There is something for everyone this week, whether you're looking for drama, comedy, or a good ol’ fashion family film. With big stars hitting the big screen – Will Smith and Jim Carrey just to name a few – it will be a good weekend to take a break from the holiday shopping frenzy.

Seven Pounds is a drama starring Will Smith as Ben Thomas, an IRS agent with a mysterious secret who forever changes the lives of seven strangers on his path toward redemption. Gabriele Muccino directs, who also directed Smith in The Pursuit of Happyness (2006). Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Barry Pepper, and Michael Ealy (who was handpicked by Smith) also star in the movie. And Connor Cruise, the 13 year old adopted son of Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, plays the younger version of Smith’s character. The emotional movie hopes to pull at your heart strings, and make you shed a few tears. Its timing is just right, with the Christmas spirit in the air.

Yes Man tells the story of Carl Allen (Jim Carrey), who signs up for a self-help group where he must say "yes" to anything and everything. At first, Carl is liberated by all the new rewards of being so agreeable, but he soon learns that there are some consequences to saying "yes" all the time. This is a typical Carrey comedy featuring all the usual antics and humor. If you need a break from all of the Oscar contenders, than this flick is just what the doctor ordered. Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, Rhys Darby all star alongside Carrey, but it may be hard to be compete with a force like Carrey. This is a light comedy that should be enjoyable for the whole family. One problem: Can you say Liar Liar? It may be a bit repetitive with Carrey’s 1997 film, in which he plays a divorce attorney who suddenly becomes unable to tell lies after his son’s birthday wish.

Nothing but the Truth was inspired by actual events and stars Kate Beckinsale, Vera Farmiga, Noah Wyle, Matt Dillon, David Schwimmer, Angela Bassett and Alan Alda. Beckinsale, a Washington D.C. reporter, publishes a story about a government scandal in which she names a CIA agent. She then is pressured by law enforcement to give up her source, but she refuses and is sent to jail. The story centers on just how far people will go to protect what they believe in. With a star-studded cast, this movie is definitely one to look out for.

The Tale of Despereaux is based on the popular children’s fantasy book by Kate DiCamillo. The computer animated film is narrated by Sigourney Weaver and stars Matthew Broderick and Emma Watson. Despereaux is not like other mice. He is tiny with big ears and is not afraid of cats. Since he is different, he is shunned by all the other mice. He then falls in love with a princess (Emma Watson) and must show everyone he has what it takes to rescue her. This movie is great for the entire family, and shows no matter how small, there’s a hero inside all of us.

—Jessica Delli Santi