Opening Friday, Feb. 6

Hello, loyal readers. Starting this week, I'll be taking a look at the films debuting every Friday, sussing out the Good, the Bad and the Bratty, so you know where to spend your hard-earned dough at your local multiplex. Opinions reflected in this column are those of myself (or, more likely, my film-nerd brother), and not necessarily those of AP. Please feel free to disagree. In the comments. Everyone loves comments!

Opening tomorrow:

GUARANTEED LAUGH-FEST
Fanboys


Photo courtesy of The Weinstein Company

DIRECTOR > Kyle Newman
STARS > Sam Huntington, Chris Marquette, Dan Fogler, Jay Baruchel, Kristen Bell, Seth Rogen, David Denman
WHY SEE IT > Despite the fact that this film was supposed to come out about 17 years ago (okay, actually in 2006), and it's only now seeing the light of theaters, we're still stoked. Actually, it might be better that it waited, because now people like Jay Baruchel, Seth Rogan and Kristin Bell are household names thanks in part to their direct relation to Judd Apatow & Co.

Anyway, set in 1998, Fanboys traces the story of obsessive Star Wars fans who sneak into Skywalker Ranch, desperate to find the first Star Wars prequel so their terminally ill friend can see it. Expect lots of laughs and plenty of late-'90s cliches. Man, the '90s were great...


MOST EMO-EST
Coraline
DIRECTOR > Henry Selick
STARS > (voices) Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Keith David
WHY SEE IT > Coraline might be marketed to the YA set (that's "young adult" in lit-speak), but given that it's directed by Nightmare Before Christmas director Henry Selick, we predict a lot of cross-over audiences. Based on the wildly popular book by Neil Gaiman, it's the classic story of watching what you wish for--especially when your family's involved. Plus, it's sure to be a hit with fans of dark, eerie stop-animation.




CHICK FLICK PICK
He's Just Not That Into You
DIRECTOR > Ken Kwapis
STARS > Ginnifer Goodwin, Kevin Connolly, Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, that dude from the Mac commercials
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE IT > You probably shouldn't if you have a Y chromosome (unless you have some serious groveling to do for screwing something up with your girlfriend). Based on the novel of the same name by Greg Behrendt (and made infamous on a Sex And The City episode), He's Just Not That Into You details the trials and tribulations of dating in a world where people would rather have their noses buried in their iPhones then hold a real conversation with the person sitting next to them. Are we all screwed? Head to the theater to see for yourself...




CULTURE CLUB
If you want to properly fill out your Oscar ballot this year, make sure you check out the listings at your local indie theater (i.e. Coolidge Theater in Boston, Cedar Lee in Cleveland, Film Streams in Omaha, etc.) Starting this Friday, theaters across the country will be showing the short films (both animated and live) that have been nominated for an Oscar this year.

Here's the lineup:
ANIMATED
La Maison en petits cubes
Ubornaya istoriya - lyubovnaya istoriya
Oktapodi
Presto
This Way Up

LIVE ACTION
Auf der Strecke
Manon sur le bitume
New Boy
Grisen
Spielzeugland

These usually don't stay in theaters for too long, so don't miss your chance!


WAIT FOR THE RENTAL
Push
DIRECTOR > Paul McGuigan
STARS > Dakota Fanning, Camilla Belle, Chris Evans, Nate Mooney
WHY YOU SHOULD WAIT > It's got a hot, young cast, so if it's eye candy you're after, then by all means... Otherwise, we're not really sold on the script (the characters' names alone make us groan: Dice Man? Bouncer? Hook Waters? Pinky Stein? Sounds like bad Cartoon Network) and besides, you can watch Heroes for free on NBC.