By Eric Allen

Put on your hats and mittens, the holiday season is here, and the onslaught of movies for the season has arrived. This year’s crop has a variety of genres to please all moviegoers. Fans of romantic comedies will love “The Perfect Holiday” and thrill-seekers will line up to see “The Mist” and “Awake.” Here are some of the season’s notable choices.

Fred Claus – In Theaters

After figuring out he cannot measure up to his brother Nicholas (Paul Giamatti), Fred Claus (Vince Vaughn) spends his days working as a repo man and a thief, until his dishonest ways earn him a place in prison. Nicholas, the lovable Santa Claus, bails Fred out of jail and brings him back to the North Pole to make toys for children as an elf while making up for his past indiscretions. Will six-foot-tall Fred fit in at the North Pole? Probably not at first, which is why this movie makes a great holiday comedy. It is a Christmas version of the fish-out-of-water storyline and it’s bound to be filled with crazy comedic mishaps and tons of holiday humor. Don’t expect “Fred Claus” to showcase Oscar-worthy performances, but definitely go expecting to enjoy lots of laughs.

I’m Not There – Nov. 21 (limited release)

Six actors (Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Marcus Franklin, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger and Ben Whishaw) play the role of Bob Dylan in this highly-anticipated biographical film. It chronicles the legendary singer through various stages of his life using filming and narrative techniques that are influenced by Dylan’s songs and lyrics. The film’s title comes from the name of a song left out of The Basement Tapes and previously unavailable until the film’s soundtrack. The track sets the tone for what should be an Oscar-worthy film. The movie was highly regarded at the Toronto Film Festival, and the cast is sure to give an excellent portrayal of Dylan. It’s also the first Dylan biopic that the musician gave his blessing to.

The Mist – Nov. 21

After a violent storm rocks a small Maine town, a mysterious mist rolls in and forces the town’s residents to find shelter in the local grocery store. Little do they know that the mist is not just a freak weather phenomenon, but it actually contains mutant creatures that came to the Earth from a rift between dimensions. As the mist becomes more dangerous and menacing, the townspeople try to figure out if this unexplainable event has anything to do with military base nearby. The film is based on Steven King’s novel, and will certainly fall into the same category as his other books-turned-movies and keep audiences wanting more.

This Christmas – Nov. 21

Just like all families, the Whitfields have their problems. When the siblings come home to celebrate the holidays together after four years of being apart, more comes to the surface than just holiday cheer. Untold secrets lie hidden in the past and when the truth is revealed, it creates a potential rift among family members, played by Chris Brown, Regina King and Delroy Lindo, among others. Having already been apart for four years, the Whitfields have a history of family drama. This film follows them as they overcome their differences and disagreements. For a heartwarming holiday film, check out “This Christmas.” The tagline is “You Can’t Exchange Family,” proving it is a definite good choice for a nice family bonding session with mom and dad. It falls under the drama category, but it is sure to include some comedy, as well as a lesson about family and togetherness.

Awake – Nov. 30

“Awake,” a film about what happens when anesthesia doesn’t take full effect, will draw in the thrill-seekers. Clay (Hayden Christensen) plays a patient who undergoes heart surgery, and is conscious the entire time. His body is immobile, so the most he can do is lay there and listen to what is happening. After he overhears the surgeons plotting his death, he searches through his memories to figure out why anyone would want to kill him. He and his wife (Jessica Alba) are wrapped up in a conspiracy, but will they figure it out in time to save his life? Definitely check out this movie. The cast looks promising and the plot is riveting. No holiday warmth, but it will definitely send chills down your spine.

The Perfect Holiday – Dec. 12

Divorcee Nancy (Gabrielle Union) brings her kids to see Santa, but never expects her daughter to set events into motion that will bring her and the mall Santa together. After having heard her mom say she would like a compliment from a man this Christmas, Nancy’s daughter tells this secret to Santa as she sits on his lap. As it turns out, the mall Santa is Benjamin (Morris Chestnut), a struggling songwriter and office supply salesman who could be just what Nancy needs. “The Perfect Holiday” is sure to be this season’s must-see romantic comedy. Does Nancy ever get her compliment? Probably, because it is a romantic comedy, but never fear – there is much more in store for the Christmastime couple.

I Am Legend – Dec. 14

After a man-made virus sweeps through the world, Robert Neville (Will Smith) is the only survivor. Curiously immune to the virus, Neville has remained alone in New York City sending out radio messages to find any possible survivor for the past three years. However he is not alone, because the virus was not fatal to all. Mutant humans developed from the strange disease watch Neville constantly, waiting until the day they can kill him. Using his wits, Neville tries to find a way to reverse the virus using his own immune blood before time runs out and the mutant humans finally kill him. Part thriller, part sci-fi, “I Am Legend” looks like a great choice if you want to see an epic blockbuster this holiday season.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – Dec. 21 (limited), Jan. 11 (nationwide)

After Benjamin Barker (Johnny Depp) is released from jail, he is hell-bent on getting revenge on the judge who wrongfully locked him up and sent him to Australia. In his plot for vengeance, Barker, also known as Sweeney Todd, opens a barbershop above Mrs. Lovett’s (Helena Bohnam-Carter) meat pie shop and attempts to kill all of the people who have ever wronged him by slicing their throats when they come in for a haircut. Lovett’s meat pies have the reputation for being the worst in London, but become wildly popular after the bodies of Todd’s enemies end up mysteriously baked inside. Lovett and Sweeney Todd team up to exact revenge and get back Todd’s daughter, Joanna (Jayne Wisener), from the judge who had him deported. Director Tim Burton and Depp have proven to be an unbeatable duo for creepy, offbeat movies before and this musical film, based on the hit Broadway show, should be no exception.