I admit I go to the movies more often than most people. But let’s face it, the ticket prices are getting ridiculous for matinee showings. As much as I’d like to see two or three movies every weekend, my wallet wholeheartedly disagrees. So unless I go to Pacific Place and “accidentally” walk into another theater after the movie I paid for is over (which I would never ever do), I really have to be judicious in choosing the one movie I see each week.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, the time has come to plan out my weekly movie selections for the next month. And let me tell you, the movie studios have not made it easy. Who decided to release eight major movies in one weekend? But, after a heated debate (I talk to myself…yeah, I’m that cool), I’ve whittled my list down to four movies.

The Golden Compass — December 7

Based on the first book in Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, The Golden Compass takes place in a fantasy parallel universe (as opposed to a real parallel universe) and follows Lyra Belacqua as she is thrust into an intergalactic struggle over a powerful magical dust.

Interestingly enough, the screenplay was adapted by none other than Chris Weitz, co-director of American Pie. He would definitely be my first choice to write a children’s movie. But the early buzz on the film has been largely positive, so he seems to have cleaned up his act.

The film features Nicole Kidman as Marisa Coulter, but more importantly it also features James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellen). Magic dust, American Pie, James Bond, and Gandalf; how could I not see this movie?

The Kite Runner — December 14

Another adaptation, The Kite Runner is based on the modern classic novel by Khaled Hosseini. Assuming the screenwriter didn’t scrap the original story, the film chronicles the life of Amir, who, after living in San Francisco for many years, must return to his homeland of Afghanistan to save the son of his old friend Hassan.

I’ll give the movie studios a break on this one. It was supposed to come out in early November, but controversy in Afghanistan over a scene in the movie led to death threats towards the lead child actor. For obvious reasons, Paramount pushed the release back six weeks.

Having read the book at least five times, I’ve been anxiously awaiting this movie for some time now, though I’d be surprised if the movie could really live up to the book. On another note, the director, Marc Forster, is currently directing the next James Bond movie. That’s two James Bond connections in two movies. Coincidence? Probably.

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story — December 21

As the first rock-umentary I’ve heard of since 1984’s This Is Spinal Tap, I’m both excited and a bit skeptical. Written by Judd Apatow of Superbad fame, the film “documents” the tumultuous career of singer Dewey Cox.

With Apatow penning the script, it’s hard to imagine this movie being anything less than hilarious. But at the same time, Christopher Guest’s classic Spinal Tap set a precedent that no other mockumentary to date has lived up to. Hopefully the strong cast including John C. Reilly (The Aviator), Jenna Fischer (The Office), Paul Rudd (Anchorman), and Justin Long (Mac vs. PC Advertisements) will at least add up to an entertaining 90 minutes.

Alien vs. Predator: Requiem — December 25

How many genuinely good movies can you think of with the word vs. in the title? If the 1958 black-and-white sci-fi horror film Earth vs. the Spider came to mind, you have really bad taste in movies. More likely, however, you couldn’t think of any examples. So who approved not only another movie with the word vs. in the title, but a sequel to a movie with vs. in the title?

The film picks up where the original left off with aliens and predators fighting on earth. But now they’ve descended on a small Colorado town where the hapless residents will undoubtedly get devoured in the ensuing conflict.

To make matters, er, better for the film, AVP: Requiem was directed by Colin and Greg Strause of Nickelback music video fame (literally the extent of their careers before taking on this job). Forget Christmas dinner, I’d rather watch a movie with “slime” in its MPAA rating.