Christmas is suddenly looking very merry...if you like crowded.

As of a week ago, there were four wide releases set to open over Christmas. Now, there are six, the latest being Brad Pitt-Cate Blanchett starrer "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." That's quite a lot, even for the holiday.

Here are the other five: Adam Sandler comedy "Bedtime Stories," JenniferAniston-Owen Wilson comedy "Marley and Me," Frank Miller's "The Spirit," Forest Whitaker sports drama "The Hurricane" and Tom Cruise Nazi drama "Valkyrie." ("Valkyrie" opens Dec. 26, while the rest bow on Dec. 25.)

"Benjamin Button," directed by David Fincher and based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, was set to open one week before Christmas on Dec. 19. 

Late last week, however, the landscape changed when Sony decided to open Will Smith on Dec. 19, instead of Dec. 12. Though very different in feel and appeal, "Seven Pounds" and "Benjamin Button" could compete for female moviegoers. Plus, there's the Will Smith factor, i.e., he's now the world's biggest box office star. Hence, Paramount's decision to move "Benjamin Button."

News about "Seven Pounds" came just as MGM and United Artists announced they will now bow "Valkyrie" on Dec. 26, just in time for awards consideration. Film was to unspool in February.
 
Got it all straight?