Mutants take center stage this weekend, and Mandy Moore plays a marriage counselor trying to prevent her parents from divorcing. There's a couple documentaries thrown into the mix, and that god awful Lion of Judah gets either a wider release or an official one. Jean-Luc Godard's subtitle-less piece gets play on one screen and Submarine attempts to quirk us all to death.

Are you going to see anything this weekend? Do any of these films look particularly interesting? Do you agree or disagree with any of my sentiments? Let your thoughts be known by commenting below!

Films after the jump!

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS

Directed By: Matthew Vaughn
Written By: Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz
Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence
Release Date: June 3, 2011 (3,641 screens)
Synopsis: In 1963, Charles Xavier starts up a school and later a team, for humans with superhuman abilities. Among them is Erik Lensherr, his best friend... and future archenemy.

Thoughts: This is pretty much the only comic book film that I've been anxious to see this year, and this international trailer pretty much has my ass in the seat come the weekend.

Diagnosis: Want to see.

BEAUTIFUL BOY

Directed By: Shawn Ku
Written By: Michael Armbruster, Shawn Ku
Starring: Michael Sheen, Maria Bello and Kyle Gallner
Release Date: June 3, 2011 (4 screens)
Synopsis: A married couple on the verge of separation are leveled by the news their 18-year-old son committed a mass shooting at his college, then took his own life.

Thoughts: The trailer kind of has me interested. It looks like some solid performances throughout, and even though the plot seems a little heavy-handed, it looks like a decent enough performance piece. Definitely rental category for me.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

BEGINNERS

Directed By: Mike Mills
Written By: Mike Mills
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer and Mélanie Laurent
Release Date: June 3, 2011 (5 screens)
Synopsis: A young man is rocked by two announcements from his elderly father: that he has terminal cancer, and that he has a young male lover.

Thoughts: The trailer can't decide what movie to sell, so I find myself partially interested in this. Ewan McGregor is quite easy on the eyes and so is his co-star Mélanie Laurent.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

EMPIRE OF SILVER

Directed By: Christina Yao
Written By: Christina Yao
Starring: Aaron Kwok, Lantian Chang and Zhicheng Ding
Release Date: June 2, 2011 (17 screens)
Synopsis: In 1899, a carefree young man must prepare to take over his family's Chinese banking empire.

Thoughts: The trailer does absolutely nothing for me.

Diagnosis: Pass.

FILM SOCIALISME

Directed By: Jean-Luc Godard
Written By: Jean-Luc Godard
Starring: Catherine Tanvier, Christian Sinniger and Jean-Marc Stehlé
Release Date: June 3, 2011 (1 screens)
Synopsis: A symphony in three movements. Things such as a Mediterranean cruise, numerous conversations, in numerous languages, between the passengers, almost all of whom are on holiday... Our Europe. At night, a sister and her younger brother have summoned their parents to appear before the court of their childhood. The children demand serious explanations of the themes of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. Our humanities. Visits to six sites of true or false myths: Egypt, Palestine, Odessa, Hellas, Naples and Barcelona.

Thoughts: Saw it at AFI Fest last November. No subtitles, and quite the departure from Band of Outsiders, which was my introduction to Jean-Luc Godard. Still undecided how I feel about it.

Diagnosis: Undecided...

THE LION OF JUDAH

Directed By: Deryck Broom, Roger Hawkins
Written By: Brent Dawes
Starring: Ernest Borgnine, Leon Clingman and Georgina Cordova
Release Date: June 3, 2011 (81 screens)
Synopsis: Follow the adventures of a bold lamb (Judah) and his stable friends as they try to avoid the sacrificial alter the week preceding the crucifixion of Christ. It is a heart-warming account of the Easter story as seen through the eyes of a lovable pig (Horace), a faint-hearted horse (Monty), a pedantic rat (Slink), a rambling rooster (Drake), a motherly cow (Esmay) and a downtrodden donkey (Jack). This magnificent period piece with its epic sets is a roller coaster ride of emotions. Enveloped in humor, this quest follows the animals from the stable in Bethlehem to the great temple in Jerusalem and onto the hillside of Calvary as these unlikely heroes try to save their friend. The journey weaves seamlessly through the real biblical accounts of Palm Sunday, Jesus turning the tables in the temple, Peter's denial and with a tense, heart-wrenching climax, depicts the crucifixion and resurrection with gentleness and breathtaking beauty. For Judah, the lamb with the heart of a lion, it is a story of courage and faith. For Jack, the disappointed donkey, it becomes a pivotal voyage of hope. For Horace, the, well the dirty pig, and Drake the ignorant rooster, it is an opportunity to do something inappropriate and get into trouble.

