A Christmas Carol, The Fourth Kind, The Box, Men Who Stare At Goats, This Is It, A Serious Man

Summary: Film Geek Central returns with a look at six new films at the multiplex. First, we look at A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Whoah! Hold on! Christmas?!? We're still knee-deep in Halloween candy over here! Regardless, this Jim Carrey feature is the newest motion capture film from the folks who brought you POLAR EXPRESS and BEOWULF. THE FOURTH KIND is the type of film we've seen surprisingly little of - alien abduction. It's allegedly based on a true story and the trailer brilliantly incorporated documented evidence, dramatic re-enactment and fourth wall-breaking narration from Milla Jovovich. Let's hope the film delivers on that promise. THE BOX is based on a story by Richard Matheson (I AM LEGEND, THE TWILIGHT ZONE, so many others) and directed by Richard Kelly (DONNIE DARKO). In this one, a couple gets a box with a single red button. If they push the button, their financial troubles disappear but someone out in the world will die. THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS continues George Clooney's trend of picking quirky, out there projects. Based loosely on the CIA's experimentation with psychic soldiers during the Cold War, it co-stars Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey. MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT repurposes rehearsal footage from his never realized tour in a two hour love letter to the fans. This one has gotten considerable buzz as a monument to the celebrated but controversial performer. Finally, A SERIOUS MAN is the newest film from the Coen Brothers. Taking place in a Jewish community circa 1967, it follows a professor as he deals with personal problems surrounding his family. This one finds the Coens firmly in quirky dramatic comedy territory with a more ecclectic cast than usual. All this plus film news and our DVD Picks of the Week. Hope to see you there, Film Geeks!