Is there a point in other movies coming out this week? Or me writing other reviews? Because they’re all going to be overshadowed by this one. Yes, I saw the first movie in the series and was able to catch this one at the AMP screening last night. I fear bad-mouthing the movie because of all of you Team Edward and Team Jacob crazed Twihards! I suppose if you’re a huge fan, you’re going to be happy regardless. If you’re not, well, this one is definitely cheesier than the first one… by leaps and bounds. Be patient, it gets better as it goes. Either way, there are a lot of hot shirtless men… well, boys, (A LOT) so if you like those, then it might be worth sitting through. Oh, and the ending? It’ll TOTALLY leave you wanting more. Stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, and small role by Dakota Fanning.

• The Blind Side

I’ll be surprised if you’re reading this since it’s following my Twilight review… but for those of you still with me, this movie features Sandra Bullock and country singer Tim McGraw. Based on a true story about a disadvantaged teen that gets taken in by a family and pursues a career in the NFL. Well, I don’t really know what to say. It’s sort of corny for my taste, but there are those of you that love these “based on a true story” movies. Get those tissues ready… this one’s gonna be a tearjerker. If the cheese in “New Moon” isn’t enough, make it a double feature night and see this while you’re at it.

• Planet 51

I think “cheese” is the theme for this week’s reviews. What better way to top it off than with an animated film? Written by the same people who did “Shrek”, the story follows an astronaut from Earth (voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) and his adventures on Planet 51 and the alien invasion. Other familiar voices include Jessica Beil and Sean William Scott. But… wait… what’s the point of having Sean William Scott in a movie where you can’t see his hotness? Well, I guess this is geared more towards the younger crowd, anyway. What a shame…

The world is ending! No, seriously. You’ve probably heard the story of how the Mayans predicted the world to end during the year 2012, and in this movie John Cusack and Amanda Peet are in charge of leading a group to fight the apocalypse. Additional big names in this include Thandie Newton, Woody Harrelson, and Danny Glover who plays the President. Even though this movie has been hyped insanely (and I HATE overly hyped movies), I would still see it. And for the record, if the world was ending, I would totally follow John Cusack to wherever he was going. Has a good head on his shoulders, that kid.

• Pirate Radio

So… this is a radio station movie review… on a movie about a radio station. Weird. Based on a true story from the 1960’s, a group of DJ’s run an illegal radio station on a ship in the middle of Britain’s waters. Maybe it’s because I work in the industry, but this movie is intriguing. It has some awesome names attached to it: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, plus Bill Nighy and Nick Frost of Shaun of the Dead. If you’re looking for a movie with more substance than the norm, definitely see this.

• Dare

I could have done my third review on the eerie Fantastic Mr. Fox that comes out the same week, but after seeing this trailer I had to choose Dare. It’s about three friends that are basically going through the obstacles we all face of growing up. Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, and Ashley Springer play the three friends but the actors that caught my attention are Alan Cumming, Sandra Bernhard, and SNL alum Ana Gasteyer. Going on limited release, this might be worth catching if you’re into the whole teen angst thing… or if you’re a teen with, you know, angst. (But what teen doesn’t?)

Cameron Diaz and James Marsden play a couple that are given a tough decision: what to do with a box that could fulfill their dreams while having drastic consequences on others. The trailer for this is intriguing, and the major thing that would deter me from watching this is Diaz’s annoyingly fake accent. I just ask… Why? Anyway, I love movies that put you through mind games. I hope that whatever the twist ends up being, it doesn’t disappoint.

• The Fourth Kind

Just seeing the preview on TV last night made me nervous… This one’s gonna be creepy. There’s a 40-year-long Alaskan mystery of random disappearances that an investigator, played by action hottie Milla Jovovich, must solve. Obviously from the title and the trailer, the disappearances are due to alien abductions. Has a bit of an “X-Files” feel to it. I expect this one to do well just because some of the camera work is really similar to the hit Paranormal Activity and audiences might crave more of the same thing. If you like aliens, go for it.

