Opening this week are Richard Kelly's "The Box" with Cameron Diaz; "A Christmas Carol" with Jim Carrey; "The Men Who Stare at Goats" with George Clooney; and "The Fourth Kind" with Milla Jovovich.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (with JIM CARREY)

Synopsis: Ebenezer Scrooge begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk and his cheery nephew. But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it's too late.

First thoughts: I just saw this one today, and although I am not allowed yet to post my entire review, let me just say that I wasn't all disappointed. The film boasts some awesome visuals. Review will be posted early Friday, so come back.

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THE BOX (with Cameron Diaz)

Synopsis: Norma and Arthur Lewis are a suburban couple with a young child who receive an anonymous gift bearing fatal and irrevocable consequences. A simple wooden box, it promises to deliver its owner $1 million with the press of a button. However, pressing this button will simultaneously cause the death of another human being somewhere in the world...someone they don't know.

First thoughts: I always enjoy Richard Kelly productions, and I'm quite intrigued to see where he went with this idea of a couple facing a crucial decision. Cast looks good and I'm sure we're in for some weird stuff. My excitement meter for this one: 8/10.

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THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS

Synopsis: Reporter Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor) is in search of his next big story when he encounters Lyn Cassady (George Clooney), a shadowy figure who claims to be part of an experimental U.S. military unit. According to Cassady, the New Earth Army is changing the way wars are fought. A legion of “Warrior Monks” with unparalleled psychic powers can read the enemy’s thoughts, pass through solid walls, and even kill a goat simply by staring at it.

First thoughts: This one looks delirious, and I'm really looking forward to it. I've only heard great things so far, and the cast looks incredibly promising as well. I'm sure this one will be as weird a movie of this genre can get, but as long as it's amusing enough, I'm all for it. My excitement meter for this one: 8/10.

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THE FOURTH KIND (with Milla Jovovich)

Synopsis: Structured unlike any film before it, "The Fourth Kind" is a provocative thriller set in modern-day Nome, Alaska, where—mysteriously since the 1960s—a disproportionate number of the population has been reported missing every year. Despite multiple FBIinvestigations of the region, the truth has never been discovered.

First thoughts: Can't say much about this one right now, but I'm interested to see how exactly this concept of mixing archival footage and reenactments works out in the end. Trailers for this one at least promise a vibrant, scary plot. My excitement meter for this one: 7/10.