With the release of The Golden Compass, the build to Christmas is officially on. From now through the holiday our cineplexes will be flooded with a string of big budgeted, would-be box office killers and fare targeted at separating families from large amounts of cash. Next week will bring I Am Legend, which is expected to be the hit of the season. Joining it will be the live action Alvin and the Chipmunks starring Jason Lee, and The Perfect Holiday starring Gabrielle Union, Morris Chestnut, and Queen Latifah. Other expected box office smashers include Charlie Wilson's War, National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets, and Sweeney Todd.

Also opening this week, but not near me:

• The Amateurs
• Atonement
• Dirty Laundry
• Grace is Gone
• Juno
• Looking for Cheyenne
• Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding
• The Walker

Box Office Predictions

With only one new release going wide, I wonder what will come out on top? If I get nothing else right, I will nail the number one film. That, of course, will be The Golden Compass. The only question is just how much it will manage to take in, as it will face stiff competition from Will Smith next week. The rest of the top ten will be many films jockeying for position, although I believe that Enchanted will be a lock for second place.

Here is how I think the top ten field will play out: