Holiday Films Draw Oscar Handicappers

Jess Cagle Goes Through Top Releases, And Some Oscar Odds

(CBS)  The holiday season is always one of Hollywood's busiest -- when the studios bring out their big guns, Oscar contenders, and lots of "A--list" stars.

On The Early Show Monday, entertainment contributor and People magazine Assistant Managing Editor Jess Cagle previewed the movies and stars that will decorate your local multiplex in coming weeks:

Charlie Wilson's War
Tom Hanks plus Julia Roberts plus legendary director Mike Nichols equal a whole lot of Oscar buzz for "Charlie Wilson's War," a drama based on the true story of a Texas congressman who backs the Afghan rebels fight against Russia in the 1980s.

I Am Legend
What if you were the last human on earth? Will Smith finds out in this apocalyptic thriller.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets
Nicholas Cage returns as treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates in the sequel
"National Treasure: Book of Secrets." This time, he's trying to clear the name of his great-great grandfather, who's accused of being a conspirator in Abraham Lincoln's assassination.

The Bucket List
Oscar-winners Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman play cancer patients hoping to live life to the fullest before they kick the bucket in this dark comedy.

The Great Debaters
Two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington stars in and directs this drama, set in the 1930s. It also stars Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker.

Juno
A pregnant teenager sets out to find the perfect parents to adopt her child in this very quirky little comedy that's been getting some of the year's best buzz.

Atonement
Keira Knightley stars in the big-screen version of the acclaimed novel "Atonement," about a woman whose life is ripped apart by her sister's false accusations.

P.S. I Love You
Hilary Swank has won two Oscars for very serious roles. Now, she's giving romantic comedy a try in the bittersweeet "P.S. I Love You."

Alvin and the Chipmunks
For the kids, and nostalgic adults, there's "Alvin and the Chipmunks -- The Movie"

The Golden Compass
On a much larger scale, "The Golden Compass" launches the "His Dark Materials" franchise. Based on the fantasy novel trilogy by Philip Pullman and starring Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman.

Enchanted
In "Enchanted," an animated Disney princess gets a few shocks when she ends up in modern-day New York. It stars Amy Adams and McDreamy himself, Patrick Dempsey. And yes, still, there are some musical numbers!

Sweeney Todd
Johnny Depp, always full of surprises, stars in this macabre musical, directed by Tim Burton. Yes, you will hear Depp break into song as the demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Also, Judd Apatow brings us his latest, "Walk Hard: the Dewey Cox Story."

And Daniel Day-Lewis is getting serious Oscar buzz for "There Will be Blood."

Cagle says one movie already out, "American Gangster," starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, is drawing lots of Oscar interest. And "Atonement" seems to be another one to beat.

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