Mike's movie guide: 'Muppet Christmas' and 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'

Thanksgiving is over, school is still a thorn in our sides, and Christmas is coming. Yet until it arrives, the Christmas spirit should somehow be embraced.

As the school year winds down, do not fret, young movie watchers (I am a senior so I am older than some), there is still one more campus movie. The truth is that CAC is giving us Christmas enthusiasts not one but two movies in this weekend's double feature. In anticipation of Christmas (never Xmas) the CAC presents "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "The Muppet Christmas Carol."

To keep old traditions alive, as well as allowing enough time for a double feature, the "Grinch" film will be the animated version from 1965. For those of you who have only seen the new, Jim Carrey version (which is a great holiday movie), take a deep breath. Inhale, exhale, repeat, and then think of how nice an old-time film will be. What holiday would be complete without Dr. Seuss' animated timeless tale of the mean-spirited Grinch and his feeble attempt to steal the yuletide celebration of Whoville? No answer needed.

If Dr. Seuss does not do enough to excite the child in you, what does watching the Muppets version of Charles Dickens' classic Christmas tale do for you? The film stars camera friendly stars Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and other Muppet favorites as they put their unique twist on this holiday classic; as well as accomplished actor Michael Caine (Batman Begins, Secondhand Lions). Caine stars as the stingy miser Ebenezer Scrooge who's about to get his Christmas goose cooked in fun fashion by the inimitable Muppets in this fun-filled musical event!

Together, the films will only encompass a two-hour time frame, but the Christmas spirit it will instill in you this early on will last much longer. Showing times are Friday at 10 p.m. and Saturday at 8 p.m. Hope to see you there, but if you choose not to attend, I implore you to either watch one (or both) of these films on your own time or do something to get excited for Christmas.

Things like writing your Christmas wish list, doing your Christmas shopping, playing in the snow, drinking hot chocolate or baking cookies, etc. would all be fine; or you could just be a little nicer and a little less naughty. With finals coming next week, stress levels could be rising so a nice, holiday diversion or distraction is ideal. Last year your humble movie reviewer went to the theaters to relax two different times in the last two weeks of school, both times to watch "Elf," and both times I left happy. However you can, do something to fill yourself with holiday cheer.