Reel Picks

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A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (R)

Harold (John Cho), married, suburban, and upwardly mobile broker, and unemployed stoner BFF Kumar (Kal Penn) are at it for the third time in this hodge-podge sequel that among other things includes Ukrainian gangsters, a burning Christmas tree, animated versions of them, lots of dope, and a musical extravaganza by Neil Patrick Harris. Oiy.

Arthur Christmas (PG)

The people who brought us Wallace & Gromit created this clever animated Christmas tale about Santa’s klutzy youngest son who at the last minute discovers an undelivered bicycle and takes matters into his own hands. All sorts of good surprises.

Happy Feet Two (PG)

Back to Antarctic, although not as entertaining a trip as the 2006 version. All the penguins are still singing and dancing, except for Eric, Mumble’s misfit son. A pair of krill (voiced by Matt Damon and Brad Pitt) add a needed touch.

Margin Call (R)

It’s 2008 and the company too big to fail is about to collapse. The story covers 24 tense and panicky hours that explain the crisis, show how the problem is uncovered, and how a solution is found and implemented. As the market sputters. With Stanley Tucci, Kevin Spacey, Penn Badgley, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto.

New Year’s Eve (PG-13)

Director Garry Marshall doing what he does best in a celebration of New Year’s Eve, New York City, and happily-ever-after stories with a star-studded cast. Halle Berry, Jon Bon Jovi, Robert De Niro, and Zac Efron — to name only a few.

The Muppets (PG)

Walter and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) discover oilman Tex Richman’s (Chris Cooper) plan to destroy the Muppet Theater. It’s mishmash as Kermit reunites the Muppets to save the theater by staging a telethon. (Animal is in a California clinic for anger management.)

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (PG-13)

Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) finally marry, but after Bella gets pregnant she grows increasingly frail, dangerously weak and ultimately very red-eyed.