Yahoo! Movies: New Comedy DVD Releases

American Pie

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:43 -0000

In this coming-of-age comedy, a group of friends at the end of their senior year make a pact to lose their virginity by prom night. In their outrageous attempts to fulfill this mission, they come to some surprising, hilarious and often touching realizations about themselves, their friendships, their notions of love, romance and their relations with the opposite sex. (1 hr. 35 min.) Release date: Nov 1, 2009

Who s Your Daddy?

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:42 -0000

This is the story of a high school senior in Ohio who inherits an adult magazine. Not one issue... the whole company. Release date: Oct 20, 2009

Madagascar

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:41 -0000

This movie focuses on four residents and "stars" of the Central Park Zoo in New York City who are also best friends: a lion (Stiller), a zebra (Rock), a giraffe (Schwimmer) and a pregnant hippo (Smith). When one of them goes missing, the other three break out of the zoo looking for him, and eventually all four are captured and put in boxes to ship them back to the continent their species are originally from: Africa. An accident at sea, however, strands them on the shore of Madagascar. Having had humans take care of them their entire life, the four know nothing of surviving in the wild, or that one of them, the lion, is genetically predisposed to eat his three best friends. Exploring their surroundings, the four friends soon meet the Malagasy locals (a type of lemur given to having loud "rave-like" dance parties) and their carnivorous enemies, the fousas. As the two sides try to use these four new, strange (and large) friends to their benefit, our heroes are also confronted with the reality of their predestined roles in nature. (1 hr. 26 min.) Release date: Sep 29, 2009

The Breakfast Club

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:40 -0000

When five high school students from different social groups are forced to spend a Saturday together in detention, they find themselves interacting with and understanding each other for the first time. A jock (Emilio Estevez), a stoner (Judd Nelson), a princess (Molly Ringwald), a basket case (Ally Sheedy), and a brain (Anthony Michael Hall) talk about everything from parental tension to sex to peer pressure to hurtful stereotypes while serving time. Ultimately, the five find that they may have more in common than they ever imagined and learn more about themselves as well as each other. (1 hr. 37 min.) Release date: Nov 1, 2009

Shrek

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:39 -0000

Set in a strange, colorful land populated by fairy tale characters, SHREK is a hilarious comedy that will win over audiences of children and adults alike. Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) is a fearsome green ogre living in isolation in his own cozy little swamp. He is not receptive to visitors, and fends off the occasional party of torch-wielding villagers with ease. But when the power-hungry Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) turns Shrek's swamp into a relocation camp for dozens of banished fairy-tale characters (including some pesky dwarves, wolves, and fairies) Shrek's quiet, introverted life is ruined. Joined by the talkative Donkey (Eddie Murphy), Shrek makes his way to Farquaad's realm of Duloc, where the Lord makes Shrek an offer: He will rid Shrek's land of the unwanted visitors if Shrek will go on a simple quest to free Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from her remote, dragon-guarded castle and convince her to marry Farquaad. On their quest, Shrek and Donkey run into a number of bizarre situations, and Shrek finds himself realizing that he isn't quite the fearsome monster he has always made himself out to be. Reinventing the traditional fairy tale adventure, SHREK features gorgeous computer animation, a unique sense of humor, and compelling characters--especially Eddie Murphy's lovable Donkey. (1 hr. 29 min.) Release date: Sep 29, 2009

Shrek 2

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:38 -0000

Picking up exactly where the first movie left off, this movie takes us to the kingdom of Far, Far Away as Shrek and Fiona return to her homeland to tell her parents (Cleese, Andrews) the good news. Not everyone is happy to find her married to an ogre, with the most irate in this group being Prince Charming (Everett), who was supposed to be the one who lifted Fiona's curse. We're also introduced to the mysterious Fairy Godmother (Saunders), and a bar called the Poison Apple, where the villains of the fairy tale world hang out, including the great ogre-slayer, Puss-in-Boots (Banderas). (1 hr. 32 min.) Release date: Sep 29, 2009

Artie Lange's Beer League

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:37 -0000

An unemployed loser (played by Artie Lange) finally finds his calling in life after his New Jersey softball team are almost kicked out of the league, causing him to rally the troops and sensationally rise through the ranks. (1 hr. 26 min.) Release date: Oct 20, 2009

Friday

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:36 -0000

Thoroughly charming and totally hilarious day-in-the-life comedy in which co-writer Ice Cube plays the stoic Craig opposite Chris Tucker's Smokey, a brilliantly rendered hyperactive marijuana enthusiast. The two twentysomethings, Craig recently wrongly fired and Smokey terminally slacking and scamming, barely make it through one highly eventful day. Eloquent commentary on themes like community, family, friendship, and violence is seamlessly blended with lighter treatments of young romance, bathroom emergencies, nosy neighbors and much more. Casually impeccable performances by the entire cast make this film a standout. (1 hr. 31 min.) Release date: Nov 10, 2009

Empire Records

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:35 -0000

This rocking, slice-of-life comedy examines one so-strange-it's-normal day at a busy record store, from the manager's attempts to cope with his bizarre young staff to the loves, lusts and whinings of his slacker clerks. From the director of "Pump Up the Volume." (1 hr. 31 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:34 -0000

The third in the series of National Lampoon's 'Vacation' films, this sequel concerns the Griswold family's holiday get-together. This time they're trying to have a picture book, old-fashioned Christmastime--even though all the in-laws are dropping by, including Clark's (Chevy Chase) redneck cousin, Eddie (Randy Quaid). Looks like it's going to be a real holly-jolly holiday--if they can make it through. (1 hr. 37 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

Shrek the Third

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:33 -0000

Shrek tackles the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. (1 hr. 33 min.) Release date: Sep 29, 2009

Bruce Almighty

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:32 -0000

Bruce Almighty stars Jim Carrey as Bruce Nolan, a "human interest" television reporter in Buffalo, New York who is discontented with almost everything in life, despite his popularity and the love of his girlfriend Grace (Jennifer Aniston). At the end of the worst day in his life, Bruce angrily ridicules and rages against God... and God responds. He appears in human form (Morgan Freeman) and, endowing Bruce with all of His divine powers, challenges Bruce to take on the big job and see if he can do it any better. (1 hr. 41 min.) Release date: Nov 1, 2009

Cry Baby

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:31 -0000

Cult director John Waters goes mainstream -- sort of -- in this send-up of 1950s teen melodramas. Heart-throb Johnny Depp stars in the title role as a glamorous delinquent who heads a gang of hoods known as the Drapes. Trouble starts when Cry-Baby falls for a squeaky clean blonde from a rival group, the Squares. Their star-crossed romance sets off a rumble between the warring factions and Cry-Baby ends up doing time in reform school. Chock-full of rock 'n roll and Waters' usual cavalcade of eccentric celebrities, including Patty Hearst, Iggy Pop and former porn star Traci Lords. (1 hr. 25 min.) Release date: Nov 1, 2009

Billy Madison

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:30 -0000

In order to gain control of his family's billion dollar business, a man must win a bet that he can go through grades 1-12 again in 6 months. The fact that he's a hopeless goof who failed all these grades the first time doesn't help. (1 hr. 29 min.) Release date: Nov 1, 2009

Happy Gilmore

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:29 -0000

A would-be hockey player who unfortunately can't skate transforms his slap-shot into a 400-yard golf drive in this slapstick comedy. Joining the pro tour to win enough money to get his grandma's house out of hock, this unsportsmanlike sportsman enrages the staid establishment with his on-course shenanigans. (1 hr. 32 min.) Release date: Nov 1, 2009

Fried Green Tomatoes

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:28 -0000

Academy Award winners Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy star with Mary Stuart Masterson and Mary-Louise Parker in this comic, heartwarming tale of family, friendship and murder in rural Georgia. In a Southern nursing home, a feisty resident and old local fixture named Ninny Threadgoode (Tandy) befriends Evelyn Couch (Kathy Bates) a depressed housewife and stirs her to action with an inspirational tale. She tells the story of a transcendent friendship between two young women living in Georgia in the 1930s, Idgie Threadgoode (Mary Stuart Masterson) and Ruth (Mary Louise Parker), who forge a powerful bond after witnessing a terrible tragedy together. The two women open a cafe (where fried green tomatoes are a house specialty) together in their small Southern town of Whistle Stop and manage to survive the hardships of life, despite racism, prejudice and the pressures of trying to live their lives as individuals in a strict and close-minded Southern society. Their friendship lasts through many ups and downs over the years, helping one of the women through an abusive marriage, and buoying both of them through the gossip and jealousy of those small-minded people who try to control their lives. Based on Fannie Flagg's best-selling novel FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFE. (2 hrs. 10 min.) Release date: Nov 1, 2009

Forrest Gump

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:27 -0000

The title character leads viewers through an accidental travelogue of American social history from the early 1960s through the present in this revisionist fable. Vietnam, desegregation, Watergate, and more are presented from the perspective of Tom Hanks's loveably slow-witted Forrest Gump as he finds himself embroiled in situations he can't quite comprehend. Hanks leads an excellent cast, featuring Robin Wright Penn as Jenny, Forrest's lifelong love; Gary Sinise as the irascible Lt. Dan, his Vietnam superior; Mykelti Williamson as Bubba, a shrimp-loving soldier; and Sally Fields as his devoted mother. Robert Zemeckis's emotional, heartwarming film garnered 13 Academy Award nominations and six wins, including Best Picture, Director, Actor--Tom Hanks, and Adapted Screenplay. (2 hrs. 22 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

Juno

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:26 -0000

The word "quirky" has become the quick and easy way to describe films such as LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE and LARS AND THE REAL GIRL that straddle the lines between indie and studio films and comedy and drama. While JUNO fits into that same category, this distinctive dramedy is in a class all its own. Ellen Page (X-MEN: THE LAST STAND) stars as Juno, a witty teenage girl whose boredom doesn't lead her to the mall. Instead, she makes a one-time trip into the arms of her best friend Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera). When Juno discovers that she's pregnant, she's forced to grow up fast as she tries to find adoptive parents for her quickly growing child.

JUNO might have a lot of strengths--Page's award-worthy performance, a pitch-perfect soundtrack, excellent direction from Jason Reitman--but it's the screenwriting debut of writer Cody Diablo that makes this such a winning film. Famous for her blog and her book CANDY GIRL: A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF AN UNLIKELY STRIPPER, Diablo has a unique voice and an incredible ear for dialogue. But even the nearly perfect script wouldn't sound so good if it weren't for the talents of these actors, particularly Page. She won raves for her first major role in HARD CANDY, but this performance proves it wasn't a fluke. The rest of the cast, especially J.K. Simmons as Juno's dad, is just as worthy of attention. JUNO continues Cera's cinematic ascent after his success with the hit comedy SUPERBAD, and his ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT costar Jason Bateman uses his dry delivery to great effect as a potential parent for Juno's baby. Songs from Kimya Dawson perfectly capture the film's tone with the music's sweet, smart, and funny sounds. (1 hr. 31 min.) Release date: Oct 13, 2009

Eight Legged Freaks

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:25 -0000

What do you get when you cross toxic waste with a bunch of exotic spiders? Eaten. As every fan of classic spine-tinglers knows, given the opportunity and the right chemical enhancement, arachnids will grow to humongous size and wreak havoc upon humanity. In EIGHT LEGGED FREAKS, the residents of a rural mining town discover that an unfortunate chemical spill has caused hundreds of little spiders to mutate overnight to the size of SUVs. And they're hungry. (1 hr. 39 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

It's a Wonderful Life

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:24 -0000

George Bailey is a small-town man whose life seems so desperate he contemplates suicide. He had always wanted to leave Bedford Falls to see the world, but circumstances and his own good heart have led him to stay. He sacrficed his education for his brother's, kept the family-run savings and loan afloat, protected the town from the avarice of the greedy banker Mr. Potter, and married his childhood sweetheart. As he prepares to jump from a bridge, his guardian angel intercedes, showing him what life would have become for the residents of Bedford Falls is he had never lived. (2 hrs. 9 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:23 -0000

In this live-action adaptation of the famous Christmas tale by Dr. Seuss, director Ron Howard (APOLLO 13, SPLASH), casts comedian Jim Carrey in the title role, giving this rendition of HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS a perverse, manic spin. Add great special effects and a fast-moving script and this well-loved story of a freakish green monster living in a mountainside cave who disguises himself as Santa Claus, and steals the Christmas goodies from every single home in Whoville, becomes a hilarious holiday comedy. (1 hr. 45 min.) Release date: Oct 13, 2009

My Fair Lady

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:22 -0000

A distinguished London linguist makes a wager with a colleague that he can transform a working-class girl into an elegant, mannered lady, free of all bad accents. When he finds his subject, he turns her into the belle of high-society, but can't admit to himself that he's fallen in love with her. (2 hrs. 50 min.) Release date: Oct 6, 2009

Three Kings

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:21 -0000

The Gulf War is over, and three soldiers want to go home rich. Major Archie Gates retires in two weeks. Sergeant Troy Barlow is a new father. Chief Elgin is on a four-month paid vacation from Detroit. Saddam Hussein stole a great deal of gold from Kuwait, and these soldiers have no problem with stealing it from him. But on their way to collect their booty, they bear witness to the the disturbing results of the war effort. President Bush has encouraged Iraqi citizens to fight back against Saddam and pledged to support them, but when they rise up, they get NO American support, and they're getting slaughtered. As the soldiers realize the true situation in Iraq, they're confronted with their own humanity, and they're forced to rethink who they are and what they're doing. (1 hr. 55 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

Sex and Zen

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:20 -0000

A man marries a beautiful wife, but decides to go out and experience as many sexual conquests as possible, with unusual and often hilarious results. Meanwhile, his wife is forced to enter a brothel and work as a prostitute. After a series of adventures, the couple is reunited. An international hit featuring a funny plot and lots of eroticism. (1 hr. 39 min.) Release date: Oct 13, 2009

Little Miss Sunshine

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:19 -0000

Picked up after a well-received showing at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE is a low-budget comedy about a family road trip from Albuquerque to California. The story begins when young Olive (Abigail Breslin) is given a shot at the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant, and manages to coerce her family into driving west in their worn-down VW van. Olive's father, Richard (Greg Kinnear), takes charge of the trip, while her mother, Sheryl (Toni Collette), brother Dwayne (Paul Dano), uncle Frank (Steve Carell), and eccentric grandfather (Alan Arkin) all come along for the ride. What follows resembles a budget-stricken version of PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES: seemingly endless (and hilarious) mishaps befall the family as they wind their way across the country. Couple this with the witty interplay between a well-drawn set of dysfunctional characters, and that's the LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE formula in a nutshell; all the audience needs to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.

The grainy texture of co-directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris's film may initially startle viewers unaccustomed to the indie film world. But its a testament to the cast and crew's efforts that the limitations imposed on the filmmakers are long forgotten by the end of the film. Any concerns about visual murkiness give way to belly laughs and bemusement as the road trip ends and the beauty pageant begins. Likely to have a broad appeal, Dayton and Faris's film resembles a version of NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION directed with the pithy eye of Todd Solondz (WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE), and it's to the movie's credit that it manages to successfully marry these two seemingly disparate worlds. (1 hr. 41 min.) Release date: Oct 13, 2009

Air America

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:18 -0000

Based on actual events, this satiric drama--based on true events--tells the story of an airline allegedly purchased by the CIA solely for the purpose of opium and heroin smuggling out of Laos to help finance the Vietman War. One pilot (Mel Gibson) believes in his mission. The other (Robert Downey, Jr.) would like to do the whole program in. The retired General who heads the operation will do anything to protect it. (1 hr. 53 min.) Release date: Nov 24, 2009

Sixteen Candles

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:17 -0000

A lonely girl turns sweet sixteen but no one in her entire family remembers the momentous occasion. (1 hr. 38 min.) Release date: Nov 1, 2009

Little Shop of Horrors

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:16 -0000

In this dark but goofy and thoroughly fun musical, shy Seymour and bubbly Audrey don't recognize the romance blooming between them, but they do recognize the money-making potential of Seymour's weird plant, discovered after a total eclipse of the sun. Soon money pours in and Seymour becomes a minor celebrity, but behind the glamour and fame lies a secret Seymour can't reveal: this strange and unusual plant's favorite food is blood. As the plant grows taller and taller, its demands for food grow as well, and Seymour starts to suspect that the plant might have an agenda for world domination. (1 hr. 28 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

Nanny McPhee

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:15 -0000

Recently widowed Mr. Brown seeks assistance from a mysterious and rather strange looking nanny when his seven very ill-behaved children get too much for him to handle. The children, led by the eldest boy Simon, have managed to drive away 17 previous nannies and are adamant that they'll have no trouble with this new one. However Nanny McPhee appears to be no ordinary nanny, and things soon start to take a turn for the magical. (1 hr. 38 min.) Release date: Nov 1, 2009

Meet the Parents

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:14 -0000

In Meet the Parents, everything that could possibly go wrong for groom-to-be Greg Focker does. The problems begin with Greg's disastrous first meeting with his girlfriend's family-most notably her intimidating father Jack Byrnes-and it's all downhill from there. (1 hr. 48 min.) Release date: Nov 1, 2009

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:13 -0000

All Neal Page (Steve Martin) wants to do is make it home from a business trip in New York City and spend Thanksgiving with his family in Chicago. Instead, he finds himself rerouted from New York's La Guardia Airport to Wichita, Kansas. With no other options, Neal decides to share a room in a fleabag hotel with Del Griffith (John Candy), a shower-curtain-ring salesman and fellow stranded traveler. Although Neal finds Del to be a buffoon, he just can't seem to get away from him. To make matters worse, all their efforts to get back to Chicago fail as trains break down and rental cars catch on fire. Along the way they encounter crazy cabbies, redneck truck drivers, and oversexed bus passengers. John Hughes's (SIXTEEN CANDLES, THE BREAKFAST CLUB) first film to feature adults after his success with teen films features fine performances from Martin and Candy. Kevin Bacon, who appeared in Hughes's next film, SHE'S HAVING A BABY, makes a small but humorous appearance, as does Edie McClurg, known for her role as the high school secretary in FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF. (1 hr. 30 min.) Release date: Oct 20, 2009

Waitress

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:12 -0000

Premiering at this year's Sundance to bittersweet audience acclaim, WAITRESS is the work of sadly deceased filmmaker and actress Adrienne Shelly. Before being tragically murdered in 2006, Shelly appeared in many films as an actress and behind the scenes as a writer and director. WAITRESS stars Keri Russell (FELICITY) as Jenna, a waitress saving up to escape an emotionally abusive husband (Jeremy Sisto) and a life unlike the one of her dreams. When an unplanned pregnancy lands Jenna in the care of the southern town's new doctor, her life starts to take off in ways she never imagined. (1 hr. 44 min.) Release date: Oct 13, 2009

Bee Movie

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:11 -0000

Touted as Jerry Seinfeld's first major project since the 1998 end of his long-running eponymous TV series, 2007's computer-animated BEE MOVIE stars the popular comedian as the voice of Barry B. Benson, a young bee eager to explore the world outside of his hive. As he discovers how people live in New York City, he befriends a human florist, Vanessa Bloome (Renee Zellweger), and becomes outraged at the selling of honey, leading to a lawsuit and, of course, plenty of Seinfeldian misadventures.

Helmed by directors Steve Hickner (THE PRINCE OF EGYPT) and Simon J. Smith (a member of the SHREK creative team), BEE MOVIE lightens Seinfeld's notoriously stinging humor for a family audience, while staying true to its inherent New York-bred quirkiness. This leaves room for the film to feature impressive (if anatomically incorrect) bug-oriented CGI animation and a solid supporting cast that includes Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, John Goodman, Chris Rock, and Ray Liotta (who plays a honey-peddling animated version of himself). Although it inhabits some of the same insect-populated territory as A BUG's LIFE and ANTZ, BEE MOVIE also nods to THE GRADUATE (admittedly a Seinfeld favorite) in its restless protagonist, resulting in a playful and thoroughly entertaining film that even manages to work an environmental message into its colorful palette. (1 hr. 30 min.) Release date: Sep 29, 2009

Natural Born Killers

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:10 -0000

Oliver Stone's over-the-top satire on America's worshipful fascination with tabloid criminals stars Woody Harrelson as Mickey Knox and Juliette Lewis as girlfriend-wife Mallory Wilson. Commencing with the dual murder of Mallory's sexually abusive father (Rodney Dangerfield) and grossly negligent mother (Edie McClurg), the anomic couple take off on a three-week killing spree across the country, telling everyone who they are so that they get the credit for their crimes. The media are immediately enthralled with the couple, especially Wayne Gale (Robert Downey Jr.), the bloodthirsty host of a tabloid TV show who follows their every move. By the time they're finally arrested, they've become such huge media stars that the cops treat them more like celebrities than criminals. Even the maniacal limelight-hogging warden of the Batongaville State Prison, Dwight McClusky (Tommy Lee Jones), is in awe. Stone pulls out all the stops in the prison riot, as the unwitting Gale becomes an unwilling participant in his own broadcast of the event. Again the director switches from film to video, from color to black and white, from sitcom parody to newsreel parody, and from one film stock to another, hoping to jar the audience out of its complacency with visual hyperbole. (2 hrs.) Release date: Oct 13, 2009

Say Anything

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:09 -0000

Romantic comedy about a less-than-average student who falls in love with a brilliant biochemistry major. (1 hr. 40 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

Monster-in-Law

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:08 -0000

Unlucky in love, beautiful Charlotte 'Charlie' Cantilini (Jennifer Lopez) has finally met the man of her dreams, Dr. Kevin Fields (Michael Vartan). There's just one problem - his mother. Overbearing and controlling, not to mention volatile, Viola Fields (Jane Fonda) has recently been canned from her job as a star news anchor. Fearing she will lose her son's affections as she has her career, Viola decides to break up the happy couple by becoming the world's worst mother-in-law. Helping her with her crazy schemes is Viola's long-time assistant, Ruby (Wanda Sykes). The gloves come off when Charlie finally decides to fight back and it looks like Viola has finally met her match. (1 hr. 35 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

Monsoon Wedding

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:07 -0000

An extended Punjabi family gathers for an arranged wedding in New Delhi. The bride, Aditi (Vasundhara Das), is to marry a man who works in Houston, Texas and leave her family home to be with him. However, she is in love with her former boss, who happens to be married, and is having doubts about going through with the wedding. (1 hr. 54 min.) Release date: Oct 20, 2009

Kung Fu Panda

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:06 -0000

With 2008's KUNG FU PANDA, the talking-animal CGI film enters a new era, one that makes room for both painterly artwork and fierce martial-arts action. Po (voiced by Jack Black), a clumsy and ever-hungry panda, is a huge kung fu fan, but seems destined to sell noodles like his father, Mr. Ping (James Hong), who inexplicably happens to be a goose. When Po literally crashes a ceremony involving martial-arts masters Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) and Oogway (Randall Duk Kim) and their pupils, the Furious Five--which includes Tigress (Angelina Jolie, in a surprisingly small part) and Crane (David Cross)--he ends up being selected by the latter elder as the revered Dragon Warrior. As the skeptical Shifu reluctantly trains the hapless Po, his former star pupil, Tai Lung (Ian McShane), escapes from a high-security prison, setting up a collision course between the bumbling bear and the powerful villain.

One of the finest animated films released under the Dreamworks banner, KUNG FU PANDA deftly avoids many of the pitfalls of the genre (i.e. cheesy musical sequences), juggling action, heart, and humor in a highly entertaining way. While Black (in endearingly restrained mode), Hoffman, Kim, and McShane voice their characters with verve, the real stars of PANDA are directors Mark Osborne and John Stevenson and their animators, who lovingly depict ornate Chinese chambers and vast mountainous vistas, as well as blazing kung fu battles. A movie with remarkably wide appeal, KUNG FU PANDA delivers on its quirky, high-concept title with gleeful aplomb. (1 hr. 35 min.) Release date: Sep 29, 2009

The Replacements

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:05 -0000

Inspired by the too-ludicrous-to-be-believed National Football League strike of 1987, Howard Deutch's THE REPLACEMENTS follows a team of scab players as they fill in for the real pros. Jimmy McGinty (Gene Hackman), a compassionate and dedicated coach, is rehired by the owner of the Washington Sentinels to pull together a new crew in order to finish off the season and keep the stadium filled. This includes a safety who is on work release, a lightning-quick wide receiver with bricks for hands, a deranged linebacker-SWAT team member, a chain-smoking Welsh kicker, and Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves), a former college quarterback who lost his chance at the big time after a disastrous Sugar Bowl appearance. The newly formed squad must learn to set aside its differences if it is to win three out of four games and make it to the playoffs. Along the way, Falco finds himself harassed by the Sentinels' star quarterback, Eddie Martel, as well as falling in love with the team's head cheerleader, Annabelle (Brooke Langton). A final showdown against the strike-breaking reigning champions gives McGinty and Falco one last chance at redemption. Deutch's lighthearted comedy is greatly aided by Hackman and Reeves's surprisingly sincere performances. (1 hr. 58 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

Practical Magic

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:04 -0000

The two Owen sisters from a small Massachusetts are normal siblings- except they are actual witches. They use their magical powers to grant spells for love. (1 hr. 45 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

Bullfighter

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:03 -0000

BULLFIGHTER is a genre-busting road movie combining elements of action, adventure, fantasy, horror, and Christian iconography. Olivier Martinez (UNFAITHFUL, BEFORE NIGHT FALLS) portrays an outlaw on the lam with his lover Mary (Michelle Forbes), a travelling DJ whose unborn child may be the New Messiah. The couple witness a series of miracles as they elude the demon-gangsters chasing them across the forlorn Texan and Mexican landscapes. Willem Dafoe plays a mystical warrior priest who helps the outlaw couple on their apocalyptic cross-country adventures. Features cameos by influential action-horror directors Robert Rodriguez (EL MARIACHI, DESPERADO) and Guillermo del Toro (MIMIC, CRONOS). Release date: Oct 20, 2009

Unlikely Angel

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:02 -0000

Country music legend Dolly Parton lends her sunny charm to the heartwarming made-for-TV film UNLIKELY ANGEL. When hard-living barroom singer Ruby Diamond (Parton) dies in a car accident and meets St. Peter (Roddy McDowall) at the gates of heaven, the angel informs her that she must to return to earth to perform a selfless deed in order to gain admittance. Disguising herself as a nanny, Ruby soon insinuates herself into the joyless family life of workaholic widower Ben Bartilson (Lance Kerwin) and his children Sarah (Allison Mack) and Matthew (Eli Marienthal)--hoping to both heal the grief-stricken family and earn her heavenly wings in time for Christmas. Punctuated by Dolly musical numbers, UNLIKELY ANGEL is a Capra-esque affirmation of the holidays, love, and family. Release date: Oct 20, 2009

Over the Hedge

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:01 -0000

Spring has sprung, and Verne and his woodland friends awaken from their long winter's nap to discover that a tall, green "thing" has mysteriously cropped up right through the middle of their home. Enter RJ, an opportunistic raccoon, who explains that the world beyond the hedge is the "gateway to the good life" where peculiar creatures called humans live to eat, rather than eat to live. Suspicious and even a little jealous of RJ, the ever-cautious Verne wants to keep his blended family safely on their side of the hedge. But, proving the adage that one man's garbage is another man's--or rather animal's--treasure, the manipulative RJ tries to convince the woodland band that there is little to fear and everything to gain from their over-indulgent new neighbors. Eventually, RJ and Verne form an unlikely friendship as they learn to co-exist with--and even exploit--this strange new world called suburbia. (1 hr. 30 min.) Release date: Sep 29, 2009

Two Weeks Notice

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:27:00 -0000

Sandra Bullock is a brilliant but neurotic attorney and Hugh Grant is her charming, irresponsible and fabulously wealthy client in this story about whether or not it's ever too late to say 'I love you.' (1 hr. 41 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

All About My Mother

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:59 -0000

Manuela, a nurse and single mother in her late thirties must come to terms with the tragic loss of her only son, Esteban, when he is struck by a car. She never told Esteban who he was, "your father died long before you were born" was all she ever told him. In memory of her son--who's his father's namesake--Manuela leaves Madrid and goes to Barcelona in search of Esteban's father. However, the man that she left behind, eighteen years ago when she was pregnant, is now a transvestite named Lola. The search for a man with that name cannot be simple. And indeed it isn't. (1 hr. 41 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

Sordid Lives

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:58 -0000

The bizarre death of Peggy Ingraham, the matriarch of a working-class Texas family, sets off fireworks within her dysfunctional family. Her determinedly proper daughter Latrelle is in denial over the fact that her son Ty, an actor trying to make it in Hollywood, is gay, and is relieved that her only brother, a gay drag queen and dedicated Tammy Wynette impersonator, has been confined to a mental institution for 23 years simply because he is gay. Latrelle's brassy sister LaVonda, however, thinks her brother should be released from the institution and has a perfect right to attend their mother's funeral. Meanwhile, Ty, who has strived hard to accept his homosexuality, realizes that there is no way he can return home for his grandmother's funeral without coming out to his mother. (1 hr. 51 min.) Release date: Oct 13, 2009

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:57 -0000

A Southern comedy drama about life, love and family which follows a group of lifelong friends as they stage a rather unorthodox intervention to help a young playwright unravel the truth about her eccentric mother, find forgiveness and come to terms with her difficult past. (1 hr. 56 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:56 -0000

This colorful hit put director Pedro Almod�var on the international map and cemented the reputation of its star, Carmen Maura. The film is a peppy little soap bubble as TV actress Pepa (Maura) wakes up to find a note from her lover, Ivan (Fernando Guill�n), informing her he is leaving. Desperate to tell him some important information, Pepa almost kills herself with sleeping pills, burns her bed, and spends most of the movie trying to track him down. Her adventures put her in contact with Ivan's insane ex-wife (Julieta Serrano), his handsome son (Antonio Banderas), and the son's fianc�e (Rossy de Palma). They all descend on her penthouse apartment in a deliriously comic extended scene, complicated by a pitcher full of narcotic gazpacho and her friend Candela (Mar�a Barranco), a ditzy beauty wanted by the police for associating with Shiite terrorists. Through it all, the indefatigable Pepa fights gallantly against her crushing heartbreak. As a testament to the resilient beauty of women, this free-spirited film rings true and is a treasure. Also appearing are Chus Lampreave, Kiti Manver, Yayo Calvo, and Guillermo Montesinos as the hilarious driver of the Mambo Taxi. (1 hr. 38 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

Assassination of a High School President

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:55 -0000

Forget it, Jake. It's...high school. With its noir roots, this stylish dark comedy pays homage to Roman Polanski's CHINATOWN. Reece Thompson (ROCKET SCIENCE) stars as a school newspaper writer who uncovers a conspiracy that is rampant among the students and teachers. Mischa Barton (THE O.C.) plays the young femme fatale, while Bruce Willis is an unhinged principal. (1 hr. 39 min.) Release date: Oct 6, 2009

Live!

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:54 -0000

Eva Mendes, Jay Hernandez, and Eric Lively star in a scathing mockumentary/media satire concerning a network executive (Mendes) who pitches a controversial show in which willing contestants participate in a real-life game of Russian Roulette. As the show goes into production, a documentary crew turns their cameras on the production to capture the firestorm of controversy that erupts as the premiere date draws ever closer. (1 hr. 36 min.) Release date: Dec 1, 2009

Night of the Creeps

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:53 -0000

A group of co-eds experience an evening of terror when their college formal becomes the breeding ground for monstrous creatures who turn their victims into zombies. With special effects by the award-winning make-up artist, David Miller, of "Thriller" fame. (1 hr. 28 min.) Release date: Oct 20, 2009

The Incredible Mr. Limpet

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:52 -0000

Based on the novel by Theodore Pratt, this quaint little fantasy leads the viewer on a deep sea adventure. A bespectacled bookkeeper loves his pet fish so much that he longs to be one. The simple life of Henry the fish however, proves more exciting than mundane as he helps the US Navy defeat the Nazis during World War II. (1 hr. 42 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

Christmas in Wonderland

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:51 -0000

There's mischief and mayhem at the mall in this holiday family comedy. In CHRISTMAS IN WONDERLAND, kids find a bag full of counterfeit money and eagerly spend it, attracting the eyes of the bag's owners and the law. (1 hr. 38 min.) Release date: Nov 24, 2009

I Bought a Vampire Motorcycle

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:50 -0000

Bad-taste slasher movies never had it so good. In this horror/comedy movie, the film's hero purchases an antique motorcycle. Somehow, the bike gets a taste for blood and behaves in every respect just like a traditional vampire (shunning crucifixes, etc.). It also has a taste for human and animal flesh, and is given to dismembering its victims. (1 hr. 40 min.) Release date: Nov 24, 2009

Wild Child

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:49 -0000

Nicholas Moore directs this tweeny bopper fish-out-of-water comedy starring Emma Roberts. Poppy (Roberts) is a spoiled Malibu brat, and the film opens with her wreaking havoc on her stepmother's moving-in day. Her father (Aidan Quinn) decides he's had it with her wild ways and promptly packs her off to an English boarding school. Poppy arrives at Abbey Mount with blond extensions, a designer wardrobe, and plenty of attitude, and she is furious when she is forced to follow the school's strict code of conduct. She is determined to find some way back to sunny Malibu. She soon befriends�her roommates, a loyal, fun-loving troop of girls, who agree to help her come up with a way to get kicked out of school. They devise a scheme for Poppy to get caught fooling around with the headmistress's (Natasha Richardson) son, Freddie (Alex Pettyfer), but things soon go awry when Poppy's rival Harrier (Georgia King) tries to step in and foil her plan. Poppy is forced to make some big changes, and decide what it is she truly wants.

Emma Roberts is perhaps best known as the niece of Julia, and her wide smile is indeed reminiscent of her superstar aunt's, as is her feisty charm and likeability. This film is loud, silly fun, and it manages to send forth some very positive messages without sucking all the joy out of being a teen. It does touch on sex and underage drinking, so it might not be for the lower tween set. But for the older crew--this one is sure to be a sleepover favorite. (1 hr. 38 min.) Release date: Nov 17, 2009

Law of Desire

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:48 -0000

This bold tale of passion's dire consequences is one of Spanish director Pedro Almod�var's most smoldering films. Antonio Banderas stars as Antonio Ben�tez, an obsessive fan of writer-director Pablo Quintero (Eusebio Poncela), a cocaine-snorting homosexual hedonist whose last boyfriend, Juan (Miguel Molina), has just moved out. Antonio and Pablo have a few passionate nights, but Antonio's obsessive love soon proves hard for the noncommittal Pablo to escape from. Meanwhile, Pablo's transsexual sister, Tina (Carmen Maura), has problems of her own, including a closet brimming with dark sexual skeletons and Ada (Manuela Velasco), her unofficially adopted daughter. Pablo writes a play for Tina to star in, but when Antonio stalks and murders Juan in a fit of jealousy, the police end up suspecting the character Tina performs in the play. Pablo winds up with amnesia after a car accident, and the troubles just get weirder from there. For American audiences unfamiliar with Almod�var's style, this film may prove a shocking experience, but his fans know that beneath their transgressive exteriors, his films throb with a palpable love of humanity, life, beauty, and art. This is a fine example of that art, with great music and memorable performances all around. (1 hr. 41 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

Spies Like Us

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:47 -0000

Saturday Night Live alumni Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase appear on film together for the first time as Austin Milbarge and Emmett Fitz-Hume, respectively, in this hilarious spy/adventure spoof. Austin and Emmett are two dopey businessmen who decide they want to be spies, even though they have no experience in that area. The dumb duo take the CIA's admissions test...and are busted for cheating. Nevertheless, the pair are employed as spies anyway--unaware that the true reason they've been hired is to serve as a smokescreen for a band of real spies who are on an important mission. Soon the Russians are after the nitwits, and a potential world war hangs in the balance. (1 hr. 49 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

The Moon in the Gutter

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:46 -0000

This haunting drama, set in a dismal harbor town, tells the story of a stevedore who is desperately trying to discover the identity of his sister's killer. (2 hrs. 6 min.) Release date: Oct 20, 2009

Jack Brown, Genius

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:45 -0000

In this New Zealand fantasy-comedy, the spirit of an inventive monk who died 1000 years ago while trying out his newest invention--a pair of wings--enters the mind of a young contemporary inventor, Jack Brown, and tries to force him to learn to fly. But Jack is already busy avoiding the Boss, who is trying to get his formula for a new source of power. Jack is assisted by his best pal, Dennis, and his female friend, Eileen, who is secretly in love with Jack. (1 hr. 31 min.) Release date: Oct 13, 2009

Somers Town

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:44 -0000

Shane Meadows takes a break from gritty fare such as THIS IS ENGLAND to direct this fun, sweet comedy. Thomas Turgoose (the star of THIS IS ENGLAND) takes on the role of Tomo, a runaway teen who finds himself in London with no place to stay. But soon he finds a friend in a Polish boy named Marek (Piotr Jagiello), and he lets Tomo live with him, without his father's permission. Shot in black and white in a naturalistic style, SOMERS TOWN played to acclaim at festivals including Edinburgh and Tribeca. (1 hr. 10 min.) Release date: Dec 8, 2009

Julie & Julia

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:43 -0000

After DOUBT, Meryl Streep and Amy Adams take a comedic turn with this adaptation of Julie Powell's beloved bestseller. (2 hr. 3 min.) Release date: Dec 8, 2009

Drop Dead Rock

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:42 -0000

Hindenburg, a down-on-their-luck rock band, kidnap Spazz-O, their favorite British rock star, so he will listen to their music and make them famous. A film festival favorite, the performances of ex-Blondie singer/rock goddess Debbie Harry and New Waver Adam Ant are wonderfully over-the-top! A KING OF COMEDY for rock fans. (1 hr. 33 min.) Release date: Dec 8, 2009

World's Greatest Dad

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:41 -0000

Lance Clayton is a man who has learned to settle. He dreamed of being a rich and famous writer, but has only managed to make it as a high school poetry teacher. His only son Kyle is an insufferable jackass who won't give his father the time of day. He is dating Claire, the school's adorable art teacher, but she doesn't want to get serious -- or even acknowledge publicly that they are dating. Then, in the wake of a freak accident, Lance suffers the worst tragedy and greatest opportunity of his life. He is suddenly faced with the possibility of all the fame, fortune and popularity he ever dreamed of, if he can only live with the knowledge of how he got there. (1 hr. 39 min.) Release date: Dec 8, 2009

The Marc Pease Experience

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:40 -0000

Jason Schwartzman and Ben Stiller clash in this film from actor/director Todd Louiso (LOVE LIZA). Schwartzman stars as Marc Pease, a man desperate to bring his a cappella group to fame. He revisits his high school and learns that his teenage girlfriend (ROCKET SCIENCE's Anna Kendrick) is in the midst of a secret romance with his former mentor (Stiller). With this discovery, chaos erupts against the backdrop of the opening night of the school's production of THE WIZ. (1 hr. 24 min.) Release date: Dec 8, 2009

Step Brothers

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:39 -0000

While nearly all Will Ferrell's films are enjoyable on some level, they tend to fire on all cylinders when Adam McKay is involved. McKay co-wrote and directed ANCHORMAN: THE LEGEND OF RON BURGUNDY and TALLADEGA NIGHTS: THE BALLAD OF RICKY BOBBY, two of Ferrell's most popular and consummately hilarious films. McKay reteamed with not only Ferrell for STEP BROTHERS, but also Ferrell's co-star in TALLADEGA NIGHTS, John C. Reilly (who has steadily proven himself to be one of Hollywood's most versatile actors); and though STEP BROTHERS may be the most threadbare of the three movies on which the duo have collaborated, it's arguably their best.

The plot is about as simple as they come: Brennan Huff (Ferrell) and Dale Doback (Reilly) are deadbeat man-children thrown together when the single parents with whom they live marry. The two initially despise one another, but become fast friends over a shared love of ninjas, COPS, porno mags, and the comforts of living in the fantasy world of a prolonged adolescence. What makes STEPBROTHERS so much fun, however, has nothing to do with story or script; rather, it's McKay's foresight to step back and let Ferrell and Reilly run wild. The duo kick and punch, fart and burp, laugh and cry, yet somehow elevate such banalities to a level of grotesque poetry, hitting upon what feels like an entirely new comedic language. When the pair act like children, they are not presenting themselves as immature adults, but are literally acting like children, meticulously duplicating everything from the fears and concerns to the speech patterns and awkward physicality of children. It sounds simple enough, but it requires a dexterity and sense of timing and delivery that is actually quite amazing. In the end, STEP BROTHERS is really nothing more than an absurd comedy; then again, isn't that what they called WAITING FOR GODOT? (1 hr. 35 min.) Release date: Dec 2, 2009

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:38 -0000

Shawn Levy (CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, JUST MARRIED) directs the sequel of his hit film NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM. Night guard Larry Daley (Ben Stiller), now a successful entrepreneur, returns to the Museum of Natural History to visit his friends--the exhibits that come to life at night--only to learn that they are being shipped off into deep storage at the Smithsonian Institution. To make matters worse, the exhibits at the Smithsonian, including the pharaoh Kahmunrah (Hank Azaria), are suddenly coming to life--and they aren�t at all happy about their new visitors. Determined to save his friends, Larry rushes to Washington, D.C., and makes his way into the inner workings of the largest museum complex in the world while Kahmunrah recruits the likes of Ivan the Terrible (Christopher Guest), Napoleon (Alain Chabat), and Al Capone (Jon Bernthal). Larry, meanwhile, finds himself with spunky Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams) as a co-conspirator and love interest, and General Custer (Bill Hader) leading the battle for the Smithsonian.

The stakes are higher in this sequel, where even the paintings on the Smithsonian walls come to life at night. Stiller is his capable deadpan self as the now-successful Larry who finds purpose again while helping his friends, and Adams is spot-on as feisty, adventure-seeking Earhart, complete with period lingo. Azaria is a scene-stealer as Kahmunrah, who is menacing despite his lisp. Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Robin Williams, and Ricky Gervais also reprise their roles in this sequel, which is the first film to be shot at the Smithsonian. (1 hr. 45 min.) Release date: Dec 1, 2009

Funny People

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:37 -0000

Judd Apatow rounds up the usual suspects--Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, and Jonah Hill--for his third feature as a director. In FUNNY PEOPLE, a popular comedian comes far closer to death than he had every imagined. The comedy also stars Eric Bana, Jason Schwartzman, and RZA. (2 hr. 20 min.) Release date: Nov 24, 2009

On His Majesty s Secret Service

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:36 -0000

No description available (1 hr. 40 min.) Release date: Nov 24, 2009

Janky Promoters

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:35 -0000

Ice Cube and Mike Epps reteam for this comedy from FRIDAY AFTER NEXT director Marcus Raboy. Release date: Nov 24, 2009

Four Christmases

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:34 -0000

Documentarian Seth Gordon (THE KING OF KONG: A FISTFUL OF QUARTERS) makes his feature film directorial debut with FOUR CHRISTMASES. Kate (Reese Witherspoon) and Brad (Vince Vaughn) are a happily unmarried couple who avoid spending Christmas with their families at all costs and instead travel to exotic locales. But when they find themselves fogged in at the San Francisco airport and their flight to Fiji cancelled, they have no choice but to spend the holiday with their divorced parents and the rest of their dysfunctional relatives. From his wrestling brothers and cradle-robbing mother to her oversexed grandmother and perfect sister, the couple is forced to face their worst nightmare head-on. Kate and Brad's greatest fears are realized as their families share their most personal secrets.

This film addresses broader themes of how people really know each other and the importance of connecting with family, no matter how crazy they might be. Vaughn and Witherspoon have nice chemistry as a couple that thought they had everything they wanted, improvising and playing off of each other well. Robert Duvall and Sissy Spacek appear as Brad's parents, while Jon Voight and Mary Steenburgen play Kate's parents. Jon Favreau and Tim McGraw are a hoot as Brad's tormenting brothers, and Kristen Chenoweth fits the bill as Kate's sister. Parents should be aware that the film includes adult language and themes, and some comments about Santa that may upset young children. (1 hr. 20 min.) Release date: Nov 24, 2009

David & Layla

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:33 -0000

This multicultural romance follows a Jewish man and a Muslim woman as they attempt to navigate the gap between their diverse backgrounds. (1 hr. 46 min.) Release date: Nov 24, 2009

Bruno

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:32 -0000

After BORAT took over America in 2006, another Sacha Baron Cohen creation arrives on the big screen. In BRUNO, the gay Austrian model of the title brings his antics to the States. (1 hr. 22 min.) Release date: Nov 17, 2009

Expired

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:31 -0000

Jason Patric and Samantha Morton star in this dark indie romance about two mismatched loners trying to make a connection. Claire (Samantha Morton) is a meek and mild parking meter attendant, who lives a quiet, lonely life with her invalid mother (Teri Garr.) Claire spends her days suffering the slurs and curses of those she tickets, then heads home to her mom, where they glean pleasure from ordering holiday decorations from catalogues. When Claire encounters Jay (Jason Patric), a fellow parking attendant, she is struck by both his overt kindness and his extreme meanness. Jay is obviously an incredibly angry individual, with some rather serious emotional problems. But Claire's mother and friend (Illeana Douglas) encourage her to break out of her shell and pursue a romance, and when Jay begins to take an interest, she happily accepts his advances. They begin a bizarre, precarious courtship, with Claire not quite knowing what to make of Jay's Jekyll and Hyde personality, or his endless stream of verbal abuse. When she suffers a personal tragedy, he surprises her by standing by her side and offering his support. However, he continues to berate and manipulate her throughout the ordeal. Just as the two seem to be forming their own strange bond, there is a revelation that brings the relationship to a head, and forces Claire to make a final choice.

