PAINT-BY-NUMBERS THEATER But Karen MacDonald (right) is a lively, anxious Mrs. Lincoln, and Jacqui Parker (left) can sing and act. Abraham Lincoln, as he said in his second inaugural address, yearned to "bind up the nation's wounds." Full Article at The Phoenix

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation - Ultimate Collector’s Edition Christmas Vacation is a classic. Given the price of this new "Ultimate Collector’s Edition," if you don’t already own it, it’s well worth buying- and not just for the extras. Full Article at EDGE Boston

Toi et Moi Although most reviews for the theatrical release of Toi et Moi (You and Me) were far from exuberant, when taken in context, the film is actually a lighthearted and entertaining exploration of romantic love. Full Article at EDGE Boston

The Civil War was many things to many people, but I’m pretty sure cockle-warming wasn’t one of them. You wouldn’t know that from watching “A Civil War Christmas,” Paula Vogel’s decidedly sentimental play now onstage from the Huntington. Full Article at Boston Herald

Up Up follows the life of Carl Fredricksen, who wanted to be an heroic explorer and got much more than he ever dreamed. Full Article at EDGE Boston

RECKLESS In this dark comedy by Craig Lucas, a woman hits the road in a hurry and keeps going when she discovers on Christmas Eve that her husband has taken out a contract on her life. Subsequent holidays are no picnic, either. Through Dec. 12. Full Article at Boston Globe