Santa may be on his way with gifts for millions, and families may be busy preparing their annual Christmas feasts, but that still won’t stop the masses from heading out to the theater over the long holiday weekend – which is exactly why Hollywood made it so there’d be plenty of fun stuff to devour. Will Avatar continue to dominate? Will Sherlock Holmes topple the big blue aliens? Or, will Alvin and those Chipmunks stage a thrilling upset? Let’s take a look …
What’s The Scoop: Based on the trials and tribulations of that iconic British detective, Robert Downey Jr. (as Holmes)leads a new, updated adventure, which sees him teaming up with Jude Law (as Holmes’ lovable sidekick Watson) to help bring down a mysterious and dangerous enemy.
Why It Might Win the Weekend: Great advanced buzz – and Downey Jr.’s Golden Globe nomination – should help Sherlock Holmes do decent business over the weekend, though Avatar will definitely be in the hunt, scooping up those moviegoers who missed out because of that snowstorm last weekend.
What’s The Scoop: A sequel to the new, CGI’d Chipmunk reboot finds a group of singing female chipmunks joining the party as Alvin, Simon and Theodore enter a singing competition to help save their school’s music program.
Why It Might Win the Weekend: The first Chipmunk film opened during the holiday season back in December of 2007 to a surprising $44 million and a final tally of over $200 million. Next to Avatar, that means this is clearly the film to beat this weekend as tired parents look to keep their feisty kids busy while school is out of session.
What’s The Scoop: Alec Baldwin and Meryl Streep star in this comedy about a divorced couple who re-connect years later and the hilarious complications that arise from that encounter.
Why It Might Win the Weekend: There’s some definite star power, and some fun awards buzz for Streep and Baldwin. Perhaps it’s time for the adults to decide which film wins the weekend … whaddya think?
My Prediction: This is a tough week because I still feel like Avatar has a score to settle after taking a snowy hit last weekend, but on the flipside Alvin and the Chipmunks have proven that they’re clearly touch competition. In the end, though, I still believe that James Cameron’s Avatar has enough steam to take at least one more weekend.
But what do you think? Sound off in our poll below and let us know which film you think will win the weekend.
Erik is a leading movie commentator who has worked for outlets such as AOL Moviefone and Movies.com.
Special Offer
Buy 2 IMAX tickets for Street Fighter and use code STREETFIGHTERIMAX to redeem your special offer! Not a member? Add FanClub to your Street Fighter purchase of 2 IMAX tickets and the offer will be applied automatically, no promo code needed.
The “Choose Your Fighter” offer (the “Offer”) will begin on September 21, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. PT and run for a limited time, while supplies last (the “Offer Period”). Eligible Customers that redeem the Offer will receive, subject to these terms (the “Offer Benefit(s)”): up to $7.00 off each of two (2) IMAX tickets for the Offer Titles on Fandango, the maximum total discount is $14.00. Delivery of Offer Benefit(s) may differ based on redemption method. Offer Title(s): Street Fighter in IMAX format as available on Fandango. Eligible Customers: existing FanClub members (“Existing Members”) and new customers (no active FanClub membership at the time) that subscribe to a Qualifying Membership during the Offer Period (“New Member(s)”) only. Qualifying Membership: a monthly FanClub membership ($9.99 + tax/month) added to a Qualifying Ticket Purchase. Qualifying Membership will automatically renew as described above at the applicable frequency and price until cancelled. Prices subject to change. Cancel before renewal date to avoid future charges. To cancel, go to the FanClub Membership Dashboard in your account settings and click “Cancel Membership”. If your Qualifying Membership includes a free trial and you cancel before being charged, you will not be eligible for the Offer or receive Offer Benefit(s). See FanClub Program Terms. Qualifying Ticket Purchase: buy at least two (2) tickets to a showing of the Qualifying Titles on Fandango during the Offer Period. Qualifying Titles: Street Fighter in IMAX format as available on Fandango. To redeem the Offer, you must complete the Qualifying Ticket Purchase and/or Qualifying Membership transaction to which the Offer is applied. Existing Members (Instant): must enter the single-use code STREETFIGHTERIMAX at checkout during Qualifying Ticket Purchase to apply Offer and Offer Benefit(s). New Members (Instant): Offer and Offer Benefit(s) will be applied instantly at checkout when Qualifying Membership is added to a Qualifying Ticket Purchase. Offer Benefit(s) may not cover the total cost of your transaction; you are responsible for paying any amounts remaining after Offer Benefit(s) are applied (including taxes and fees). Any unused portions of the Offer Benefit(s) will be forfeited upon redemption. If redemption transaction is cancelled or refunded, eligibility for Offer may be forfeited. Offer Benefit(s) will not be refunded. Adjustments to prior purchases not permitted. Taxes may apply. Offer and Offer Benefit(s): (a) are limited to one per person or Fandango account; (b) are only redeemable on the Fandango website or mobile app (“Fandango”) while logged in to your account; (c) are not redeemable at any theater or third-party directly; (d) are non-transferable, are not for resale, and have no cash value; (e) cannot be combined with any other offers or promotional codes, except as expressly stated in these terms; (f) are void if sold, transferred, or exchanged; (g) cannot be replaced if lost or stolen; and (h) are valid only in the fifty (50) United States, D.C., and Puerto Rico, excluding other U.S. territories. Void where prohibited. Fandango reserves the right to withdraw or modify this Offer at any time, in its sole discretion, and without notice. Additional terms and conditions apply, including Fandango’s Terms and Policies.
Get the 8-Film Tom Cruise Bundle for $20 when you buy a ticket to DIGGER!
Limited time offer. Log in to your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app and purchase, between 12:01am PT on 9/23/26 and 11:59pm PT on 10/12/26, at least one (1) movie ticket to ‘DIGGER’. You will receive a post-purchase email containing one (1) Fandango Stream Promotional Code (“Code”) that is good for the purchase (and not the rental) of the 8-Film Tom Cruise Bundle for $20 in My Offers in your account on http://stream.fandango.com and via participating Fandango Stream apps. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive and redeem a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Code expires on (and must be used by) 10/15/26 at 11:59pm PT. Limit one (1) per transaction. You may have to pay taxes additionally. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value, except as required by law. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). Credit card may be required for transactions on stream.fandango.com. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Buy 2 tickets to Heart of the Beast, get 1 free (equal or lesser price, up to $15 total ticket price and fees) with code HEARTB2G1
Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited quantity of Code redemptions allowed in this promotion. Log in to your Fandango account on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 12:01am PT on 9/14/26 and 11:59pm PT on 10/18/26, purchase two (2) or more tickets to see Heart of the Beast, and use the Fandango Promotional Code HEARTB2G1 (“Code”) to get up to $15 off one (1) additional ticket for the same showtime (equal or lesser value, up to $15 total ticket price and associated fees and charges). Code must be entered at checkout. Code expires and can no longer be used after 11:59pm PT on 10/18/26, or when Heart of the Beast is no longer in theaters, or when the limit of Code redemptions is reached, whichever comes first. Only valid for purchase of movie tickets made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. You must have a Fandango account, and be logged into your account, to use the Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. No cash value, except as required by law. Void where prohibited. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid in U.S. only (excluding U.S territories and where prohibited by law). Non-transferable. One-time use only. Limit one (1) Code redemption per person. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. You may have to pay taxes additionally. If cost of the ticket (and associated fees and charges) obtained through the Code is more than Code’s maximum discount, then you must pay the difference. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code’s maximum discount will not be refunded. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
See it in RealD 3D and get $5 off a ticket with code MAKEMEMORIES.
*Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited quantity of Code redemptions allowed in this promotion. Log in to your Fandango account on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 9/8/26 and 10/11/26, purchase at least one (1) RealD 3D ticket to see ‘Forgotten Island’, and enter the Fandango promotional code MAKEMEMORIES (“Code”) to get up to $5 off your purchase. Code expires, and can no longer be used, if not redeemed by 10/11/26, or when the limit of Code redemptions is reached, or when ‘Forgotten Island’ is no longer available in RealD 3D theaters, whichever comes first. Code must be entered at checkout. Only valid for purchase of movie tickets made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. You must have, and be logged into, a Fandango account to redeem the Code on Fandango. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. If cost of movie ticket and associated fees and charges is more than Code’s maximum discount, then you must pay the difference. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code’s maximum discount will not be refunded. Void where prohibited. Non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value, except as required by law. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). You may have to pay taxes additionally. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango's Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Buy a ticket to Forgotten Island and get 25% off the Soundtrack Vinyl, CD, or Cassette!
Limited time offer. While supplies last. Log in to your Fandango account on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 9/8/26 and 10/16/26 and buy one (1) or more tickets to see Forgotten Island at a participating Fandango theater. You will receive a post-purchase email containing a promotional code (“Code”) that is good for 25% off your purchase of the Forgotten Island Soundtrack Vinyl, CD, or Cassette. Code is redeemable until April 16, 2027, via the redemption link https://madebymutant.com/collections/forgotten-island-soundtrack-collection. No cash value; non-transferable; may not be resold, refunded, or exchanged. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer is subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies, and redemption of the Code is subject to Mutant’s terms and policies at https://madebymutant.com/policies/terms-of-service.
Buy a ticket to Beware Boiúna, get the Creature Feature 25-Film Collection for $15
Limited time offer. Log in to your Fandango account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app and purchase, between 6am PT on 9/23/26 and 11:59pm PT on 11/2/26, at least one (1) movie ticket to ‘Beware Boiúna’. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing one (1) Fandango Stream Promotional Code (“Code”) that is good for the purchase (and not the rental) of the Creature Feature 25-Film Collection for $15 in My Offers in your account on http://stream.fandango.com and via participating Fandango Stream apps. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive and redeem a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Code expires on (and must be used by) 11/5/26 at 11:59pm PT. Limit one (1) per transaction. You may have to pay taxes additionally. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value, except as required by law. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). Credit card may be required for transactions on stream.fandango.com. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Buy an IMAX ticket to Digger and upgrade your ticket on us!
Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited number of Code redemptions allowed in this offer. Log in to your Fandango account on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 9/22/26 and 10/15/26, purchase one (1) IMAX ticket to see Digger at a participating Fandango theater, and enter the Fandango promotional code “DIGGERIMAX” ("Code") to receive up to $7 off your purchase. Code expires, and can no longer be used, if not redeemed by 11:59pm on 10/15/26, or when Digger is no longer available in IMAX theaters, or when the limit of Code redemptions is reached, whichever comes first. Code must be entered at ticket transaction checkout. Only valid for purchase of movie tickets made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. You must have, and be logged into, a Fandango account to redeem the Code on Fandango. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. If cost of movie ticket and associated fees and charges is more than Code’s maximum discount, then user must pay the difference. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code’s maximum discount will not be refunded. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value, except as required by law. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). You may have to pay taxes additionally. Limit one (1) Code redemption per person. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango's Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Buy two tickets to see Heart of the Beast in Dolby Cinema and use code HEARTDOLBY to redeem your special offer
Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited quantity of Code redemptions allowed in this promotion. Log in to your Fandango account on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 6:00am PT on 8/31/26 and 11:59pm PT 10/20/26, purchase two (2) or more Dolby tickets to see Heart of the Beast at a participating Fandango theater, and enter the Fandango promotional code HEARTDOLBY ("Code") to receive up to $10 off your purchase. Code expires, and can no longer be used, if not redeemed by 11:59pm PT on 10/20/26, or when the limit of Code redemptions is reached, or when Heart of the Beast is no longer available in Dolby theaters, whichever comes first. Code must be entered at checkout. Only valid for purchase of movie tickets made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. You must have, and be logged into, a Fandango account to redeem the Code on Fandango. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. If cost of movie tickets and associated fees and charges is more than Code’s maximum discount, then user must pay the difference. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code’s maximum discount will not be refunded. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value, except as required by law. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). You may have to pay taxes additionally. Limit one (1) Code redemption per person. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango's Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.