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Going to the movies on Christmas Day is usually thought of as a tradition for Jews, or anybody else not celebrating the holiday who's got the day off. But really, no matter how you're spending the holiday, there's probably going to be a time that you want to get out of the house and away from the family or friends you've gathered with-- or maybe you want to take them with you, but just get to a place where you don't have to talk to them much.
That's where movies come in handy, of course, and this Christmas season is as packed as ever with new releases that ought to appeal to everyone in your crowd. Some of them are holdovers from Thanksgiving, and you can consult our Thanksgiving movie guide for the rundown on those films like Life of Pi, Lincoln, Skyfall and all the rest. For the stuff that's new, read below as we let you know what they're all about (with links to our reviews were applicable), and who you should bring to see them. See you at the movies!
When everyone's ready for a good cry, but is also emotionally stable enough to handle it: Les Miserables
Week after week of "Will it win Best Picture? Is it worthy of Best Picture?" buzz has drowned out the fact that it's exactly as crowd-pleasing and epic as the musical it's based on, and if anyone in your family has even been caught humming "Master of the House" while doing their chores, they're probably already planning to drag you there.
Best for: Families with at least one theater geek passionate enough to convince everyone to see a musical, dammit. Kind of like that time you all saw… The King's Speech in 2010, because you heard it had Oscar buzz and knew everyone would at least sort of like it. [ OUR LES MISERABLES REVIEW ]
That's where movies come in handy, of course, and this Christmas season is as packed as ever with new releases that ought to appeal to everyone in your crowd. Some of them are holdovers from Thanksgiving, and you can consult our Thanksgiving movie guide for the rundown on those films like Life of Pi, Lincoln, Skyfall and all the rest. For the stuff that's new, read below as we let you know what they're all about (with links to our reviews were applicable), and who you should bring to see them. See you at the movies!

Best for: Families with at least one theater geek passionate enough to convince everyone to see a musical, dammit. Kind of like that time you all saw… The King's Speech in 2010, because you heard it had Oscar buzz and knew everyone would at least sort of like it. [ OUR LES MISERABLES REVIEW ]

Best for: Actually, maybe it's best to just slip off and see this one by yourself. Kind of like that time you all saw… Munich in 2005, and wanted a revenge tale with a little more blood and less historical accuracy. [ OUR DJANGO REVIEW ]

Best for: That uncle, cousin, dad, or whoever is a big fan of the Lee Child books-- there's guaranteed to be at least one in your family. . Kind of like that time you all saw… Vanilla Sky in 2001, and wished Cruise would just get on with it and kick some ass. [ OUR JACK REACHER REVIEW ]

Best for: Adults ready for some uncomfortable silences in the car ride home. Kind of like that time you all saw… Spanglish in 2004, and mentally edited Adam Sandler out of it. [ OUR THIS IS 40 REVIEW ]

Best for: Your mom. And maybe your siblings, if you can form a united front in not getting talked into a road trip of your own. Kind of like that time you all saw… It's Complicated in 2010, but wished there were fewer awkward sex scenes involving Alec Baldwin. [ OUR GUILT TRIP REVIEW ]

Best for: Major government wonks who aren't going to go into it with a political agenda. Kind of like that time you all saw… There Will Be Blood in 2007, and wanted the person who got killed at the end to be an actual person, and preferably a notorious terrorist. [ OUR ZERO DARK THIRTY REVIEW ]

Best for: People getting nowhere near an ocean any time soon. Kind of like that time you all saw… Marley and Me in 2008, except instead of just one dog dying at the end, thousands of people die. [ OUR THE IMPOSSIBLE REVIEW ]

Best for: Kids, and major Pixar fanatics. Kind of like that time you all saw… Well, Monsters Inc., which opened in November of 2001.

Best for: Everyone who doesn't mind a little Elvish and talk of Orcrist the Goblin Cleaver. Kind of like that time you all saw… Fellowship of the Ring in 2001, mostly, since the plots of the movies are essentially the same. [ OUR HOBBIT REVIEW ]