The week’ openings: There’s ‘Joy’ on Christmas

And with the blockbuster out of the way — though it's doubtful the "Star Wars" juggernaut will slow down anytime soon — we expect some of the year's best-reviewed films to open. And several are coming to area theaters on Christmas Day.

The week's openings (minus the Magic Lantern) are:

Wednesday

"The Big Short": A quartet of prognosticators decides to take advantage of risky big-bank practices and make a buck when the housing market collapses. From Adam McKay, the man who gave us "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," so you know it will have something scintillating to say.

Friday

"Carol": In this '50s-era period piece, director Todd Haynes studies the heartbreak that occurs when two women (Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara) fall in love. Bring a hanky.

"Concussion": Will Smith stars as the doctor who first reported the dangers associated with repeated head trauma, especially as suffered by players in the National Football League. May give you pause on Sunday afternoons.

"Daddy's Home": Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg star as competing dad and stepdad. Yuk yuk.

"The Danish Girl": Most recent Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne stars with Alicia Vikander as the real-life couple who broke ground in the transgender experience. Not only in Denmark.

"Joy": Jennifer Lawrence, having retired her "Hunger Games" bow, stars in David O. Russell's inspired-by-real-life story of inventor-marketer Joy Mangano. Have your debit card ready.

"Point Break" (3-D and standard): This remake of the 1991 original features an undercover FBI agent attempting to infiltrate a group of extreme athletes doubling as high-stakes armed robbers. What, no Keanu?

So there's the lineup. You know what to do next. And try to enjoy yourself, OK?