Cast: Patrick Dempsey, Amy Adams, Susan Sarandon and James Marsden

Why you should see it: It's fairy tale animation mixed with New York City edge. An evil queen (Sarandon) sends a princess (Adams) from the past into New York City 2007. After she arrives, the princess meets a handsome single father (Dempsey) who may just change her feelings about love. With a super cute story like this, what girl (whether 14 or 40) wouldn't want to see it?

Cast: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Keri Russell, Freddie Highmore, Terrence Howard and Robin Williams

Why you should see it: Escapism at its finest, August Rush does what a good holiday movie should: leave you feeling the magic of love. Rhys Meyers and Russell star as lovers separated after an extraordinary night together. Their encounter, however, produces an infant (Highmore). Orphaned by circumstance, the boy believes he can find his parents through his indescribable musical talent. Get ready for a definite tear jerker.
Box-office bottom line: During the holiday season everyone needs a movie with a touch of enchantment, and August Rush's mix of music, fantasy, and romance may just fit the bill.

Cast: Laz Alonso, Chris Brown, Columbus Short and Mekhi Phifer

Why you should see it: Who can't relate to family issues—especially during the holidays? All the Whitfield children have come home for the first time in years, and they've brought more than their luggage. Their time together causes secrets to surface, and it's not long before they all must reflect on the true meaning of family and Christmas.

Box-office bottom line: Not necessarily It's a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Story; however, This Christmas brings a whole other cup of cheer.

Cast: Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Ian McKellen and Dakota Blue Richards

Why you should see it: Based on the first book in author Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials Trilogy, this movie could be the first of three. It all begins with a girl named Lyra (Richards) who lives in an alternate universe where people's souls take on animal form. One day she overhears her uncle (Craig) discuss a particle to unite the worlds and the group wanting to destroy it. After children begin to disappear, Lyra encounters a lovely woman (Kidman) who is not what she seems. Now the young heroine must save not only her world, but ours as well.

Box-office bottom line: Despite early mixed reviews, almost everyone will be in the market for a fun fantasy film.

Cast: Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, Lisa Kudrow, Gina Gershon, Harry Connick Jr. and Kathy Bates

Why you should see it: A girls' night out can erase any holiday blues, and P.S., I Love You should raise your romantic spirits. After Holly's (Swank) husband Gerry (Butler) comes down with a serious illness, she begins feeling lonely and depressed. His eventual death takes the life right out of her, and she thinks she'll never be happy again. When a cake and tape recording from her deceased husband shows up on her 30th birthday, her mood begins to change. Apparently before Gerry died, he recorded messages to help Holly through the grieving process and assist her in the discovery of a new life.
Box-office bottom line: Hilary Swank films either hit or miss. Word-of-mouth will be the only way people see it as more than typical.