What it's about: Will Bloom (Crudup) has never gotten along with his father Edward (Finney), who charms everyone with tall tales of his past exploits. Now Edward is dying, and Will pieces together the facts and fables of Edward's past in an attempt to understand the man that his father was.
Why watch it: For once, Burton uses his imagination to create beautiful, sunny dreamscapes instead of dark, disturbing ones.
Who to watch it with: Your family. It'll be a bonding experience.
"Stuck on You" starring Matt Damon, Greg Kinnear. Directed by Peter Farrelly, Bobby Farrelly. Released Dec. 10.
What it's about: Bob (Damon) and Walt (Kinnear) are an extraordinary pair of Siamese twins who excels at everything. Then Walt decides he wants to move to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career, and the hilarious trials and tribulations that come their way threaten to split the brothers apart.
Why watch it: It's going to be the "Dumb and Dumber" of the early 21st century.
Who to watch it with: Your favorite drinking buddy.
"Girl with a Pearl Earring" starring Colin Firth, Scarlett Johansson. Directed by Peter Webber. Released Dec. 12.
What it's about: Griet (Johansson), a poor teenage girl, is sent to work as a maid in the household of famous artist Johannes Vermeer (Firth). The two grow closer and she ultimately becomes the subject for one of his most celebrated works.
Why watch it: Firth can do no wrong as a romantic lead (see "Bridget Jones's Diary," "Love Actually" and the BBC's "Pride and Prejudice" miniseries for proof).
Who to watch it with: Your significant other, as a prelude to tender sex.
"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" starring Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellan. Directed by Peter Jackson. Released Dec. 17.
What it's about: In the final installment of the trilogy, the forces of good and evil fight the ultimate battle, while Frodo (Wood) continues on his trek to Mordor to destroy the One Ring.
Why watch it: You watched the first two "Lord of the Rings" movies. Why not see how it ends? Besides, this one promises more action and more drama than either of its predecessors did.
Who to watch it with: Anyone, really.
"Mona Lisa Smile" starring Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles, Maggie Gyllenhaal. Directed by Mike Newell. Released Dec. 19.
What it's about: Strong-minded Katherine Watson (Roberts) accepts a professorship at Wellesley College in 1953. When she goes there she teaches the students to challenge the status quo, to fight for moral and intellectual freedom and to live up to their potential.
Why watch it: It boasts an all-star cast. Also, if you can't watch an inspirational movie during Christmas, when can you?
Who to watch it with: A woman. Any woman.
... And the one to avoid like the plague
Yes, "Honey" stars Jessica Alba and yes, she's hot as hell. Too bad a movie actually needs more than just an attractive star to be good. Honey (Alba) is a hopeful girl "from the block," as J.Lo would say, who has a passion for hip-hop music and dance. A chance meeting at a club gives Honey a shot at her lifelong dream-to become a professional dancer and choreographer. But will she be able to handle the challenges and dilemmas that face her? The plotline sounds suspiciously similar to that of "Glitter," which begs the question, "What idiot looked at 'Glitter' and decided it would be a good idea to copy it?" Sorry, but you're going to have to change more than just the name of the character to improve on that piece of trash. -Angie J. Han