Thoughts: I think I goofed when I posted this a few weeks back. But hey, I got my info from Box Office Mojo so I BLAME THEM....for making me deal WITH THIS CRAP AGAIN.

Diagnosis: Pass...harder.

LOVE, WEDDING, MARRIAGE

Directed By: Dermot Mulroney
Written By: Anouska Chydzik, Caprice Crane
Starring: Mandy Moore, Kellan Lutz and Jane Seymour
Release Date: June 3, 2011 (2 screens)
Synopsis: A happy newlywed marriage counselor's views on wedded bliss get thrown for a loop when she finds out her parents are getting divorced.

Thoughts: This looks stupid.

Diagnosis: Pass.

REJOICE AND SHOUT

Directed By: Don McGlynn
Written By:
Starring: Smokey Robinson, Mavis Staples and Willa Ward
Release Date: June 3, 2011 (1 screens)
Synopsis: A documentary on Gospel music's 200-year history.

Thoughts: I feel like I say this every couple weeks about some documentary or another, that it's solid but not really my cup of tea. Well...it looks solid, but not my cup of tea. If this makes it's way to Netflix, I'll totally check it out.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

SUBMARINE

Directed By: Richard Ayoade
Written By: Richard Ayoade
Starring: Craig Roberts, Sally Hawkins and Paddy Considine
Release Date: June 3, 2011 (4 screens)
Synopsis: 15-year-old Oliver Tate has two objectives: To lose his virginity before his next birthday, and to extinguish the flame between his mother and an ex-lover who has resurfaced in her life.

Thoughts: This is either too quirky for it's own good or it's just the right amount of quirk, but good luck guessing THAT from the trailer.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

WOMEN, ART, REVOLUTION

Directed By: Lynn Hershman-Leeson
Written By:
Starring: Lynn Hershman-Leeson
Release Date: June 3, 2011 (1 screens)
Synopsis: Through intimate interviews, provocative art, and rare, historical film and video footage, this feature documentary reveals how art addressing political consequences of discrimination and violence, the Feminist Art Revolution radically transformed the art and culture of our times.

Thoughts: Seems interesting enough.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant

Disclaimers and Stuff:

I wouldn't be able to do Diagnosis:Film each week without IMDB and Box Office Mojo, where I get almost all of the info from.

The Todd Phillips crowd gets a second helping of..whatever, and the kiddies get a sequel to a pretty decent CG-animated film. But the biggest release this weekend (and for me) is The Tree of Life. Just give that trailer a gander and you'll see why I'm excited to see it.

What say you? Are you checking out any new films this weekend? Are you going to see anything that came out last week? I'm kind of curious to see what others thought about Midnight in Paris or if anyone else got to see Went the Day Well? Basically, I want to hear from you!

Films after the jump.

THE HANGOVER PART 2

Directed By: Todd Phillips
Written By: Craig Mazin, Scot Armstrong
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms
Release Date: May 26, 2011 (3,615 screens)
Synopsis: Right after the bachelor party in Las Vegas, Phil, Stu, Alan, and Doug jet to Thailand for Stu's wedding. Stu's plan for a subdued pre-wedding brunch, however, goes seriously awry.

Thoughts: A stupid re-hash of part one.

Diagnosis: Pass.

KUNG FU PANDA 2

Directed By: Jennifer Yuh
Written By: Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger
Starring: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie and Jackie Chan
Release Date: May 26, 2011 (3,925 screens)
Synopsis: Po joins forces with a group of new kung-fu masters to take on an old enemy with a deadly new weapon.

