Holiday Movie Guide

Which Holiday Movie Will Take Harry Potter's Box Office Crown?

by Dave Rogers November 16, 2008

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," the sixth installment of the hugely successful film franchise, was originally scheduled to open this Friday. But in August, the release date was pushed back by the studio to next July, leaving a big gap in the holiday season.

So if it seems like the movie choices this winter have gone to the dogs in the absence of Mr. Potter, it's not your imagination. With two family-friendly dog flicks, a quartet of zoo escapees, a bug-eyed hamster, and a plucky mouse on the slate, animals have a lock on the holidays. But who has the legs to take best in show?

With Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria back in "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" (now showing), it may be no contest. Buoyed by monster momentum from the original release and a reprise of its celebrity-fueled, rapid-fire repartee, "Mad 2" dominated the box office at release. As the 800-pound gorilla of family holiday fare, it's the probable heir to Harry's throne.

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"Bolt," the season's first dog film, bolts into theaters this Friday. Something of a 21st century riff on the Disney classic, "The Incredible Journey," "Bolt" follows a TV superhero dog in a cross-country quest to be reunited with his beloved owner (voiced by tween queen Miley Cyrus). But can Bolt's determination restore the luster to tarnished Disney Feature Animation and capture the holiday box office?

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With its swashbuckling mouse, rich narrative and gorgeous animation, Universal's "The Tale of Despereaux" (December 19) is our sentimental choice for best holiday family film. With its late opening and medieval French setting, however, it's unlikely to overcome the "Mad 2" steamroller, despite its award-winning pedigree and all-star voice talent.

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Like a surprising gift from an eccentric relative, "Bedtime Stories" (Disney, December 25), features funnyman Adam Sandler in a family-friendly performance as a down-on-his-luck handyman. Pressed into service as babysitter for his sister's kids (and their pop-eyed hamster "Bugsy"), his life takes a wild U-turn when his wacky bedtime stories begin coming true. Look for a strong box office, but probably not enough to make Disney's holiday dreams come true.

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That leaves the remaining canine caper, "Marley and Me" (Fox, December 25), the rare live-action family film with a chance to take top holiday honors. With America's sweetheart Jennifer Aniston and funnyman Owen Wilson sharing the lead with a rambunctious yellow Lab, there's something here for Dad, Mom and the kids. That may be an unbeatable combination during those lazy days before the New Year.

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