So what if holiday cheer appears to be lacking in many of this year’s December movie offerings? We still have the opportunity to see excellent actors strut their stuff in a wide variety of films, some even worthy of Oscar consideration. The December 2008 release schedule is listed below, but don’t forget that all dates are subject to change.   

DECEMBER 5:

Cadillac Records. This dramatic musical follows the rise of such legends as Muddy Waters, Etta James and Chuck Berry. Beyonce Knowles, Jeffrey Wright, Mos Def and Cedric the Entertainer appear in key roles here. 

Frost/Nixon. Michael Sheen and Frank Langella portray the title characters in this dramatization of the story behind those famous -- or infamous -- television interviews. 

Punisher: War Zone. In this action thriller, Frank Castle faces a deadly enemy as he continues to fight against crime. Ray Stevenson steps into The Punisher role and Dominic West plays the villainous Jigsaw.    

Nobel Son. Alan Rickman stars in this dramedy about a Nobel prizewinner and his son who’s trying to finish his Ph. D. When the son, played by Bryan Greenberg, gets kidnapped, his father refuses to pay the ransom. With a monster dad like this, the son needs no enemies. I’m betting Rickman steals the show here. It’s the kind of role he does so well.

DECEMBER 10:

The Reader. A war-crime trial takes center stage in this thriller/romance co-starring Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes.

Wendy and Lucy. Michelle Williams plays a woman whose car breaks down on the way to a job. Dire economic problems result -- plus her dog is taken to the pound. Bummer!

DECEMBER 12:

Doubt. Will Meryl Streep win an Oscar for her performance here? She already has quite a collection of golden statuettes, so don't bet against it. Streep plays a nun who suspects a priest, portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman, of abusing a student. 

Nothing Like the Holidays. A Puerto Rican family may be celebrating their last Christmas together in this seasonal dramedy starring John Leguizamo, Debra Messing, Alfred Molino, Freddy Rodriguez and Vanessa Ferlito.

The Day the Earth Stood Still. In this remake of the popular sci-fi film, Keanu Reeves takes over the Michael Rennie role of an alien who brings a dire warning to warlike factions on earth.

Delgo. An adventurous teenager and his friends must save the world in this animated fantasy featuring the voice talents of Freddie Prinze Jr., Val Kilmer, Anne Bancroft, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Eric Idle, Kelly Ripa, Michael Clarke Duncan and Cris Kattan.   

DECEMBER 17:

The Wrestler.  Mickey Rourke is Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a retired professional wrestler, who wants to get back in the game. Lots of Oscar buzz for this one.

Gran Torino. Clint Eastwood directs and stars in this drama about a Korean War vet trying to reform the teenager who stole his car. 

DECEMBER 19:

Seven Pounds. An emotional drama starring Will Smith as a guilt-ridden man who sets out to help seven strangers. We can usually count on Smith for a cinematic gift during the holidays.

The Tale of Despereaux. Is it a crime to be too cute? If so, Despereaux, a darling mouse with huge ears, may be guilty of that offense. The movie’s charming trailers will probably entice youngsters everywhere, resulting in big box office numbers for this animated fantasy.  

The Brothers Bloom.  Fans of films about con men should put this one on their must-see list. Mark Ruffalo and Adrien Brody play brothers who plan to engage in one last con while showing a beautiful heiress, portrayed by Rachel Weiss, a wonderful time.  

Yes Man. Jim Carrey carries saying “Yes” to comic extremes in this comedy directed by Peyton Reed. Zooey Deschanel co-stars. 

Nothing But the Truth. When a reporter, played by Kate Beckinsale, refuses to reveal her source of information for a story, she’s sent to jail in this political drama helmed by Rod Lure. Alan Alda, David Schwimmer, Noah Wylie and Matt Dillon are also on board.  

DECEMBER 25:

Bedtime Stories. How would you react if stories you tell children start coming to life? That’s Adam Sandler’s predicament in this special-effects driven comedy. It looks like fun! 

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Brad Pitt’s title character ages backwards in this unique film. Cast also includes Tilda Swinton, Cate Blanchett, Elias Koteas, Elle Fanning and Julia Ormond.  

The Spirit. Another masked crusader appears on our multiplex screens! This time it’s Gabriel Macht as a cop back from the dead who takes up the cause of fighting the forces of evil. Samuel L. Jackson plays the villain, plus Scarlett Johansson adds her beauty and talent to the role of “Silken Floss.” 

Marley & Me. This comedy should entertain youngsters and adults alike with its tale of a family learning important life lessons from an unruly canine. Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson co-star.

Valkyrie. Tom Cruise stars in this thriller -- based on actual events -- about the German plot to assassinate Hitler during World War II.

DECEMBER 26:

Last Chance Harvey. This love story features Dustin Hoffman as a lonely man whose romantic spirits are boosted when a new woman, portrayed by Emma Thompson, comes into his life.  

Revolutionary Road. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet play a married couple of the 1950s in this film adaptation of Robert Yate’s popular novel. Can these two find happiness amid all their struggles and lost dreams?  If not, they'll still be fascinating to watch.