In my family, we have a lot of traditions during the holidays. Put up lots of Christmas lights. Overspend on presents. And burn the dinner rolls.
But my favorite each year is our Christmas Eve custom. We head to the big town for dinner and a movie.
We’ve seen some very good — and very bad — films in carrying out this tradition. Some holiday movie seasons deserve a lump of coal.
But this year’s Christmas lineup promises to be more flat-screen TV than coal. And it has a little something for everyone.
For husbands/boyfriends while the wives/girlfriends shop
“Armored,” an action-thriller starring Matt Dillion and Laurence Fishburne as armored transport workers who pull off a heist against their own company. The newbie in the group has reservations. His co-workers aren’t happy about that. Release date: Friday.
For those with “family issues”
“Everybody’s Fine,” a family drama starring Robert De Niro as a father who hopes to reconnect with his kids by dropping by for the holidays. Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale and Sam Rockwell play his offspring. Release date: Friday
For those with bigger “family issues”
“Brothers,” a remake of a Danish film about a woman who turns to her brother-in-law for comfort when her soldier husband is reported dead. Only he’s not. And he comes home. Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire star. Release date: Friday
For awards watchers
“Up in the Air,” a Jason Reitman comedy starring George Clooney as a corporate downsizer that was just named the best film of 2009 by the National Board of Review. Release date: Friday
“Invictus,” a Clint Eastwood drama set in 1990s South Africa. Morgan Freeman stars as Nelson Mandela, who urges the national rugby team to win the World Cup to bring the country together. Matt Damon portrays a member of the team. Release date: Dec. 11
For little girls too young for “Twilight”
“The Princess and the Frog,” the latest hand-drawn animated release from Disney, featuring the company’s first black princess. Release date: Dec. 11
For little boys who could care less about mushy vampires
“Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel,” with the Chipettes! Release date: Dec. 23
For movie geeks bumming over a lackluster summer
“Avatar,” James Cameron’s masterpiece in 3-D. Sure to thrill the fanboys, but unlikely to reach “Titanic” heights. Release date: Dec. 18
For book lovers
“The Lovely Bones,” an adaptation of Alice Sebold’s daring novel, which is narrated by a murdered child. Peter Jackson directs Saoirse Ronan, Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz. Release date: Dec. 25
For all the world — except Moriarty
“Sherlock Holmes,” but not the Sherlock Holmes you know. Guy Ritchie directs Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law as Holmes and his sidekick Watson in what’s sure to be my favorite movie of the season. Release date: Dec. 25
Contact Heather Bremer at 640-4867 or heather.bremer@heraldbulletin.com.
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