Who knew three little chipmunks could show so much strength? Alvin and company stayed near the top of the box office list this week with a #3 showing, losing only to the mighty Nic Cage (we never thought we'd call Nic "mighty," but there you go) and Will Smith (we've been calling him "mighty" for years). Cage's National Treasure: Book of Secrets had the third biggest Christmas opening weekend ever, after Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring and Meet the Fockers. That's, um, good company? Other notable new-ish releases include The Great Debaters, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

Beyond the stuff of legend (which apparently includes chipmunks and national treasure these days), there's a lot of film activity going on in Boston this weekend. The always-helpful Antiplex points to a host of indie film offerings, from Blade Runner at the Brattle (which is also hosting a Python-A-Thon next Saturday, January 5, featuring 4 favorite Monty Python flicks) to Ellsworth Kelly: Fragments at the MFA.

If you're out of ideas for New Year's Day (other than hangover recovery, of course), the Brattle is hosting a Marx Brothers Marathon, complete with Duck Soup, Horse Feathers, Animal Crackers, and A Night at the Opera. It's just $25 for the all-day event, which is sure to start 2008 off right--or if not right, at least hilariously.

In salacious movie news, the hand that rocks the cradle apparently also pours the booze, as Rebecca De Mornay is charged with a DUI. Jessica Alba made her engagement official and added to the insane number of female celebs due to pop one out in 2008--hey, at least Jessica's over 18. Also, Sean Penn's getting divorced, marking the end of one of few decade-long celebrity marriages. At least they can start 2008 afresh--and apart.

Duck Soup image from http://www.loc.gov/