''Christmas'' will come early for Tim Allen

A light holiday comedy takes on a heavy historical epic over Thanksgiving weekend? Bet on the comedy.

Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis’ Christmas with the Kranks should emerge as the No. 1 film of the long holiday weekend, as families full from their feasts will probably be more in the mood for something funny. Over the five-day weekend, Kranks will likely gross about $38 million.

Meanwhile, Oliver Stone’s Alexander, starring Colin Farrell, also hits multiplexes, but its R rating, three-hour running time, and smaller theater count (2,445 compared to Kranks‘ 3,393) will hurt its tally. (Not to mention its so-so reviews.) Still, Alexander should conquer about $28 million worth of fans.

Last week’s top film, National Treasure, will place third with about $25 million, while The Incredibles may bounce back ahead of The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie with $21 million. SpongeBob will soak up another $20 million, good enough for fifth place.