We are about to head into peak movie-going holiday madness. There will be big names and big budget films coming into the cinema for our year-end viewing pleasure.

Let’s hope this week’s offerings fare better than last’s…

New Years Eve claimed the top stop at the box office but it was still a pretty meager opening, taking in around $13 million–nothing compared to its $56 million budget.

The Sitter pulled in only $9 million. Both movies were poorly received by critics, but we didn’t think The Sitter was too bad if you’re into R-rated humor.

We’re here to let you know what’s new this weekend.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows

Many people have gripes with Robert Downey Jr’s take on the character of Holmes. Still, the first Sherlock Holmes (2009) was a fun, clever movie or that RDJ and Jude Law (Dr. Watson) had great on-screen chemistry.

In this sequel the duo take on Holmes’ classic nemesis Professor Moriarty, with Noomi Rapace (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) joining their ranks. We’ve heard this movie is just as entertaining as the first with the same interesting direction by Guy Ritchie. Should be worth a look.

Every action movie lately seems either related to superheros, aliens, or both. We kind of think it’s time for a well-done spy/action movie to enjoy on the big screen (even IMAX-big if you have a few dollars to spare).

It also doesn’t hurt that it’s rocking an unexpectedly impressive 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.  In 42 lucky theaters they are even showing a 6-minute Dark Knight Rises trailer before M:I, but alas you won’t find one in Baltimore.

Young Adult

We had the chance to catch this movie before it got a wider release this weekend. In this film, Charlize Theron gives an excellent performance as Mavis, a young adult fiction author, who decides to return to her hometown and attempt to win back her high school sweetheart, Buddy  (Patrick Wilson), who’s now a husband and father.

While she’s back in her small Minnesota town she runs into Patton Oswalt’s character who she was never friends with in high school due to their very different social circles. They forman unlikely comradery as he urges her to not continue with her twisted plan.

Mavis has some issues–she’s stuck in her mindset of being the homecoming queen, has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, and is generally an unfriendly, unhappy person. The movie is directed by Jason Reitman (Juno, Up In The Air) and written by a noticeably toned down Diablo Cody (Juno, Jennifer’s Body).

Cody’s voice is more mature with less of her trademark lingo. While watching this movie it was seemingly enjoyable, but by the time the credits rolled something was definitely missing in Mavis’ story arc.

It has some wicked humor, mostly based around Mavis’ blunt and at times harsh interactions. Oswalt fans will see a more serious side of him, but should be pleased with his performance. While this film isn’t bad, it’s certainly not everyone’s cup of tea and might be better suited for a watch at home.