One of my family’s favorite things to do together is to sit back and watch a great movie. With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s hectic at the mall. Instead of staying home to get away from the last minute shoppers, go out to the movie theater. Go watch a comedy for a good laugh, or to see the next chapter of a series, you might even want to see a musical depending on your mood.

Fairytales always have a happy ending but in the Disney movie “Into the Woods” that’s not the case. Released on Dec. 15, the witch (Meryl Streep) puts a curse on a baker and his wife (James Corden and Emily Blunt) because they interfere with her plan. The film puts its own spin on the work of the Grimm brothers by twisting the choices, wishes or mission of each character that gets involved. Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), Jack the Beanstalk (Daniel Huttlestone) and Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy) will also be in the musical, adding to the suspense of the witch’s dark magic.

The final film in the trilogy, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” will be released on Dec. 17 as Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) continues his journey. Him and his companions are forced to fight in a war that they have brought upon themselves. Many innocent lives will be lost, sacrifices will be made and the future remains untold. It is up to these civilians to unite. Many viewers will be glad the movie is finally wrapped.

The Broadway classic “Annie” has been remade by screenwriter Will Gluck and producer James Lassiter. Quvenzhane Wallis stars as Annie, a joyful, happy child roaming the streets of New York as a foster child. Her misfortunate began when she was left behind by her unknown parents, with only the promise that “they’ll be back”. Her hard knock life soon changes when Will Stacks (Jaime Foxx) takes Annie in for publicity in order to win as mayoral candidate. The heartfelt, funny musical will be released on Dec. 19.

The “Night at the Museum” is an all-time favorite children’s film to watch. The new release of the “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb,” the third movie of the series, unites characters on an adventurous mission to save the museum from magic. Larry (Ben Stiller) is set on a quest to find it before it is lost forever. The film will be released on Dec. 19 and is likely to become a popular hit. This is also Robin Williams last movie.

Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie produces an extraordinary, true story about an Olympian man named Louis Zamperini. “Unbroken” is set in the time of WWII were Louie (Jack O’ Connell) and two other soldiers almost die in a plane crash and sail along on a raft out in the ocean until somebody comes to save them. They finally see their rescuers, but realize it is the Japanese Navy, who then sends the crew to a torture camp for prisoners. The heartbreaking truth of what happened to this man is astonishing. In the movie, Louie inspires viewers by depicting the real strength of human beings. Jolie successfully shoots scenes in Moreton Bay, Australia to make the film more realistic and unique. The heroic story of Louis will be released on Dec. 25.

Take a break from all the gift wrapping, and go out with friends or family for great entertainment this holiday season.