Moviegoers should be pleased about the lineup of theatrical releases this December. Starting out with The Nativity Story on the first of the month and ending with Dreamgirls on Christmas Day, the 2006 holiday season promises a wide variety of offerings.

The Nativity Story stars Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar-nominee for Whale Rider, as Mary -- and the movie’s cinematography by Elliot Davis looks quite thrilling in the previews.  Dreamgirls, adapted from the hit Broadway musical, will surely treat us to some terrific vocals by Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, and Anika Noni Rose as well as to another watchable performance by Jamie Foxx, who won an Oscar for Ray.

Here are other films I’m eager to watch on the big screen in December: 

Blood Diamond. Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou and Jennifer Connelly appear in this intense drama concerning the stripping of Africa’s natural resources, particularly those precious diamonds. All the fast-paced action takes place in Sierra Leone during the 1990s. (Dec. 8) 

Apocalypto. Director Mel Gibson follows his highly successful Passion of the Christ with an epic describing the end of the Mayan civilization. Judging from the trailers for this film, it will be something very different. (Dec. 8)

The Holiday. Although I’m worried about Jack Black’s miscasting here, this romantic movie goes on my must-see list because it features Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz in what should be a cute story about house-switching and finding new loves during the holiday season. (Dec. 8)

The Pursuit of Happyness. It’s definitely time for another Will Smith movie!  In this one, Smith portrays a struggling salesman trying his best to improve life for himself and his son. The misspelling of “happiness” in the title sets the tone for what kicks off the film’s plot (Dec. 15).  

Charlotte’s Web. I never miss a Dakota Fanning movie, so I’m really looking forward to the film adaptation of E.B. White’s popular children’s story about a hog named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. Fanning plays Wilbur’s helpful friend, and Julia Roberts provides the voice for Charlotte. (Dec. 15)  

The Good Shepherd.  Directed by Robert De Niro and co-starring Matt Damon as a secret agent and Angelina Jolie as his wife, this intense drama depicts the history of the CIA prior to the Bay of Pigs. (Dec. 22)

Night at the Museum. In this Ben Stiller comedy, a security guard at New York City’s Museum of Natural History finds out that exhibits come to life after the museum’s closing hours. Lots of fun for the whole family should ensue. (Dec. 22)     

Please remember that release dates are always subject to change.

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season!