Weekend Adventures in Bradenton, December 24-26

BRADENTON -- Well, it's Christmas weekend so there isn't a lot going one, and hopefully you're spending time with family and friends. But if you get cabin fever, there's one surefire thing to keep you busy. Christmas is a big release date for Hollywood, a last minute chance to launch a release that is still hot come Oscar time, so you can always take in a show on the silver screen. Grab your popcorn, it's time for a Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!

Opening this week:

Gulliver's Travels

This modern spin on Jonathon Swift's 18th century classic features Jack Black as a mail room clerk for a New York newspaper, who dreams of becoming a famous travel writer. After bluffing his way into an assignment on the Bermuda triangle he lands himself on a mysterious island, where his giant stature gives way to tall tales. This one is sure to be fun for the whole family.

True Grit
The Cohen Brothers' take on this John Wayne classic has already built enormous buzz, especially for the performance of last year's Oscar sleeper Jeff Bridges. Featuring an all-star cast that also includes Josh Brolin and Matt Damon, this Steven Spielberg production is unlikely to disappoint and will probably get a few of its own nominations from the academy.

Country Strong
Billed as this year's Crazy Heart, Country Strong features an unlikely Gwyneth Paltrow as a hard living country singer, whose husband (Tim McGraw) dusts her off for big-stage comeback. Nashville has reportedly fallen in love with Paltrow's performance and though the plot sounds suspiciously similar to last year's hit indie sensation starring bridges as Bad Blake, critics contend that it stands on its own.

Little Fockers
The third installment of this Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hofffman franchise will be competing for Jack Black's family-friendly fan base this weekend. They've done the courtship, they've done the wedding, was there any doubt they'd do the kids? Whether the gags will grow old or the comic genius of Stiller can milk one more story out of a tired routine remains to be seen.