Once reserved for prestige pictures vying for Oscars, the final weeks of the year have become vital for the film industry. Sure, serious cinema is still there, but there's also a renewed focus on big, bright baubles, movies that measure success in dollars rather than critical acclaim. Here's a rundown of some of the big releases scheduled between now and the end of the year.

'BEDTIME STORIES': Adam Sandler stars as a handyman who discovers that the elaborate stories he weaves for his niece and nephew are coming true. The formula comedy also stars Courteney Cox, Guy Pearce and Russell Brand. (Dec. 25)

'THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX':This animated fairy tale features an unlikely trio of heroes - a mouse, a rat and a servant girl - whose adventures explore themes of class, status and young rodents in love. It features the voices of Emma Watson, Matthew Broderick, Frank Langella and Kevin Kline. (Dec. 19)

'THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON':This adaptation of an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story stars Brad Pitt as a man who ages in reverse, exploring the 20th century as he grows younger and younger. The film also stars Cate Blanchett as the lifelong love he meets somewhere in the middle. (Dec. 25)

'THE SPIRIT'Based on the classic comic book character, The Spirit stars Gabriel Macht as a once-killed police officer who returns to clean up the streets. Samuel L. Jackson (pictured) plays his nemesis, the ominously named Octopus. The film was directed by comic book artist and author Frank Miller, who previously co-directed the adaptation of his own Sin City. (Dec. 25)

'THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL': Keanu Reeves stars as Klaatu, the saucer guy who can either save or destroy the world in this remake of the 1951 science fiction classic. Here's hoping Gort, the robot sidekick in the original, makes it for the return. "Klaatu barada nikto." (Dec. 12)

AUSTRALIA: This epic from visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrman (Moulin Rouge) stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman as an English heiress and an Outback rider who fall in love against the backdrop of World War II. Early previews show big vistas and plenty of emoting. Think Gone With the Wind Down Under. (wednesday)

FOUR CHRISTMASES: Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn star as a married couple who must visit four sets of parents on Christmas Day. What appears to be a relatively by-the-book comedy might be elevated by a talented cast that includes Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Kristin Chenoweth and Carol Kane. (NOV. 28)

MILK: This Oscar contender stars Sean Penn as Harvey Milk, a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors who was the first openly gay man elected to public office in California. The film also stars James Franco and Josh Brolin. (DEC. 5)

SEVEN POUNDS: Secrecy surrounds this drama. What's known is Will Smith stars as a man who tries to alter the lives of seven strangers in an attempt to atone for a tragic incident in his life. The movie is directed by Gabriele Muccino, who worked with Mr. Smith on The Pursuit of Happyness. (DEC. 19)

YES MAN: Jim Carrey returns to his broad comedy roots in this story of a chronic pessimist who challenges himself to say yes to everything for an entire year. Hilarity ensues. (DEC. 19)

FROST/NIXON: Frank Langella and Michael Sheen (The Queen) star as Richard Nixon and British television host David Frost in this adaptation of the critically acclaimed stage play. The story is based on the interviews conducted by Mr. Frost with the president shortly after he left office. (DEC. 25)

MARLEY & ME: Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston play a married couple who have a woefully misbehaved pup. Based on the bestselling memoir by John Grogan. (DEC. 25)

VALKYRIE: Tom Cruise stars as Col. Claus von Stauffenberg, the ringleader in a German plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler during World War II. The film, based on a true story, was directed by Bryan Singer (Superman Returns, The X-Men, The Usual Suspects). (DEC. 26)