiosity. And to watch your grandmother squirm in her seat at the dirty jokes. Ha!

December 25, 2010: True Grit

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin

The Premise: When 14-year-old girl’s father is murdered in cold blood, she is determined to hunt down the killer (Brolin) with the help of a grizzled U.S. Marshal (Bridges). They pursue the criminal in hopes of getting to him before a Texas Ranger (Damon) who is also on the prowl.

The Prediction: Expected to pack more thrills than Christmas night when you were 6. The cast is awesome, the plot is intriguing and, hey, it gives you yet another thing to look forward to on Christmas Day -- in addition to your 12th ugly sweater! Thanks, auntie dearest.