You've got the feel-good holiday movies, usually released right before Thanksgiving to capitalize on people's need to get away from their families and into the comfort of a darkened theater.
And there is the usual slew of serious dramas and arty flicks, aimed at snatching up Oscars come February.

Here's what November has in store:

"American Gangster"
(Nov. 2)
Denzel Washington plays a bad-ass drug dealer who rose to power in the 1970s and Russell Crowe is the cop who brings him to justice and then becomes his friend. Ridley Scott ("Gladiator") directs. My crystal ball tells me this one is a hit.

"Martian Child"
(Nov. 2)
In this heartfelt comedy-drama, John Cusack plays a man trying to rebuild his life after his wife's death. He adopts a young boy (Bobby Coleman) who believes he is a Martian. Joan Cusack is in the film (shockingly, as John's sister!) so at least it has that going for it.

"Bee Movie"
(Nov. 2)
Jerry Seinfeld goes from being in a hit TV show to doing voice work as a bee. Well, if Woody Allen can play an ant ... Seinfeld is Barry B. Benson, a bee who doesn't like his sole career choice of making honey. When he develops a relationship with a florist (Renee Zellweger), he discovers people eat honey and he decides to file a lawsuit against all humans.

"Lions for Lambs"
(Nov. 9)
With a cast that includes Tom Cruise, Robert Redford and Meryl Streep, you would think this has Oscar written all over it. And you'd probably be right. But are moviegoers tiring of Iraq War-inspired political movies? This one is about a politician, a lawyer and a journalist investigating the case of two injured soldiers in Afghanistan.

"Fred Claus"
(Nov. 9)
In the tradition of "Elf" and "Bad Santa," here comes another raunchy holiday movie. Vince Vaughn plays the screw-up brother of Santa Claus (Paul Giamatti) who is forced to move back home before the holidays. Advance word on this is that it is not even in the same ballpark as "Elf," and that Giamatti looks embarrassed to be involved.

"Beowulf"
(Nov. 16)
Did anyone have to read this poem by an anonymous writer in high school? Well, I was forced to read it in honors English class, and let me tell you, I wasn't hoping for a movie version. Apparently, graphic novel genius Neil Gaiman cowrote the screenplay, which makes this somewhat more promising.

"Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" (Nov. 16)
Dustin Hoffman plays the eccentric, 243-year-old owner of the most fantastic toy shop in the world. When he leaves the shop to his shy store manager, played by Natalie Portman, a villain appears to take over the store.

"August Rush"
(Nov. 21)
A young musical genius, played by "Finding Neverland's" Freddy Highmore, is aided by a stranger, played by Robin Williams, in his quest to find his parents. Salem connection alert! Salem's own Dave Metger did the orchestration on the movie's musical score.