• Precious

Based on the novel Push by Sapphire The first time I saw the trailer for this, it got me immediately interested. There’s a lot of buzz (even the Oscar kind) about this movie, and definitely has some interesting names attached to it including comedian Mo’Nique and Mariah Carey. The plot is as far as you can get from Glitter; Precious (played by newcomer Gabourey ‘Gabby’ Sidibe) is an overweight, pregnant, illiterate teenager struggling to educate herself to get out of the slums of Harlem. Though only on limited release, I won’t mind going out of my way to catch this and you’ll be hearing about this one until awards season.

Halloween MUST be close when there’s a new “Saw” movie in theaters. Jigsaw is dead, but the game still continues (seriously?). Another round of the “lessons” that are taught to unsuspecting victims in disturbing, sometimes fatal ways. Now, let me ask… Are you sick of the franchise yet? I don’t really do scary movies but I’m definitely tired of hearing about these movies. My friend that loves horror movies even admitted to the ridiculousness of there being a number 6 in the series, but also said that he would watch this anyway. I guess if it ain’t broke…

Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant

What the hell is this movie even about? I am so confused. Even the trailer doesn’t do anything for me. I guess a kid decides his life is too boring so he takes up an offer from a vampire (John C. Reilly) to join the undead and become part of a traveling freak show. The cast is insane: Salma Hayek, Ken Watanabe, Jane Krakowski, and even Willem Dafoe. They all wanted to be part of this movie? Is it because the whole vampire thing is in right now and they want to be trendy actors? I don’t know. I really wish that this actually looked good, but just seeing J.C. Reilly as a vampire immediately turns me off from it. Something is just not right about it. Great actor, but all I can think is…. “SHAKE AND BAKE!”

Amelia

I’m quite surprised that I haven’t seen this movie promoted at all, or seen any trailers on TV. The dramatic story of famed pilot Amelia Eirhart’s disappearance, and who better to play her than Hilary Swank. Watching her scenes in the trailer already convinces me that she was perfect for the role. I wasn’t sure of where they were going to go with the story, but it looks pretty good. I would definitely watch it, though the audience for this is probably going to be a bit on the older end. Throw in Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor and you have an all-star cast.

• Where the Wild Things Are

This was one that I was anxious to see, and I got my chance at a screening last night. I’m left with really mixed feelings. Based on the popular kid’s book, this film follows Max as he runs away from home, only to find himself in an imaginary world of monsters that designate him as King. It’s a tough job to take such a simple story and create an entire movie out of it, and that’s probably the major weak point. It’s not fair to expect an intricate plot or want too much more out of the story, so take it for what it’s worth. Look at it as art. Not amazing, but not exactly disappointing.

• The Stepfather

When I first saw a poster for this, I couldn’t even believe the title. Really? How was I ever supposed to try and take this seriously. “Nip/Tuck” star Dylan Walsh plays a man, hiding a dark past from his new family, which includes his stepson played by Penn Badgley of “Gossip Girl.” My only excitement comes from seeing Walsh in something other than his show, which I’m a fan of. Other than that, I’d only suggest you to see this to get you in the spirit for Halloween.

• Law Abiding Citizen

YUM. Give me a movie with a naked Gerard Butler and you’ll have one happy Seena! I don’t even feel like you need to know the plot because, I mean, come on… Gerard Butler… Naked… Ok, moving on. In case you actually care what this is about, Clyde Shelton (Butler) feels the need to take the law into his own hands when the justice system fails him. The prosecutor (Jamie Foxx) that was responsible must stop Clyde from his vengeful killings that are mysteriously happening as he’s locked up. Interesting story, hot men, possibly some good acting. See you there!

Everyone gets excited when there’s a new Vince Vaughn movie coming out, but my personal excitement level isn’t high on this one. Yes, it has some big names, including John Favreau, Malin Akerman, Kristen Bell, Jason Bateman, and Kristen Davis… but I feel like this movie is bring hyped too much. Basically, there are 4 couples that go on vacation at a tropical resort and they each have their own issues that become apparent through therapy sessions. Like I said, the cast is awesome, but the story? I don’t have good feelings on it. It has potential so I guess I’ll reserve judgment. I’m afraid it’s just another movie where Vaughn basically plays the same character as his last bunch of films… Funny, but please try something else?

