Check It. A book and two films.

Leslie Caron (An American in Paris, Gigi) is discussing and signing her new memoir, Thank Heaven, at where else but a place of worship? The Vroman's Bookstore Friday night event will be held at the All Saints Church in Pasadena. In the book, the Golden Age actress shares stories about everyone from Gene Kelly to Warren Beatty.

All Saints Church is located at 132 N Euclid Ave. in Pasadena. Free. Doors open at 6 p.m., event begins at 7 p.m. Book price, $25.95.

At the movie theater this weekend, we have (aside from Up in the Air) the choice of: Everybody's Fine or Brothers. Barrymore, Beckinsale and De Niro, or Gyllenhaal, Portman and Maguire? For a couple of films that I have very little interest in seeing, these are impressive lineups.

With the former, you have the likely feel good family/holiday theme going on--in the vain of the flawless Planes, Trains and Automobiles and maybe some Home for the Holidays disfunction thrown in for good measure. The man who played Jack Byrnes (among many, many other great characters) needs no explanation, and Drew Barrymore is just plain adorable.

The latter appears to have the over-the-top domestic drama of, say, Enough, with a hint of Coming Home? Director Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot, In America) and screenwriter David Benioff's (25th Hour, The Kite Runner) involvement definitely help the case, along with the fact that Natalie Portman can do no wrong.

Choose wisely, my friends.

Or just stay in and rent a Disney classic in honor of Walt, whose birthday was December 5.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: www.artfiles.art.com