Both Morton and Garr turn in solid performances, and Patric is scarily convincing as the sadistic Jay. While the unapologetic nastiness of his character does elicit some laughs, the film is ultimately a heavy, incredibly moody tale. It is billed as a romantic comedy, but viewer be warned: this is no SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE. True, some might find humor in the moments of sheer absurdity (of which there are many), but it is hard to escape the dark, rather disturbing portrait of extreme loneliness. (1 hr. 46 min.) Release date: Nov 17, 2009

Humpday

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:30 -0000

MY EFFORTLESS BRILLIANCE filmmaker Lynn Shelton works with a cast of indie favorites--including BAGHEAD's Mark Duplass and THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT's Joshua Leonard--for this comedy. Old friends Andrew and Ben add a new wrinkle to their relationship when they go to a commune where an amateur porn festival is on the agenda. But rather than sitting and watching, these heterosexual men get up and do...each other. How will this change their friendship, and will Ben be able to return to his marriage with Anna (Alycia Delmore)? (1 hr. 34 min.) Release date: Nov 17, 2009

How to Be

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:29 -0000

At first fancying himself an "enigmatic poet," twentysomething Art gradually realizes that he must take action if he's going to escape his depressed life as a struggling musician in London. A solution comes in the shape of a book titled "It's Not Your Fault." Not content to just draw inspiration from its pages, however, Art invites the elderly author of the book to come live with him and his parents, which quickly becomes a painfully funny journey about dysfunction and growing up. (86 min.) Release date: Nov 17, 2009

My One and Only

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:28 -0000

Renee Zellweger stars as a mother who travels down the East Coast with her children as they look for a wealthy socialite to take care of them in this comedy based on a childhood recollection of actor George Hamilton. Richard Loncraine (FIREWALL) directs from a script by FORREST GUMP scribe Charlie Peters, with a supporting cast headed by Logan Lerman, Chris Noth, Steven Weber, Nick Stahl, and Kevin Bacon. (1 hr. 30 min.) Release date: Nov 17, 2009

The Open Road

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:27 -0000

Jeff Bridges, Justin Timberlake, and Mary Steenburgen star in writer-director Michael Meredith's tale of a young man looking to reconnect with his long-lost father--a famous athlete--and bring him back to the bedside of his ailing mother. Lyle Lovett, Harry Dean Stanton, and Kate Mara fill out the supporting cast in the Perfect Weekend production. (1 hr. 30 min.) Release date: Nov 11, 2009

Up

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:26 -0000

Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life. (1 hr. 29 min.) Release date: Nov 10, 2009

Mamma Mia!

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:25 -0000

After its run as a West End hit in London, MAMMA MIA became a Broadway smash when it opened in New York back in 2001. With a story framed around the music of the Swedish pop band Abba, crowds loved its raucous, dance party vibe. Now it comes to the silver screen, with some truly delightful performances from the likes of Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan. It is the story of Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) a young woman living on a picturesque Greek island with her mother, Donna (Streep.) Together, Donna and Sophie run a ramshackle island inn, and they are in the midst of preparing for Sophie's wedding. As the wedding approaches, Sophie becomes troubled by the fact that she has never known her father. She was the result of one of her mother's summer flings, and her mother has never revealed her father's identity. When Sophie stumbles upon her mother's diary, she learns that there are three possible men who could be her dad. Without telling her mother, she invites all three to her wedding. When Harry (Colin Firth), Sam (Brosnan), and Bill (Stellan Skarsgard) all arrive at the same time, Donna is of course shocked and overwhelmed by seeing her old lovers again after such a long time. She turns to her two best friends, Tanya (Christine Baranaki) and Rosie (Julia Walters), for their support, and vows to just get through the wedding and weekend. Meanwhile, Sophie spends time with each man, determined to learn the truth.

Major hijinks and confusion ensues, all amidst the utterly romance scenery, and the rather irresistible, swelling love ballads. Streep has a lovely singing voice, and to watch her throw herself into this whimsical role is truly a delight. She looks like she is having a ball, and it is hard not to shimmy along with her. Baranski reliably delivers an over-the-top showstopper, and Brosnan's tender singing voice makes his character all the more touching. The film strives to be a jubilant celebration of mother/daughter relationships and the love between good friends, and no matter how cheesy some may find Abba, it is hard to resist its many charms. (1 hr. 48 min.) Release date: Nov 10, 2009

The Ugly Truth

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:24 -0000

After KNOCKED UP and 27 DRESSES, Katherine Heigl continues her reign as queen of the romantic comedies with this film from director Robert Luketic. The versatile Gerard Butler of 300 and P.S. I LOVE YOU stars as an obnoxious man who gets under the skin of Heigl's TV producer character. (1 hr. 35 min.) Release date: Nov 10, 2009

Familiar Strangers

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:23 -0000

Those who feel that their family is odd may feel comforted by the weird Worthington clan in this comedy. FAMILIAR STRANGERS stars Shawn Hatosy (ALPHA DOG) as Brian Worthington, a man who has come home to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family. The relationship between Brian and his father (Tom Bower, DIE HARD 2: DIE HARDER) is strained, and it's certainly not helped by his father's treatment of the family pets as children. But the appearance of a young woman (THIRTEEN's Nikki Reed) who has a crush on Brian may make the holiday more bearable. FAMILIAR STRANGERS also stars DJ Qualls (ROAD TRIP). (1 hr. 26 min.) Release date: Nov 10, 2009

Make the Yuletide Gay

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:22 -0000

An out-and-proud college student wrestles with revealing his true sexuality to his parents when he comes home for Christmas break and his boyfriend decides to pay him a surprise visit. At school, everyone knows that Olaf "Gunn" Gunnunderson is gay; at home, it's a much different story. Bidding his boyfriend, Nathan, goodbye, Olaf heads home to find that his parents have fixed him up on a date with his old high-school sweetheart, Abby. When Nathan comes knocking unannounced, he can't quite believe that Olaf hasn't come out to his parents. Later, as the boys scramble to keep Olaf's sexuality a secret from his parents, the conversations grow increasingly inquisitive and Olaf must decide whether to come out before the truth does. (1 hr. 29 min.) Release date: Nov 10, 2009

The Accidental Husband

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:21 -0000

After talk show host Emma (Uma Thurman) tells a bride-to-be to dump her firefighter fianc� (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), he devises a unique plan of revenge in this romantic comedy. Without Emma's knowledge, the man marries her, causing friction in her relationship with a staid man (Colin Firth). (1 hr. 30 min.) Release date: Nov 10, 2009

Spread

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:20 -0000

Sex and beauty are currency in Los Angeles, and Nikki (Ashton Kutcher) has figured out how to use the system to his advantage. Though he has little money of his own, he seduces rich women, who give him gifts and a place to stay in return for the fun he offers. But his scheme isn�t foolproof: Nikki meets his female counterpart (Margarita Levieva), and he�ll have to decide what love is really worth. (1 hr. 31 min.) Release date: Nov 10, 2009

Surfer, Dude

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:19 -0000

Matthew McConaughey stars in this film as Steve Addington, an A-list surfer who comes home to find Malibu has changed. Gone are the times when surfers lived just to catch a wave; now it's all about sponsorships, virtual reality, and money, but all Steve wants to do is surf. But when the West Coast waves turn flat, Steve's options are gone with the tide. SURFER, DUDE also stars Woody Harrelson, Scott Glenn, Willie Nelson, and Alexie Gilmore. (1 hr. 25 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

I Love You, Beth Cooper

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:18 -0000

Larry Doyle adapts his own novel for the screen with this comedy about a nerdy high school valedictorian who uses his graduation speech to share his love with a popular cheerleader. I LOVE YOU, BETH COOPER stars Hayden Panettiere (HEROES) as the object of the boy's affection. (1 hr. 42 min.) Release date: Nov 3, 2009

Stan Helsing

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:17 -0000

The monster movie genre gets spoofed with this Stone Village Pictures and Essential Entertainment production written and directed by Bo Zenga, producer of the first film in the SCARY MOVIE franchise. The plot revolves around a video-store employee who has to save his town when it becomes plagued by six famous movie monsters on Halloween night. (1 hr. 30 min.) Release date: Oct 27, 2009

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:16 -0000

Manny, Sid, Diego and Ellie are back in this third film in the computer-animated Ice Age series. With those creatures in starring roles, fans also get another dose of the vocal talents of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, and Queen Latifah, who all return from the previous two outings. (1 hr. 27 min.) Release date: Oct 27, 2009

Nothing Like the Holidays

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:15 -0000

Alfred De Villa (WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, YELLOW) directs this tale of a Puerto Rican family gathering at their family home in Chicago's Humboldt Park for the holidays. On the surface, the Rodriguez family has much to be thankful for this Christmas. Eldest son Mauricio (John Leguizamo) is a lawyer on the verge of making partner and his wife is a Wall Street dynamo (Debra Messing), daughter Roxanna (Vanessa Ferlito) is a movie star, and youngest son Jesse (Freddy Rodriguez) has just returned home from a tour in Iraq. For the first time in years, the three siblings will all be home for the holidays, and their parents, Anna (Elizabeth Pe�a) and Eduardo (Alfred Molina), are elated. Except that Mauricio's wife isn't Puerto Rican, and despite her mother-in-law's constant pleas, she's in no rush to have a baby. Meanwhile, Roxanna is more of a struggling actress then a star, and Jesse is having a hard time adjusting to regular life and facing Marissa (Melonie Diaz), the "one that got away" when he enlisted. To make matters worse, their mother suspects their father of cheating and has decided that she wants a divorce.

