'Avatar,' 'Holmes' highlight December

December at the movies typically means Oscar bait and blockbusters with a brain. That usually means an odd assortment of dramas, family films and action pictures.

This year has all of them. Two films rise above the rest: "Avatar" and "Sherlock Holmes."

"Avatar" has been on my radar for more than a year. But what began as breathless anticipation is now jaded optimism. Before 20th Century Fox released any footage, the film seemed like it would be something truly special.

Then the first trailer hit theaters and we saw the avatars resemble cat-faced Smurfs, which makes the film look like a Saturday morning cartoon.

Then there's the fact the plot is "Dances with Wolves" in space.

James Cameron, the writer and director, has a solid body of work behind him. And most thought "Titanic" would be a huge failure. So anything's possible at this point.

"Sherlock Holmes" looks like a solid holiday blockbuster. Robert Downey Jr. is an odd choice to play Sherlock Holmes, but the trailer points to a fresh take on the character.

Missing from December is "The Lovely Bones." It was scheduled for next week, but is now out Jan. 15.

Early reviews say it's mediocre.

Ouch.