Battle of the Blockbusters

Cinema goers in the UK are licking their lips in anticipation of the films to be released in time for the Christmas holidays. And this year it looks like they will be spoiled for choice as fantasy films continue to dominate the Christmas market.

The latest Harry Potter adventure, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, has already become the most successful film in UK cinema history, earning over ￡14 million (130 million RMB) in the first three days of its release. Fans of the franchise have been flocking to cinemas all over the country to watch Harry's progress.

But if Harry thinks he's going to have it all his own way this year, he may be in for a surprise. That's because a new blockbuster saga is on its way to UK cinema screens.

Based on the classic novels of CS Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe poses a threat to the dominance of the Harry Potter films. The film follows the adventures of three children who discover a gateway to the magical world of Narnia. Once they have entered Narnia they become involved in a war between good and evil.

The producers of the Narnia films will be hoping to emulate the success of the Lord of the Rings films which topped the Christmas box office between 2001 and 2003. Since the Narnia novels have sold more than 65 million copies worldwide, it seems likely that the films will also be a runaway success.

However, there is one other fictional heavyweight who could challenge Harry Potter's hold over the Christmas audience. King Kong roars his way back onto the silver screen on 14th December. Directed by Lord of the Rings director, Peter Jackson, this film is a big-budget remake of the 1933 classic. The giant ape has been recreated digitally and is more life-like and terrifying than ever.

So whether you are a fan of monster monkeys, schoolboy wizards or enchanted worlds, it looks like this Christmas will be a great time for going to the movies.