The third entry in my year-end marathon is a toss up. The first film being considered is the Robert DeNiro-directed spy drama The Good Shepherd. This has been getting middling reviews while being almost universally criticized for being too long. It looks like a movie that I would be interested in, but the near three-hour length and the potentially dry matter has given me pause. The next film under consideration is We Are Marshall, which is also getting middling reviews. It looks like it could be good, but I am not sure I need to see another inspirational football movie after already seeing Invincible and Gridiron Gang this year; you can expand that to sports in general and include the very good Rocky Balboa in the mix. The third features an actor I never thought I would see among the leads of a romantic comedy, Jack Black. The movie is The Holiday, which also features Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Rufus Sewell.

Now, here are a few movies that I would recommend you try, if you haven't already. First is Mel Gibson's Mayan language film, Apocalypto, which is one of the best pure action movies of the year. Leonardo Dicaprio stars in his second excellent film of the season with Blood Diamond, which is a rather thrilling ride despite a few plot contrivances. The previously mentioned Rocky Balboa was a pleasant surprise, bringing big speeches and a strong performance from the aging Sly Stallone. For the families out there I would suggest seeing either Charlotte's Web or Night at the Museum. The former film is a fine, sweet natured tale of the little pig who could, and the latter is a fun night among living museum displays.

There are a few films that are opening in a few parts of the country, but none of them are around me:

• Arthur and the Invisibles
• The Dead Girl
• Factory Girl
• Fast Track
• The Flying Scotsman
• Miss Potter
• Pan's Labyrinth
• Perfume - The Story of a Murderer
• Unconscious

Normally this is where I would take wild stabs at what the top ten films will be and what their box office grosses will be. If you didn't guess, you will not be able to see them this week. With no new films opening, and the tiring holiday season, I have decided to take a little break from them, but do not fear, they will be back next week!

So, what are you seeing to finish off the year?