In the month of December, when kids are off from school and parents take off from work, one of the things to do during the holidays is go see a mope, or maybe two. In the same month, the year’s best family oriented comedies, as well as films that would become front runners for the Academy Awards and other film recognitions are released. But what’s coming out in the following weeks?

In the science fiction/fantasy corner, we have “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” Based on the novel by C.S. Lewis, four siblings enter a door that travels them to a fantasy world filled with elves, dwarfs and giants. “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” graces theaters on Dec. 9.

Let’s move on to the action genre. “King Kong,” need I say more? Master storyteller Peter Jackson expands his vision and CGI technology in this highly anticipated remake. A filmmaker (Jack Black), his leading lady (Naomi Watts), and a group of explorers travel to a remote island where a mythological monster lives. “King Kong” invades theaters on Dec. 14.

If independent films are more of your taste, go see “Brokeback Mountain,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger. Directed by Ang Lee, same director as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” and ”Brokeback Mountain” is about two cowboys that fall in love, but deal with the consequences of having a homosexual relationship. We’ve recently seen more independent films being recognized, this would be no exception.

If you’re into comedies, “Fun with Dick and Jane” has great potential. Starring Jim Carrey and Tèa Leoni in a 1977 remake, where as a married couple, commit robberies to pay the bills. “Fun with Dick and Jane” hits theaters on Dec. 21.

For the drama and romance crowd, “Memoirs of a Geisha” is the obvious choice. Geishas are females trained at a young age to dance, act and sing to entertain wealthy men. Ziyi Zhang plays the geisha where she falls in love with a powerful and wealthy man (Ken Watanabe). I predict Oscar nominations for Zhang and Watanabe. Already released, “Memoirs of a Geisha” expands into a wider release on Dec. 23.

For the straight forward drama fans, Steven Spielberg’s “Munich” looks promising. Based on the 1972 Munich Olympics, where 11 Israeli athletes were killed, authorities are assigned to find the suspected 11 Palestinians involved. “Munich” stars Eric Bana and cruises into theaters Dec. 23.

If a battle epic as well as drama is your cup of tea, check out “The New World.” Directed by Terrence Malick, “The New World” is about the explorer John Smith (Colin Farrell), who travels to America and encounters Native Americans where differences erupt into warfare. Hopefully, Farrell will shed away his “Alexander” debacle. “The New World” explodes into theaters on Christmas day.

My recommendations are based on the film trailers I’ve viewed, interviews by the filmmakers, the filmmakers past reputations, promotional materials, and aspects of the films (special effects, storyline, etc.) that make them stand out. To see the trailers and view other media, visit each film’s respective website.