It’s time for movie studios to roll out this year’s crop of Academy Award contenders, including Chris O’Donnell’s Vertical Limit.

Cover Story
Chasing Oscar
Take a deep breath. Enjoy the moment. Today is the first day of the rest of your weekend without a new movie opening at your local megaplex.

Film
Persall's Top Five
Recent releases recommended by Times film critic Steve Persall

Family Movie Guide
The Family Movie Guide should be used along with the Motion Picture Association of America rating system for selecting movies suitable for children. Only films rated G, PG or PG-13 are included in this weekly listing along with occasional R-rated films that may have entertainment or educational value for older children with parental guidance. Films are categorized as "recommended" for family viewing, "recommended with reservations" and "not recommended" for family viewing, with a description of content that led to that categorization. Compiled by St. Petersburg Times film critic Steve Persall.

Video
'The Replacements' turns cliches into a TD
NEW RELEASES

Pop
Success can't dull Deftones' edge
The self-described skateboard band's tours have moved into bigger venues. But music is still the priority.

Pop: Ticket Window
On the horizon

Team Pop Trivia
This week's winner: Dennis Smith of New Port Richey knew that George Harrison was successfully sued in 1976 for plagiarizing the Chiffon's He's So Fine on his song My Sweet Lord.

Pop: Hot Ticket
Blues singer Rory Block is a wonderful interpreter, adding new color to classics by blues legend Robert Johnson and Skip James and serving up tough originals of her own.

Dine

Maybe you have had fish this good Another link in the Outback chain offers delectable seafood, sauces and desserts in an elegant Hawaiian setting.

Sacks is dark, smoky and elegant
Dress up and be prepared for a wide range of premium drinks, fine food, live jazz and expensive decor.

Side dish
New in town

Get Away
Down the road
Events to watch for; details in future editions of Weekend.

Get Away: Hot Ticket
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

A long, long party
The 10th anniversary of the Pinellas Trail is being celebrated up and down the linear park.

Natural break is close by at parks
Dale Mabry traffic getting to you? Want peace and quiet? There is a nature refuge within a short drive of your Tampa home. A few selections were compiled by staff writer Michelle Jones.

Seasonal choices
If you're not a native or haven't been in Florida long enough to realize that sun, sand and palm trees really do go with Christmas, here are some holiday celebration ideas that might lift your spirits and remind you of that wintry home up north:

Art
The artists' gifts
This year's ACC Craft Show Sarasota features ceramics, jewelry, metal works and more, something for everyone on your list.

Art: Best bets
Art critic Mary Ann Marger's recommendations for this weekend. Refer to the Art Calendar for details.

Art: Hot Ticket
The eyes of an artist see all and tell all, so why shouldn't they be the focus of a self-portrait? Steve Smith, better known for his phony philately, titled this alkyd painting Eyes (what else?). The work goes on view Friday at Positive Expressions as part of the gallery's fourth annual invitational, titled "Me, Myself and Eye." The show was curated by Nan and Bill Griffin, who limited it to personal interpretations of self-portraits. Also on view are works by Patsi Aguero, Cid Bolduc, Nathalie Marshall, Hugo Porcaro and others. The opening, 6-9 p.m., coincides with both Gulfport's monthly gallery walk and World AIDS Day, which the gallery commemorates with a special ceremony at 5:30 p.m. in its Millennium AIDS Memorial Garden. Positive Expressions is at 2825 Beach Blvd., Gulfport; (727) 384-9305. The exhibit is open through Dec. 30 from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Free.

Meet the artists
The Brad Cooper Gallery's annual group exhibition will feature a reception Saturday.

Stage
On the horizon
Symphony -- Florida West Coast Symphony premieres David Carlson's Quantumsymphony Dec. 8-9 at Van Wezel Hall. $20-$50.

Just the right tone for 'West Side Story'
Violinist Joshua Bell and the Florida Orchestra set out to prove that music can be popular and good.

Stage: Hot Ticket
An ode to Isadora

Wrapped up in the holidays
It's tidings of comfort and joy as the Henry B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa lights up for its annual Victorian Christmas Stroll.

Shop
Something for (practically) nothing
Our mission: Inexpensive gifts adults will like. Our budget: $10 per item. We shopped in stores where adults might find themselves with younger folks in tow, such as home improvement, discount, sporting goods, department, even grocery stores. Our elves returned with a bundle of ideas.