Counting down the final days of a year of desperately disappointing Hollywood fare, it becomes surprisingly difficult to pinpoint a film that has involved any genuine originality and merit to the motion picture community. Which is surprising, because so many promised so much and delivered so poorly: "Everything is Illuminated" and "Cinderella Man," for instance, stand particularly guilty.

For those not in the habit of frequenting film festivals and scouring international releases, fear not. For this year is not quite the write-off it's threatened to be-imagine major studio executives pocketing payment for shoddy product with a grin. A few gems in the usual holiday bonanza of films look to redeem 11 months of (mostly) rubbish. Here, for your convenience, we have picked four movies which should be worth that seven bucks or so. This is unless, of course, you happen to think "Cry Wolf" an unqualified masterpiece.

"Memoirs of a Geisha" stars Ziyi Zhang, Ken Watanabe, Michelle Yeoh and Kôji Yakusho.* Directed by Rob Marshall. Opens Dec. 9.

Watch it because: You want to see how the wildly popular novel by Arthur Golden translates onto the silver screen. With "Chicago" helmsman Marshall putting this together, keep an eye out for a spectacular dance number by Zhang. This adaptation of the story of a stunning geisha's ascension in her world and the tumult that World War II brings to it is perhaps the least sure-footed in this quartet of recommendations. Look beyond the casting of Chinese actresses in Japanese roles, and you might just be fascinated a second time.

"King Kong" stars Naomi Watts, Jack Black and Adrien Brody. Directed by Peter Jackson. Opens Dec. 14.

Watch it because: It's an enormous ape fighting dinosaurs and clinging against all laws of physics onto the Empire State Building. After "Lord of the Rings" and the golden statuette, Jackson returns to remake one of the most beloved oldies for cinematic posterity. Just the trailer alone should make your mouth water. With breathtaking visuals, a meticulously selected cast and a director with a sensitivity for grandeur, we should all want to see Ann Darrow subdue and introduce King Kong to New York in full color.

"Munich" stars Eric Bana, Daniel Craig and Geoffrey Rush. Directed by Steven Spielberg. Opens Dec. 23.

Watch it because: The name Spielberg suggests quality. If that is insufficient reason, perhaps the incendiary passions fuelling a contemporary issue will inform events 23 years ago. After the murder of 11 Israeli athletes by a Palestinian terrorist organization at the 1972 Munich Olympics, Mossad agents (one of whom Bana plays) are sent to exact justice. In Spielberg's words (from the only statement released on the film so far), experience "how the implacable resolve of these men to succeed in their mission slowly gave way to troubling doubts about what they were doing." "Munich" is a weighty one.

"Match Point" stars Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Emily Mortimer and Matthew Goode. Directed by Woody Allen. Opens Dec. 28 in Los Angeles and New York, and Jan. 20 widescreen.

Watch it because: Woody Allen appears to have recaptured some of his brilliance. Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival to critical praise, "Match Point" trumpets the dominance of luck in life. Be disturbed how little control you have over yours as you watch one man face a decision between two girls that, in reality, may not be his to make. Ambition and sexual obsession clash wickedly in this wrencher. You'll probably not find another offering this winter to match this for emotional depth.

*"Memoirs" contains a distinctly local touch, as Zoe Weizenbaum, student at The Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School, plays Young Pumpkin in the movie. The character, an apprentice geisha, is protagonist Sayuri's rival in the geishas' competition for clients.