Thoughts: Looks like a solid outing for the kiddies, with probably much of what made the first one a solid outing for the kiddies.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant

THE TREE OF LIFE

Directed By: Terrence Malick
Written By: Terrence Malick
Starring: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Jessica Chastain
Release Date: May 27, 2011 (4 screens)
Synopsis: The story centers around a family with three boys in the 1950s. The eldest son witnesses the loss of innocence.

Thoughts: This will be the first Terrence Malick film I've seen. The trailer is exciting and I keep hearing "visual poetry" used to describe this film. I'm genuinely curious to see just what that means. And...like...the trailer has planets and solar storms.

Diagnosis: REALLY want to see.

TUESDAY, AFTER CHRISTMAS

Directed By: Radu Muntean
Written By: Razvan Radulescu, Radu Muntean
Starring: Dragos Bucur, Maria Popistasu and Mirela Oprisor
Release Date: May 27, 2011 (1 screens)
Synopsis: Paul Hanganu loves two women. Adriana his wife and the mother of their daughter, the woman with whom he's shared the thrills of the past ten years, and Raluca the woman who has made him redefine himself. He has to leave one of them before Christmas.

Thoughts: The trailer really isn't a good sell on the movie. Can't say I'm really drawn to the premise either. Still, I'd watch it from the convenience of my living room.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

UNITED RED ARMY

Directed By: Kôji Wakamatsu
Written By: Kôji Wakamatsu
Starring: Maki Sakai, Arata and Akie Namiki
Release Date: May 27, 2011 (1 screens)
Synopsis: Shot in a raw verite style, United Red Army explores the political unrest of 1960s Japan, when mass student uprisings coincided with the beginnings of the far-left United Red Army group, which tortured and murdered its "deviant" members during a 1972 training session. Mr. Wakamatsu's harrowing film depicts the famed Asama-Sanso incident, which began when members of the United Red Army assassinated 14 of its own, during a group "self-criticism" session, and then broke into a holiday lodge below Mount Asama and took the wife of the lodge-keeper as a hostage. A standoff between police and the URA radicals took place, lasting ten days. The radical student protests that rocked Japan in the late 1960s were in many ways, a response to the growing military alignment between Japan and the United States (ratified by the Japan-US Security Treaty signed in 1951). But the decisions made by the Japanese Communist Party, which was being accused of rigidity (and even "Stalinism") also played a role in the radicalization of the Japanese student movement during the 1960s and 70s in Japan.

Thoughts: This looks kind of interesting based off the trailer.

Diagnosis: Curious to see.

****

Disclaimers and Stuff:

I wouldn't be able to do Diagnosis:Film each week without IMDB and Box Office Mojo, where I get almost all of the info from. I'd also like to thank Ion Cinema for coming through where the others have failed when it comes to information about foreign films releasing in the states.

You've got some Pirates this weekend and Woody Allen if you're lucky. The rest are pretty much rental fodder if they're even your thing. What say you? Anything look good this weekend? Sound off in the comments!

Films after the jump!

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

Directed By: Rob Marshall
Written By: Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio
Starring: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz and Ian McShane
Release Date: May 20, 2011 (4,155 screens)
Synopsis: Jack Sparrow and Barbossa embark on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard and his daughter are after it too.

Thoughts: The second trailer looks a bit more exciting than the one I've seen in front of a bunch of films this year. Still, it seems like Roger Ebert has the right idea. Meh.

Diagnosis: Pass.

35 AND TICKING

Directed By: Russ Parr
Written By: Russ Parr
Starring: Meagan Good, Tamala Jones and Nicole Ari Parker
Release Date: May 20, 2011 (6 screens)
Synopsis: Centers around the lives of Victoria, Zenobia , Clevon, and Phil -- all friends approaching the age of 35 and struggling to build the families they've always dreamed of. While Zenobia (Parker, "Soul Food," "Brown Sugar") is still looking for a man, Victoria (Jones, "Castle," "One on One") is married to a man who doesn't want children. Clevon (comic Hart, "Not Easily Broken," "40 Year-Old Virgin"), meanwhile, is too geeky to get a woman, and Phil (Keith Robinson, "Dreamgirls") is already married with children, but his wife is not very interested in being a mother. All four of them try to rectify their romantic lives and futures while their biological clocks tick away.