Overall, this is a film about a family coming together for Christmas, but learning much more about each other and themselves. More of a dramedy then a comedy, most of the laughs belong to Luis Guzm�n as cousin Johnny. Jay Hernandez also appears as Ozzy, a close family friend who works at Eduardo's bodega and is struggling with his own demons. Leguizamo, Ferlito, and Rodriguez are believable as siblings who love each other even when they can't stand each other. Pe�a and Molina are well-cast as the matriarch and patriarch who ultimately put family first despite their differences. (1 hr. 39 min.) Release date: Oct 27, 2009

Whatever Works

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:14 -0000

The New York-based humor of Woody Allen and CURB YOUR ENTHUSIAM�s Larry David seems like a natural match, and the pair unite for the first time in this comedy. WHATEVER WORKS follows a rich man (David), who decides that he should be living a different, less-status based life. Evan Rachel Wood, Patricia Clarkson, Ed Begley Jr., and Michael McKean star in this film that marks Allen�s cinematic return to New York City. (1 hr. 32 min.) Release date: Oct 27, 2009

Medicine for Melancholy

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:13 -0000

San Francisco is the setting for potential romance in this low-budget romance. Though Jo' (Tracey Heggins) and Micah (Wyatt Cenac) wake up next to one another, they have no idea what brought them to that point. MEDICINE FOR MELANCHOLY follows the pair as they travel through the California city, exploring the streets as well as the possibility of a deeper connection with one another. (1 hr. 27 min.) Release date: Oct 27, 2009

High School Record

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:12 -0000

Writer-director Ben Wolfinsohn fashions a deadpan satire of the high-school experience with this low-budget mockumentary that features a who�s who of the Los Angeles indie-rock scene. Camera crews follow nerdy teens Caleb (Dean Allen Spunt of the band No Age), Sabrina (Jennifer Thorhill of Mika Miko), Erin (Jennifer Clavin, also of Mika Miko), and Eddie (Bobby Sandoval) as they suffer through the humiliations of senior year while being filmed for a documentary about high-school life. The comedy also features Becky Stark of the indie-pop band Lavender Diamond and Mike Watt of the legendary punk trio The Minutemen. (1 hr. 29 min.) Release date: Oct 27, 2009

Dead Snow

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:11 -0000

Depending on the audience, the sub-sub-genre of the Nazi zombie movie could sound like the best or worst of cinematic offerings. But DEAD SNOW received rave reviews from audiences at Sundance, promising that this Norwegian horror comedy will be a favorite for genre fans. In the film, a group of friends think they�re in for a trip filled with skiing, drinking, and hooking up, but a defrosting band of Nazi zombies have something else in store for the vacationers. (1 hr. 31 min.) Release date: Oct 20, 2009

Chef s Special

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:10 -0000

A distinguished and openly gay chef from Madrid is forced to reevaluate his own morals and values when the children from his former marriage suddenly come knocking and a handsome ex-football player from Argentina moves in next door. Maxi owns one of the most popular restaurants in the gay-friendly neighborhood of Chueca. But while Maxi is currently out of the closet, that doesn't mean that he doesn't have anything to hide. Years ago, Maxi fathered several children while involved in a sham marriage. Now Maxi's children want to get better acquainted with their long-lost father, but in order to truly connect with his kids, Maxi will first have to come clean about his new lifestyle. (1 hr. 51 min.) Release date: Oct 20, 2009

Tricheuse

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:09 -0000

No description available (1 hr. 35 min.) Release date: Oct 20, 2009

Casi Divas

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:08 -0000

Mexican director Issa Lopez's show-business-themed comedy-drama CASI DIVAS (ROAD TO FAME) follows the adventures of four aspiring actresses clamoring for a coveted part in a hotshot producer's new movie. The producer in question launches a national talent search to find his dream actress, which pits the quartet of hopefuls in a spate of intense competition against one another--despite the rumor that the producer's girlfriend will land the part by default. (1 hr. 47 min.) Release date: Oct 20, 2009

The Proposal

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:07 -0000

THE PROPOSAL could have been a strictly script-by-numbers affair, but hilarious performances by Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds improve this romantic comedy. Publishing powerhouse Margaret Tate (Bullock, TWO WEEKS NOTICE) is used to getting her way. She bullies her ambitious assistant, Andrew Paxton (Reynolds, DEFINITELY, MAYBE), earning the ire of all the underlings at Colden Books in New York City. But Margaret, a native Canadian, finds her career in jeopardy when she is denied a visa and learns she will be sent northward. She forces Andrew to become her fianc�, but she�ll have to take a trip home to Alaska with him to prove to U.S. Immigration that their impending union is genuine.

What ensues is a combination of GREEN CARD, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, and GREEN ACRES, with the hell-in-heels boss trying to fake a romance with her assistant as she struggles to survive as a city girl in the country. However, THE PROPOSAL proves to be more than the sum of its parts; Bullock has been one of Julia Roberts�s successors to the America�s-sweetheart crown since she starred in SPEED, but this comedy has her challenging her image with hilarious ease. Reynolds--who could be just window-dressing with his good looks and easy charm--is an excellent foil who is just as adept with sarcasm as he is with a smile. The two stars are supported by an impressive cast, including Betty White as Andrew�s scheming 90-year-old grandmother, Craig T. Nelson as his disappointed father, and THE OFFICE�s Oscar Nunez as an ubiquitous resident of his hometown. THE PROPOSAL may offer few surprises in the way of plot, but the on-screen talent keeps the film feeling fresh. (1 hr. 48 min.) Release date: Oct 13, 2009

Land of the Lost

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:06 -0000

A disgraced paleontologist, his assistant and a macho tour guide find themselves in a strange world inhabited by dinosaurs, monkey people and reptilian Sleestaks. (1 hr. 41 min.) Release date: Oct 13, 2009

Empties

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:05 -0000

The long-anticipated seriocomedy EMPTIES constitutes director Jan Sverak's third installment in his trilogy on aging that commenced with THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (1991) and continued with the beloved KOLYA (1996). The filmmaker's father, Zdenak Sverak, stars as Josef Tkaloun, a curmudgeonly middle-aged lit teacher who grows exhausted from instructing his demanding, occasionally obnoxious students and opts to take a hike into early retirement. Though his wife Eliska (Daniela Kolarova)--to whom he has repeatedly been unfaithful--continues to tolerate his insensitivity, Josef quickly recognizes his own need for a daily grind, and thus heads into a series of random occupations, including bike messenger and bottle retriever in a grocery store. The latter proves particularly colorful, introducing Josef to a host of eccentric and occasionally funny co-workers. Meanwhile, Josef makes feeble attempts to set his hyper-devout daughter (Tatiana Vilhelmova) up with a crass former coworker (Jiri Machacek), and lapses into lusty fantasies about the headmistress of his former school (Nela Boudova), endangering his marriage in the process. At the time of its release, this film reportedly netted a greater profit than any movie in Czech history. (1 hr. 40 min.) Release date: Oct 6, 2009

Imagine That

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:04 -0000

Evan Danielson is a successful financial executive who has more time for his blackberry than his seven-year-old daughter. When he has a crisis of confidence and his career starts going down the drain, however, he finds the solution to all his problems in his daughter's imaginary world. (1 hr. 47 min.) Release date: Oct 6, 2009

My Life in Ruins

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:03 -0000

MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING's Nia Vardalos stars in this comedy as a tour guide in Greece who is forced to quit her job by a smarmy coworker. Richard Dreyfuss, Rachel Dratch, and Harland Williams play members of her tour group. (1 hr. 38 min.) Release date: Oct 6, 2009

See You After School

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:02 -0000

South Korean writer-director Seok-hoon Lee tips his hat to the 1980s classic THREE O�CLOCK HIGH with his teen comedy SEE YOU AFTER SCHOOL. Lifelong loser Goong-dahl (Tae-gyu Bong) is determined to start his high-school experience on the right foot. But when he tangles with resident bully Jae-koo (Seok-jin Ha) on the very first day of class, Goong-dahl is challenged to an afterschool showdown that he is determined to avoid at any cost. (1 hr. 43 min.) Release date: Oct 6, 2009

