"Holiday Movies" I Want To See

The holiday season is coming, bringing along a slew of promising, fascinating, or simply strange movie offering. Here, in the order listed, are the top 5 that I want to see the most. And no, that certain vampire movie is not in there.

1. Precious (Nov 20 expanding)

For me to put a movie with Mariah Carey in it at the top of my list - that tells you how much I am drawn to "Precious". I heard someone describe it as a "heart shredder". Ouch. But the question is, will the movie transcend the tragedy and elevate my soul? "Monster's Ball" fell short by that standard, IMHO; I'm holding out hope for this one.

2. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (Dec 25)

Is this gonna be Terry Gilliam's return to top form? The trailer looks pretty amazing, and there is no way I would miss Heath Ledger's final performance - not to mention Johnny, Colin and Jude who stepped in for him in the fantasy sequences.

3. Up in the Air (Dec 4)

From the director of "Thank You for Smoking" and "Juno", starring George Clooney in what looks like one of his most earnest roles. I don't even need to see a trailer.

4. Sherlock Holmes (Dec 25)

Guy Ritchie is hit-and-miss as a director, but having Robert Downey Jr. in such an iconic and meaty role, that's enough reason for me. Besides, it will be a nice bonus to see Rachel McAdams again!

5. A Single Man (Dec 11)

Feature debut from fashion designer Tom Ford? And it's gotten rave reviews? I'm hooked.

Honorary Mentions:

* Fantastic Mr. Fox (Nov 13)

I've always been a fan of stop-motion animation and Wes Anderson is capable of making fantastic movies. Or at least he used to.

* Nine (Dec 18)

Acting pedigree, it's got plenty. Visual feast, for sure it is. Will it be as cold and inaccessible as Rob Marshall's "Chicago" and (to a lesser extent) "Memoirs of a Geisha"? We'll see.

* Avatar (Dec 18)

Yeah, yeah, I guess it's a big deal... I suppose I will see it.

* It's Complicated (Dec 25)

A Nancy Meyers romantic comedy could be quite enjoyable, especially with Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin playing triangle.