Thoughts: I'm 26 years of age and therefore can't relate to this premise of the biological clock that's ticking away. Also, it just doesn't look all that interesting from the trailer.

Diagnosis: Pass.

A BEAUTIFUL LIFE

Directed By: Andrew Lau
Written By:
Starring: Shu Qi, Liu Ye
Release Date: May 20, 2011 (23 screens)
Synopsis: Li Peiru (Shu Qi) drifts to Beijing from Hong Kong to make a living but ends up falling in love with Fang Zhendong (Liu Ye), a local policeman. Qi plays an opportunist who takes advantages of Ye for financial gain.

Thoughts: Looks like a decent enough of a drama/romance film. Not sure if it's something I would rush out to see, though.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

THE LION OF JUDAH

Directed By: Deryck Broom, Roger Hawkins
Written By: Brent Dawes
Starring: Ernest Borgnine, Leon Clingman and Georgina Cordova
Release Date: May 20, 2011
Synopsis: Follow the adventures of a bold lamb (Judah) and his stable friends as they try to avoid the sacrificial alter the week preceding the crucifixion of Christ. It is a heart-warming account of the Easter story as seen through the eyes of a lovable pig (Horace), a faint-hearted horse (Monty), a pedantic rat (Slink), a rambling rooster (Drake), a motherly cow (Esmay) and a downtrodden donkey (Jack). This magnificent period piece with its epic sets is a roller coaster ride of emotions. Enveloped in humor, this quest follows the animals from the stable in Bethlehem to the great temple in Jerusalem and onto the hillside of Calvary as these unlikely heroes try to save their friend. The journey weaves seamlessly through the real biblical accounts of Palm Sunday, Jesus turning the tables in the temple, Peter's denial and with a tense, heart-wrenching climax, depicts the crucifixion and resurrection with gentleness and breathtaking beauty. For Judah, the lamb with the heart of a lion, it is a story of courage and faith. For Jack, the disappointed donkey, it becomes a pivotal voyage of hope. For Horace, the, well the dirty pig, and Drake the ignorant rooster, it is an opportunity to do something inappropriate and get into trouble.

Thoughts: Probably the worst trailer I've seen...ever. Probably the worst animated thing I've seen...ever. New rule: If you can't do "decent" to "okay" CG animation, then stick with 2D.

Diagnosis: Pass.

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

Directed By: Woody Allen
Written By: Woody Allen
Starring: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates
Release Date: May 20, 2011 (6 screens)
Synopsis: A romantic comedy about a family traveling to the French capital for business. The party includes a young engaged couple forced to confront the illusion that a life different from their own is better.

Thoughts: I definitely want to see this one. Not a big fan of Owen Wilson, but I do enjoy Woody Allen and I think my enjoyment of Allen outweighs the lack of interest in Wilson.

Diagnosis: Want to see.

WENT THE DAY WELL? (2011 RE-RELEASE)

Directed By: Alberto Cavalcanti
Written By: John Dighton
Starring: Leslie Banks, C.V. France and Valerie Taylor
Release Date: May 20, 2011 (1 screen)
Synopsis: An English village is occupied by disguised German paratroopers as an advance post for a planned invasion.

Thoughts: If you're near the one screen it's playing on, I'd say check it out. Looks interesting. Don't really know much about it otherwise.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

This weekend there are a bunch of interesting documentaries playing in one to two screens. Oh, yeah...and then there's the Bridesmaids and Priest. If ever there were a weekend to save your gas money and enjoy a rental, this would be the one. If you plan on seeing any of these films this weekend we'd love to hear from you, though. Sound off in the comments about whether or not my diagnosis on Bridesmaids was faulty or if there is some good to be had in Priest.

Films after the jump!

BRIDESMAIDS

Directed By: Paul Feig
Written By: Kristen Wiig, Annie Mumolo
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Rose Byrne
Release Date: May 13, 2011 (2,917 screens)
Synopsis: Picked as her best friend's maid of honor, lovelorn and broke Annie looks to bluff her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals with an oddball group of bridesmaids.