Chinese Odyssey 2002

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:01 -0000

CHINESE ODYSSEY 2002, produced by Wong Kar-Wai, is writer-director Jeff Lau's energetic parody of Chinese kung fu epics, with a bit of Shakespeare thrown in. Chang Chen (CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON) plays the Emperor, who, desperate for the free-spirited life of a wanderer, tries to escape from the royal palace with his sister, the Princess (Faye Wong, little seen since starring in Wong's CHUNGKING EXPRESS). He's caught and returned to his angry mother by the royal guards, but the Princess, disguised as a man, manages to escape. Meanwhile, King Bully (Tony Leung, who also starred in CHUNGKING EXPRESS) has returned to his hometown, where he is widely despised for his bullying ways, to run a restaurant with his tomboy sister, Phoenix (Vicki Zhao of SHAOLIN SOCCER). They have a very close relationship. In fact, King Bully mistakenly believes that he can read his sister's mind. When the Princess arrives in town, King Bully finds himself drawn to her, but, believing she's a man, decides that his attraction is some kind of empathy with Phoenix. King Bully and the Princess spend a night eating and drinking together. In the morning, the Princess leaves. King Bully, determined that the Princess will marry Phoenix, vows to bring the charismatic young "man" back. She does return, but soon realizes that the royal guards are following her. Meanwhile, the Emperor convinces his mother to let him leave the palace to go look for the Princess. By the time he gets to town, the Princess has been carted off by the royal guards, with King Bully in hot pursuit. He's immediately attracted to Phoenix. More confusion ensues. CHINESE ODYSSEY 2002 had its U.S. premiere at the 2003 Tribeca Film Festival. The film was awarded Best Film, and Faye Wong Best Actress, by the Hong Kong Film Critics Society. (1 hr. 45 min.) Release date: Oct 6, 2009

Dance Flick

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:26:00 -0000

The Wayans brothers set out to parody movies like "Step Up" and "Save the Last Dance." (1 hr. 23 min.) Release date: Oct 6, 2009

Year One

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:25:59 -0000

When a couple of lazy hunter-gatherers are banished from their primitive village, they set off on an epic journey through the ancient world. (1 hr. 40 min.) Release date: Oct 6, 2009

Away We Go

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:25:58 -0000

The journey of an expectant couple as they travel the U.S. in search of the perfect place to put down roots and raise their family. Along the way, they have misadventures and find fresh connections with an assortment of relatives and old friends who just might help them discover "home" on their own terms for the first time. (1 hr. 37 min.) Release date: Sep 29, 2009

Filth and Wisdom

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:25:57 -0000

Having tackled the world of music, acting, and children's publishing, Madonna has turned her attention to directing, making her feature film debut with FILTH AND WISDOM. Set in a London flat, the film follows the episodic adventures of a colorful cast of characters, including a reluctant stripper (Holly Weston), a blind poet (Richard E. Grant), and a frustrated pharmacist and his would-be do-gooder assistant, as they struggle with personal demons and unrealized dreams. At the center of all of this is A.K. (played boisterously by Gogol Bordello frontman Eugene Hutz), acting as ringmaster-cum-dime-store-philosopher.

Madonna creates a world unto itself, where characters sip brandy and smoke cigarettes while sitting in empty bathtubs. While the tone is comic and light, the film occasionally veers into the realm of the overly quirky. But what this bohemian tale lacks in originality, it makes up in charm and vivacity. Madonna shows off her inner cinephile with influences from the directors of the French New Wave, while remaining true to her own signature style, filling the frames with outlandish costumes and erotic imagery. She embraces an improvisational style that is visually striking and well complemented by the frenetic soundtrack, which is scored by Gogol Bordello. While FILTH AND WISDOM's cartoonish film-school aesthetic could have been grating, the film's boundless exuberance and bohemian style prove to be a winning combination. (1 hr. 24 min.) Release date: Sep 29, 2009

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:25:56 -0000

In 2008's MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA, the endearing New York City zoo animals of the original hit movie return for another zany round of CGI adventures abroad. Leaving the island of the title by way of a ramshackle penguin-designed aircraft, the quartet of Alex the Lion (voiced by Ben Stiller), Marty the Zebra (Chris Rock), Gloria the Hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith), and Melman the Giraffe (David Schwimmer), along with unlikely friends such as King Julien the Lemur (Sacha Baron Cohen), crash-land on the African savannah, setting in motion a whole new series of exploits, involving Alex's long-lost parents (Bernie Mac and Sherri Shepherd) and a stranded group of tenacious NYC human tourists.

Reuniting directors Tom McGrath and Eric Darnell, as well as all the principal cast members of the first film, MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA takes full advantage of its sweeping setting, making room for beautifully expansive landscapes amidst the mammal mayhem. While the leads are in fine form, they are ably assisted by series newcomers, including the late Mac, Shepherd, and Alec Baldwin, who plays a scheming rival lion. Though various plotlines get increasingly ridiculous as the movie goes on (see the return of MADAGASCAR's aggressive Grand Central Station granny), the good-natured main characters and their silly support players (particularly lemurs and penguins) keep ESCAPE 2 AFRICA entertaining no matter how far the story strays off the wildlife reserve. (1 hr. 29 min.) Release date: Sep 29, 2009

Monsters vs. Aliens

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:25:55 -0000

When California girl Susan Murphy is unwittingly clobbered by a meteor full of outer space gunk on her wedding day, she mysteriously grows to 49-feet-11-inches tall. Alerted to the threat of this new monster, the military jumps into action and Susan is captured and secreted away to a covert government compound. There, she is renamed Ginormica and placed in confinement with a ragtag group of other monsters: the brilliant but insect-headed Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D.; the macho half-ape, half-fish The Missing Link; the gelatinous and indestructible B.O.B.; and the 350-foot grub called Insectosaurus. Their confinement is cut short, however, when a mysterious alien robot lands on Earth and begins storming the country. In a moment of desperation, The President is persuaded by General W.R. Monger to enlist the motley crew of Monsters to combat the Alien Robot and save the world from imminent destruction. (1 hr. 34 min.) Release date: Sep 29, 2009

Skills Like This

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:25:54 -0000

Fans of indie comedy will find much to like in this film that was the 2007 Audience Award Winner for Best Narrative Feature at South by Southwest. In SKILLS LIKE THIS, aspiring writer Max Solomon comes to the realization that there is no future for him in words. However, Max discovers that he has a hidden talent: bank robbing. He embarks on a new life, but will it get in the way of his romance with a pretty bank teller? (1 hr. 28 min.) Release date: Sep 29, 2009

Lies & Illusions

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:25:53 -0000

Monster-movie director Tibor Takacs (MANSQUITO, MEGASNAKE) helms the action-comedy LIES & ILLUSIONS. Christian Slater stars as successful self-help author Wes Wilson, whose happiness is shattered when his fiancee, Samantha (Sarah Ann Schultz), is killed in a seemingly random attack. Wes�s world is turned further upside down after he uncovers Samantha�s secret double life, which involved stealing a cache of diamonds from ruthless jewel smuggler Isaac (Cuba Gooding Jr.)--who now wants his loot back, and is willing to do anything to get it. (93 hr.) Release date: Sep 29, 2009

The Medicine Man

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:25:52 -0000

In this early Benny movie, he's a "Medicine Man" who comes into a small town with enormous fanfare, peddling his all-purpose "health tonic," in his wake, a long trail of empty wallets and broken hearts lay strewn. Release date: Sep 29, 2009

Management

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:25:51 -0000

Jennifer Aniston may get top billing in this romantic comedy, but MANAGEMENT belongs to Steve Zahn. The often goofy, always likable actor plays Mike Cranshaw, a man with little ambition but lots of heart who works at his parents� motel in small-town Arizona. When paint-saleswoman Sue Claussen (Aniston) stops at the inn, Mike immediately plots an awkward plan to seduce her. Things go better than either of them would have guessed, but Sue still leaves for her home in Maryland. Mike impulsively follows her east, beginning an uncomfortable but heartfelt courtship that takes the road less traveled. Sue�s move from Maryland to Washington does little to deter Mike, but the reappearance of her ex-boyfriend, ex-punk Jango (Woody Harrelson), could throw him off course.

MANAGEMENT balances its star power (A-list actress Aniston) with its indie roots (theatrical distributor Samuel Goldwyn Films) to make a movie that doesn�t fit the rubric of either genre. It�s too quirky for a studio film, but it�s sweet enough that it shouldn�t scare away any fans of Aniston�s work in FRIENDS and HE�S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU. She�s more in the territory of THE GOOD GIRL and FRIENDS WITH MONEY here, and Sue is a complicated part that Aniston pulls off. In his other roles, Zahn often labors in the background and steals scenes from actors with higher billing, but MANAGEMENT is indisputably a leading role for the actor. His Mike commits acts bordering on criminal (or at least crazy) in his cross-country pursuit of Sue, but thanks to Zahn�s performance, it�s hard not to feel devoted to his character and to understand Sue�s (reluctant) attraction. Fans of the cringe-worthy humor of comedies like THE OFFICE will enjoy squirming through this unlikely romance. (1 hr. 33 min.) Release date: Sep 29, 2009