Mel Gibson's first film since "Passion of the Christ," "Apocalypto" chronicles the demise of the enigmatic Mayan civilization. The film is meant in large part as an allegory for all declining civilizations -- ours included. "The precursors to a civilization that's going under are the same, time and time again," said Gibson. "What's human sacrifice if not sending guys off to Iraq for no reason?"

"The Holiday," Dec. 8

The winter film season wouldn't be complete without a romantic comedy or three. Enter "The Holiday," a story of transatlantic romance by chick-flick auteur Nancy Meyers ("Something's Gotta Give") which promises to be this year's "Love Actually."

Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz are Iris and Amanda, two women separated by 6,000 miles but united by relationship ennui. The two agree to swap homes for the holiday, with Amanda moving to the English countryside and Iris to sunny L.A.

Though the switch is meant to provide a respite from romance, Amanda finds herself charmed by Iris' dashing brother Graham (Jude Law), and Iris falls for Miles (Jack Black), a quirky film composer. "Everyone has that fantasy of 'What if I lived here? How would my life be different?'" said Meyers.

"Charlotte's Web," Dec. 8

In this live-action adaptation, E.B. White's heartwarming tale of barnyard belles-lettres comes to the silver screen for the first time since the release of the classic 1973 cartoon. Directed by Gary Winick ("13 Going on 30"), "Charlotte's Web" promises to be the best family film about talking pigs since "Babe."

Though Wilbur is voiced by relative newcomer Dominic Scott Kay (Kay is 10 years old), the cast is replete with all-star talent: Steve Buscemi, Oprah Winfrey, John Cleese, Reba McEntire, Robert Redford, Cedric the Entertainer, Andre Benjamin (better known to some as Andre3000) and Kathy Bates have all lent their voices to the film, with Julia Roberts in the role of Charlotte A. Cavatica.

"Eragon," Dec. 15

When "Eragon" was published in 2003, critics raved that wunderkind author Christopher Paolini (Paolini began writing the book at age 15) had produced a legitimate rival to the Harry Potter behemoth. "Eragon" tells the story of a farm boy-turned-dragon rider who must defend his homeland against a tyrant king.

"Eragon" marks the directorial debut of Stefen Fangmeier, a special effects wizard and three-time Oscar nominee who was responsible for the visuals in such films as "Master and Commander," "Saving Private Ryan" and "Jurassic Park." The film stars Djimon Hounsou, Rachel Weisz and Jeremy Irons and introduces Edward Speleers in the role of Eragon.