Last weekend Breaking Dawn made a ton of cash, which was a surprise to no one. But not everyone who wants to see the latest blockbuster sequel goes opening weekend, and so though the fall off should be heavy (over 50%, possibly over 60%, and just as likely near 70%) it may be able to fend off the newcomers, which will probably hurt each other and let Twilight win. What must have happened is that no one blinked about this weekend, as there’s three films aimed at parents and children hitting theaters: The Muppets, Arthur Christmas and Hugo. On top of a week-old Happy Feet Two. It’s a Children’s film blood bath is what it is.

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Making films about Santa Claus is difficult business. Besides the fact that he mostly plays to those under ten, the very act of Santa Claus-ing is hard to make cinematic. But the wizards at Aardman animation figured out a way to crack that nut: it’s about Arthur Christmas (voiced by James McAvoy) the younger and goofier son of the current Claus (Jim Broadbent), who loves Christmas more than his diligent but mechanically driven brother Steve (Hugh Laurie). in what feels like a snuck out release, Christmas has real charm and should become a seasonal perennial.

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The first trailer has been released for the upcoming holiday feature, Arthur Christmas. Don’t worry about the lateness of the teaser, this movie isn’t expected to hit theaters until next November so they have plenty of time to market it to the masses. The animated film has a voice cast featuring a who’s who of U.K actors including James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, and Bill Nighy. Take a look…

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