As December approaches and the intensity of upcoming projects, papers and exams hit a high, the desire for a well-deserved break becomes more needed than ever.

RATING SCALE

*        Not distracting
**      A little distracting
***     Distracting
****    Pretty distracting
***** Very distracting

MOVIES

“The Sitter”
Release Date: Dec. 9
****

“Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol”
Release Date: Dec. 16
*****

“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
Release Date: Dec. 21
****

“Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol” is an adventure film that features the Impossible Mission Force team, including Tom Cruise’s character Ethan. The IMF team is ordered to execute a secret mission after a terrorist bombing occurs. “Ghost Protocol” will have no shortage of action or intensity.

Famous, funny-guy Jonah Hill is funnier than ever in “The Sitter.” This comedy follows the life of suspended college student Noah as he takes a job baby-sitting three very wild children. Hill and the kids cause plenty of mayhem and keep the audience laughing.

Bestselling novel turned movie “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” is coming to theaters Dec. 21. This mysterious suspense story will have the audience members on the edge of their seats as Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara’s characters team up to find a missing person.

BOOKS

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
Release Date: Dec. 6
****

Illuminated by Erica Orloff
Release Date: Dec. 8
***

77 Shadow Street by Dean Koontz
Release Date: Dec. 27
*****

With a perfect combination of romance, adventure and mystery, Clockwork Prince makes for the perfect paperback to read over break. This sequel continues the story of Will, Jem and Tessa as they set out to save their school and their friend.

Illuminated is a twist between “Romeo and Juliet” and the movie, “Letters to Juliet.” Main character Callie discovers a diary within the pages of an old book that leads Callie on a romantic adventure with a boy named August. Together, the two try to figure out the mystery of the diary as their feelings for each other grow stronger.

77 Shadow Street tells the story of a haunted apartment building and the residents who live within its spooky walls. The building begins hosting eerie happenings, giving no room for the characters to escape this living nightmare.