In the midst of heavy traffic and fruitcake, Hollywood sends us the gift of some amazing movies.

This December we see Harrison Ford in a drama, Frank Miller's noir approach back in theaters, Clint Eastwood getting angry and a twist of Nazis to wrap up the year. Oscar fans, may your popcorn be fresh and buttery. It's going to be a long month.

December 5

"FROST/NIXON" – A chess game between a TV personality and a resigned and exiled Richard Nixon. Ron Howard is at the helm with a great cast for the semi-biopic. This is one to watch.

December 12

"THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL" – This movie is worth watching just to see if Keanu Reeves can sneak in a "Whoa." Reeves stars as an alien that is discovered and then summarily chased by Jennifer Connelly.

December 17

"GRAN TORINO" – Nothing says Oscar like Clint Eastwood starring as a racist, pissed-off old man. This is Eastwood's first film appearance since "Million Dollar Baby."

December 19

"THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX" – Based on the children's award-winning book by Kate Dicamillo, this animated film looks to delight children this holiday season. With Dustin Hoffman and Emma Watson in the leads, mom and dad may enjoy themselves, too.

"YES MAN" – Jim Carrey is giving us a much-needed comedic break from the drama-dominated December movies. Carrey stars as a stuck-up man who changes his life by challenging himself to say "yes" to everything for an entire year. Will I be seeing this movie? Yes!

DECEMBER 25, 2008

"BEDTIME STORIES" – No, Adam Sandler. Don't do Disney movies. And what the heck is Russell Brand doing here? The world will implode if these R-rated comedians can deliver a decent family-friendly flick.

"THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON" – This film follows the life of Benjamin Button, a boy who ages backwards. Brad Pitt stars in the movie, with Tilda Swinton and Cate Blanchett backing him up.

"MARLEY AND ME" – A tale of a husband and wife and their neurotic dog, Marley. Count on Owen Wilson chasing said dog around and Jennifer Aniston looking stunning.

"REVOLUTIONARY ROAD" – Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio reunite in this flick by Sam Mendes. Instead of riding a boat that crashes into a big iceberg, the two tackle a 1950s relationship.

"VALKYRIE" – Tom Cruise stars as a German soldiers who hatches a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Director and producer Bryan Singer seems to have a fascination with Nazis; he also brought us "Apt Pupil."

December 31

"DEFIANCE" – Here's the second "Let's not forget Hitler was evil" movie of the month. Instead of attacking Hitler directly, James Bond (Daniel Craig) builds a civilization for rescued Jews.