2006 Holiday Films

The holiday movie season is the time when studios bring out their big guns, so get ready for some serious Oscar contenders and plenty of A-list stars. Jess Cagle, assistant managing editor at People magazine and a contributor to The Early Show, gives a preview of what look to be the biggest and best.

"Deja Vu"

For those who want a little action along with their Oscar contenders this season, there's "D

"The Fountain"

Rachel Weisz and Hugh Jackman, shown here, star in this movie, which actually tells three tales from the point of view of a man who lives through hundreds of years as he seeks to redeem the woman he loves.

Release: Nov. 22, 2006

"The Nativity Story"

The perfect Christmas movie? Well, that could be "The Nativity Story," a drama about the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Keisha Castle-Hughes, seen here, plays Mary.

Release: Dec. 1, 2006

"the Holiday"

No one does romantic comedy better than writer/director Nancy Meyers. In "the Holiday," Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet star as women who swap homes and find romance. Seen here are Diaz and Jude Law. The movie also features Jack Black and Eli Wallach.

Release: Dec. 8, 2006

"Apocalypto"

Mel Gibson doesn't just make headlines. He also still makes movies. "Apocalypto," like "The Passion of the Christ," is very violent, very original, and not in English.

Release: Dec. 8, 2006

"Blood Diamond"

Leonardo DiCaprio, who already has received raves this year for "The Departed," also is getting Oscar buzz for "Blood Diamond," in which he plays a South African mercenary searching for a rare pink jewel. Here, he is seen in a scene from the movie with Dijmon Hounsou and Jennifer Connelly.

Release: Dec. 8, 2006

"Dreamgirls"

Here are Eddie Murphy, from left, Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce Knowles and Anika Noni Rose in "Dreamgirls." Only 25 years since it opened on Broadway, the musical finally comes to the big screen. It has an all-star cast (including Jamie Foxx), Oscar buzz and sequins as far as the eye can see.

Release: Dec. 15, 2006 (limited) and Dec. 25, 2006 (wide)

"The Pursuit Of Happyness"

Will Smith was nominated for an Oscar five years ago portraying Muhammad Ali. He is expected to make a return trip to the Academy Awards for playing a devoted dad in "The Pursuit of Happyness," based on a true story. Here, he is shown in a scene with his real-life son, Jaden Smith, who also plays his son in the movie.

Release: Dec. 15, 2006

"Eragon"

The mythical adventure "Eragon," a popular kids' novel about a young boy and his dragon, comes to the big screen. Seen here are Sienna Guillory as Arya, Garrett Hedlund as Murtagh and John Malkovich as King Galbatorix.

Release: Dec. 15, 2006

"Charlotte's Web"

"Charlotte's Web," the classic children's story by E.B. White, comes to life once again, with Julia Roberts providing the voice of the spider. Dakota Fanning, seen here, plays Fern, the young girl looking to help save the life of Wilbur the pig. Other voices are provided by Oprah Winfrey (Goose), John Cleese (Sheep) and Steve Buscemi (Templeton the rat).

Release: Dec. 15, 2006

"The Good German"

"The Good German" has some very good actors, including Tobey Maguire, George Clooney and Cate Blanchett (seen here). They star in this black-and-white dramatic thriller set in post-World War II Berlin.

Release: Dec. 15, 2006

"Letters From Iwo Jima"

This is the second half of Clint Eastwood's two-part look at World War II. It depicts the war from the Japanese perspective. The first half, "Flags of Our Fathers," released Oct. 20, told the story from the point of view of American soldiers.

Release: Dec. 20, 2006

"Night At The Museum"

We haven't seen Ben Stiller in a starring role for close to two years. He's coming back in "Night at the Museum," as a security guard at New York's Museum of Natural History. Some very supernatural things happen when an ancient curse brings the displays to life. Also featured are Dick Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney.

Release: Dec. 20, 2006

"The Good Shepherd"

Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie (seen here) team up for "The Good Shepherd," which was directed by Robert De Niro.

Release: Dec. 22, 2006

"We Are Marshall"

Matthew McConaughey and Matthew Fox, shown here, star as coaches in this inspirational story of what happens in a small West Virginia town when its football team is almost completely wiped out in a single plane crash.

Release: Dec. 22, 2006

"Rocky Balboa"

After 16 years, Sylvester Stallone brings his famous prize fighter out of retirement in "Rocky Balboa," the sixth (and probably final) "Rocky" movie. The cast, in addition to Stallone himself (who also directed) includes Burt Young and Milo Ventimiglia.

Release: Dec. 22, 2006

"Children Of Men"

The human race is threatened with extinction and Clive Owen (seen here with Julianne Moore) has to save it. The cast also includes Michael Caine.

Release: Dec. 25, 2006

"Notes on a Scandal"

Cate Blanchett stars in this story of a teacher who has an illicit affair with one of her students. She is seen here with Judi Dench, right, who plays her boss.

Release: Dec. 27, 2006