• Good Hair

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Chris Rock with something new. Good Hair is a comedic documentary about African-American hairstyles and there are a lot of people that make an appearance, everyone from Maya Angelou to singer Eve. The trailer is enough to make me laugh so I’m guessing the movie will be pretty good. I hope so, at least. I have the same expectations for this that I had for Dave Chappelle’s Block Party, which was also a comedic documentary. If you haven’t seen it, do. Hopefully Rock will be able to get the same reaction with his doc.

• St. Trinian’s

A movie that was really popular in the UK that’s being shown on limited release here in the States. I decided to include this review after checking out the preview. I feel like there are plenty of teens that would dig this. In the movie, a group of girls get into all sorts of random adventures while trying to save their private school from bankruptcy. Yeah, I know, if you’re out of high school you’re probably not interested in this whatsoever, but for the younger crowd it could be fun. Rupert Everett, train wreck Mischa Barton, and Russell Brand appear in this.

Halloween is creeping closer… Bring on the zombie movies! If all you’re after is a good scare, this probably isn’t the right movie for you. Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone (Super Bad), and Jesse Eisenberg (Adventureland) play a group of refugees that travel across the US to an amusement park that will act as a shelter from the zombie infested country. I know people who have seen this at screenings and have only heard great things. It’s supposedly full of some great action and lots of humor, which I dig. I’d much rather spend my money and time watching a movie that takes a new spin at zombie movies than your typical gruesome Halloween flick. Just one extra thought… I wonder if Eisenberg is supposed to be a replacement for Michael Cera?

• Whip It:

Drew Barrymore directs AND acts in this quirky movie about an indie-rocker (Ellen Page) that finds her passion in, of all places, a roller derby league in Austin. Page seems pretty fitting for this, but I’d like to see her try a much different role next time if her career continues to climb. Overall, the story seems interesting and I’d like see if Barrymore is able to deliver on both levels. The rest of the cast is impressive, too: SNL’s Kristen Wiig, Jimmy Fallon, singer Eve and Juliette Lewis, to name a few. Juno on skates? That’s sort of the impression I get.

• Paranormal Activity:

Ok, I’m not a fan of scary movies. Call me a baby all you want but it takes quite a bit of convincing before I step into a theater to see one. I did, however, attend AMP’s screening for this and I’m surprised to report that I had an OK time! Yes, I totally closed my eyes for some of it but that’s to be expected. This has been compared to The Blair Witch Project because of the camerawork, but the story is quite different. It’s basically a home video of a couple that has strange hauntings around the house. It was simple and entertaining, but I know one of the biggest complaints was that there wasn’t enough gore… Not enough gore? Perfect for me! So if you want the crap scared outta you, this isn’t gonna do it. Probably explains why I liked it! Playing in select theaters.

Yet another remake of an 80’s hit, and in my opinion, highly unnecessary. For those too young to know anything about the original Fame, it’s a musical about the lives of the students and staff at the New York City High School of Performing Arts. So basically a lot of shimmies, Spandex, spinning, and spirit fingers, right? That’s the image I have in my head. Once again, it’s one of those movies that’s catered to a certain audience so if you happen to be in that audience, you’re good. Kelsey Grammar and Megan Mullally (Will & Grace) are the big names in this, and I couldn’t tell you anything about the younger actors since I have no clue what else they’ve been in. I wouldn’t recommend this as a date movie unless you’re cool with having to slap your boyfriend awake to keep from snoring. That is, unless your boyfriend wears Spandex… but we won’t go there.

• Surrogates

Just when you thought Bruce Willis was too old to kick any more ass, he shows up in a new action flick to prove you wrong. The premise for this makes me curious enough to check it out, as Willis plays a cop in a futuristic world where humans live vicariously through their robotic counterparts. Sound complex? Check out the trailer. Reminds me a bit of Minority Report with all the future stuff, but the story isn’t exactly the same. I enjoyed that movie, so I might as well see what this one can offer. Always a fan of seeing how different writers and directors portray the future world.

