Going to a movie is like taking a mini-vacation. For a few hours you are transported by a story, most often far afield from the reality of an ordinary Tuesday.  Movies are one of my favorite story forms and the month of November heralds not only the “holidays” but the chance to catch more than a few good moments inside a darkened theatre.

It doesn’t take a genius to understand the marketing strategy involved in planning big movie releases around holidays. Extra time means box-office profits. For our family, going to a long awaited movie has become part of our holiday tradition.  It’s one way we celebrate the extra down time.

This started back in the early marriage days when visiting my in-laws in Denver. We’d be loitering over another of the incredible holiday meals prepared by Todd’s mother when the notion would hit and we’d jump in the car and race to a theater.  It was just fun. Thus, a tradition was born and we’ve been racing to the movies in some fashion ever since.

Going en masse is fun, but I also love to sneak away by myself to watch something I know no one else will be interested in. These are usually my favorites.

After spending way too much time on YouTube the other day, here are 7 movies on my radar for the end of 2013.  I doubt if I’ll see them all, but at least this year it looks like we’ve got options.

Guess what? Glory of glories, all 7 are book adaptations or have literary roots. Out of all movies, this is my genre of choice. I’m visual and as I read its like a movie is playing in my head. It’s the draw of  fiction for me and the reason for the saying “The book is always better than the movie.” When a movie comes out based on a book, I can’t help but watch just to see if it matches or surpasses my imagination. The verdict is still out on the following:

Book Thief – November 8 – I started the book but couldn’t get into it. So many seem to love this book and I wish I’d finished it now. I’ll probably have to rent it since we live in a small one theatre town. The trailer looks good and it’s got Geoffrey Rush to give it some weight.

Hunger Games: Catching Fire – November 22 – What can I say? Don’t judge.

Frozen – November 27 – Walt Disney’s animated film inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen.  There is usually one holiday movie that the adults have to”take one for the team” so everyone  can be in one theatre at once. This movie actually looks entertaining for all ages.

The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug – December 13 –  I do not care about reviews. I do not care about opinions. I love Hobbits and dwarves and adventures and I seriously wouldn’t mind if they drug this book out to 8 films. Top of the list this year! “It never ceases to amaze me, the courage of Hobbits.” Even the trailer is quotable.

Saving Mr. Banks – December 13 –  Here is the official summary…”Inspired by true events, ‘Saving Mr. Banks’ is the extraordinary, untold story of how Disney’s classic ‘Mary Poppins’ made it to the screen—and the testy relationship that the legendary Walt Disney had with author P.L. Travers that almost derailed it.” Two Reasons to add this to your must see list: 1. Great storyline. 2. Tom Hanks as Walt Disney. This could possibly eclipse Bilbo and a dragon.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – December 25 –  Ben Stiller stars in this James Thurber short story adaptation. This looks weird. And perfect for the dead week between Christmas and New Years. By myself of course. Monsters and Men in the soundtrack only adds to the lure.

The Invisible Woman – December 25 (NY, LA) –  This is the wild card of the bunch and I highly doubt it gets released anywhere near southeast Kansas. But I had to include it because, I mean its Charles Dickens and a secret affair scandal. Who knew? Actually, I have a certain friend who happens to be a Dickens expert who might have known.  Can’t wait to hear what you think Ang! Stars Ralph Fiennes and Kristen Scott Thomas.

Happy Holidays and pass the popcorn!