This Christmas Movie season starts to heat up.  This week Tom Cruise is back, Charlize Theron needs to act her age, and DAMN DIRTY APES.

These are the movies that will be released on Friday December, 16th 2011
Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of ShadowsRated PG-13

Sherlock Homes and Dr. Watson (Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law) reunite to fight the villainous Professor Moriarty (Jarred Harris).  I didn’t have high hopes for the last movie.  Fortunately Director Guy Ritchie and the cast exceeded my expectations.  I look for more of the same with A Game Of Shadows but this time there might be more room for mystery.

Verdict - This will be an enjoyable time at the theater.  But I am not chomping at the bit to see it.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol Rated PG-13

After a IMF mission goes bat crazy in Russia, the US President disavows the entire IMF division except for Tom Cruise and a couple of other guys.  It is up to those guys to save the world.  I had a conversation with a friend recently about the Mission Impossible movies.  I like them.  I do not think any of the sequels have been as good as the originals but they keep on making me come back for more.  And oh yeah the first 6 minutes of The Dark Knight Rises at selected IMAX theaters.

Verdict - Should be interesting but I would drive to hell and back for new Batman

Alvin and The Chimpmunks: Chipwrecked - Rated G

The Chipmunks and the Chipettes go on a cruise.  They cause mischief and mayhem.  Then they shipwrecked on a deserted island.  I had a long drawn out rant about how bad this looks but then I remember my youth.  Specifically 1987’s Chipmunk adventures where the Chipmunks and Chipettes go on a round the world balloon race.  So I will be quite.

Verdict - Looks like more of the same so if you have kids that liked the last two then i have an idea on how to kill 90 minutes.

Young Adult - Rated R

Charlize Theron stars as a writer of teen literature who goes home to try to get her high school sweetheart.  This is brought to you by the writer and director of Juno.  No when Diablo Cody writes anything I kind of yawn (blame Jessica’s Body) but when Jason Reitman is involved my expectations soar.  This should be hilarious and touching.

Verdict - I wasn’t too interested in this until I heard of director Jason Reitman’s involvement.  Now I need to find a lady and make my move.

Box Office Top 5 Movies In The Country
1. New Years Eve – Rated PG-13
2. The Sitter – Rated R
3. Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 – Rated PG-13
4. The Muppets – Rated PG
5. Arthur Christmas – Rated PG

New Year’s Eve took #1? Ok I will roll with that.  But I am ashamed of those of you who went and encouraged the makers of The Sitter to continue with their current career paths by paying to see their movie. For shame.

Still In Theatres
The Descendants – Rated R, Happy Feet 2 – Rated PG, Hugo – Rated PG, Immortals (2011) – Rated R,Jack And Jill – Rated PG.  J.Edgar– Rated R, Like Crazy – Rated PG-13, Puss in Boots (2011) – Rated PG, Tower Heist – Rated PG-13, A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas – Rated R

These are the movies released on DVD Tuesday, December, 13th 2011
Kung Fu Panda 2 - Rated PG

Jack Black is back for more Panda fighting and this time we learn about his pass.  Kids loved it.  Adults tolerated it.  Its good for the entire family.

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes - Rated PG-13

See what events lead to the earth being ruled by DAMN DIRTY APES.  This is good and will lead to more.  Which is good because I am beginning to believe that Andy Serkis can only get work playing giant monkeys and Gollum.

Fright Night (2011) - Rated R

Colin Farrell is a vampire and Anton Yelchin wants to kill him.  Thankfully Colin Farrell is neither sparkly or emo.  Given the cast this should be fun and entertaining.

Next week Daniel Craig hangs out with some tattooed chick. a classic French comic book character tries to make a impact in America, and one of my top ten movies from 2011 is on DVD.
Credit – IMDB.com, Boxofficemojo.com, &Yahoo!Movies.com