• Pandorum

Dennis Quaid, what are you doing? I get so confused by you because you show up in an action/adventure movie like G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, then a family comedy like Yours, Mine and Ours, then switch gears to do something a bit more dramatic/romantic, Smart People. I want to know, are you just taking any job that comes your way? Or do you have genre ADD? This time, you’re in a horror/thriller that takes place on a spaceship and it was produced by the same people that did the Resident Evil series. I’m honestly not sure how to feel about that, Mr. Quaid. Or Dennis, if I may. I hope that this makes a lot of money so that maybe you can take a break from your busy, random movie-making life. Love, Seena. P.S. Please tell your Pandorum co-star, Ben Foster, that I think he’s quite talented. Thanks.

Fanboys, commence drooling. Highly anticipated mostly by the hormonally raging boys of the high school kind, Jennifer’s Body stars Megan Fox as a possessed cheerleader that preys on every male that crosses her path. Amanda Seyfried (Mean Girls) plays Jennifer’s schoolmate that catches on to her killing spree and sets out to stop her. I admit to having mixed feelings on this. It would be too easy to say this is going to suck, and there’s a part of me that wants to give it a chance. With Diablo Cody’s name attached to the movie (she wrote Juno), you can’t deny that it as potential. You may not have heard that Adam Brody is in this, so ladies, you’ll also have something to drool over.

• Love Happens

I can tell you now that I will not be seeing this. For many reasons. But first, I’ll tell you what it’s about. A self-help guru (Aaron Eckhart) makes a connection with a woman (Jennifer Aniston) that he meets at one of his seminars and she makes him rethink his entire life. Ok, now the reasons. First of all, it sounds boring. Secondly, even the trailer makes me really nervous about the quality of the story. And most importantly… I don’t get it when these romantic movies cast someone that’s played a villain as the lead male. How can I watch Harvey Dent/Two-Face (Dark Knight) try to woo Jennifer Aniston? How? That’s all I’d be able to think about!

• The Informant!

Just saw this at a screening and there’s only one word that comes to mind: delightful. I can’t go as far as saying this was amazing, or hilarious, but delightful would be the perfect adjective. Matt Damon did a surprisingly good job playing “Informant” Mark Whitacre, who helps bring down a corporation that’s accused of doing bad business. The writing in this movie was really smart and it’s so quirky that you’ll stay entertained throughout the entire thing. It’s also unlike any movie I’ve seen so the originality was refreshing. Kudos, Mr. Damon. Keep your eyes open for lots of cameos by comedians and comedic actors. And Scott Bakula! LOVE Quantum Leap!

Well, it’s no secret that guys are already drooling over this movie. After all, it does have “The Hills” star Audrina Patridge, “Real World: San Diego” star Jamie Chung, and a bevy of other young ladies, including Rumer Willis. Now, as for the acting… I don’t even think it’s necessary for me to comment on it… But who am I to judge? Maybe people will see this movie (about a group of sorority sisters who cover up a death then get stalked themselves) and be moved so deeply by Audrina’s exquisite performance that it leads to her winning an Academy Award? Crazier things have happened… Ok, maybe not THAT crazy. On a side note, Carrie Fisher makes an appearance. Cheap thrills and lots of boobs. If you’re into that, you’ll be delighted!

• Whiteout

Stunning Kate Beckinsale plays the hottest U.S. Marshal in the country, who is trying to capture a killer in the harsh, freezing environment of Antarctica. At first, the plot seemed too far-fetched for my taste, but I was actually sort of impressed by the trailer. The whole frostbite on the hands scene totally makes me gag, though… But that sort of feeling is what these movies are supposed to give you. If action-thriller movies are your thing, then this one is probably going to be better than most of the ones that have come out recently.

• The September Issue

There are so many movies coming out, but this one caught my eye and I had to talk about it. Not just another thriller, or some cheesy romance movie, this is actually a documentary on famed Vogue magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. Being a fashion conscious lady myself, the movie intrigues me because it’s a chance to see real-life “Devil Wears Prada” situations and you get to feel like you’re in the midst of the fabulously complicated industry. Already draws you in with the trailer alone and surely one for the fashionistas.