Thoughts: Women, as written by men, as written by women. This looks eight kinds of stupid.

Diagnosis: Pass.

PRIEST

Directed By: Scott Charles Stewart
Written By: Cory Goodman
Starring: Paul Bettany, Cam Gigandet and Maggie Q
Release Date: May 13, 2011 (2,864 screens)
Synopsis: A priest disobeys church law to track down the vampires who kidnapped his niece.

Thoughts: *yawns*

Diagnosis: Pass.

CAMERAMAN: THE WORK AND LIFE OF JACK CARDIFF

Directed By: Craig McCall
Written By:
Starring: Jack Cardiff, Martin Scorsese and Kirk Douglas
Release Date: May 13, 2011 (1 screens)
Synopsis: In 2001 Jack Cardiff (1914-2009) became the first director of photography in the history of the Academy Awards to win an Honorary Oscar. But the first time he clasped the famous statuette in his hand was a half-century earlier when his Technicolor camerawork was awarded for Powell and Pressburger's Black Narcissus. Beyond John Huston's The African Queen and King Vidor's War and Peace, the films of the British-Hungarian creative duo (The Red Shoes and A Matter of Life and Death too) guaranteed immortality for the renowned cameraman whose career spanned seventy years.

Thoughts: Shame it's only playing on one screen. I definitely want to see this one.

Diagnosis: Want to see.

CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH

Directed By: Chuan Lu
Written By: Chuan Lu
Starring: Ye Liu, Wei Fan and Hideo Nakaizumi
Release Date: May 11, 2011 (1 screens)
Synopsis: A dramatization of the rape of Nanking in 1937.

Thoughts: Aside from the lame music selection in the trailer, this looks to be quite the intense film experience if you can actually see it.

Diagnosis: Curious to see.

EVERYTHING MUST GO

Directed By: Dan Rush
Written By: Dan Rush
Starring: Will Ferrell, Rebecca Hall and Christopher Jordan Wallace
Release Date: May 13, 2011 (218 screens)
Synopsis: When an alcoholic relapses, causing him to lose his wife and his job, he holds a yard sale on his front lawn in an attempt to start over. A new neighbor might be the key to his return to form.

Thoughts: I like Raymond Carver, and the fact that this is based off of a short story of his has me immediately interested. It also looks like Will Ferrell is reigned in, performance-wise. Dangit. I'm kind of wanting to see this.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

THE FIRST GRADER

Directed By: Justin Chadwick
Written By: Ann Peacock
Starring: Naomie Harris, Sam Feuer and Tony Kgoroge
Release Date: May 13, 2011 (3 screens)
Synopsis: The true story of an 84 year-old Kenyan villager and ex Mau Mau freedom fighter who fights for his right to go to school for the first time to get the education he could never afford.

Thoughts: Despite the trailer, I'm kind of interested in seeing this one.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

GO FOR IT

Directed By: Carmen Marron
Written By: Carmen Marron
Starring: Aimee Garcia, Al Bandiero and Jossara Jinaro
Release Date: May 13, 2011 (218 screens)
Synopsis: Carmen is a good student with a bad attitude who lives for dancing in the underground clubs of Chicago. She yearns to be 'somebody' but is afraid to believe in herself. Her immigrant Mexican, working-class parents want her to stay in school and get an education, so she attends junior college while working at a grocery store. Carmen's professor catches her performing one day in the neighborhood and challenges her to audition to a formal dance school in California. She gets into a fight with her chaotic family and runs away to her best friend Gina's place only to find out Gina's been getting beat up by her boyfriend. Meanwhile, Carmen's boyfriend, Jared wants her to commit and move in with him. Pulled apart in every direction, her dream of dancing fades. Can Carmen overcome her fears and take the biggest chance of her life, or will she succumb to her self-doubt?

Thoughts: Have absolutely no interest in seeing this one. Dance flicks are not my cup of tea.

Diagnosis: Pass.

HESHER

Directed By: Spencer Susser
Written By: Spencer Susser, David Michôd
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Devin Brochu and Natalie Portman
Release Date: May 13, 2011 (40 screens)
Synopsis: Hesher is a loner. He hates the world and everyone in it. He has long greasy hair and homemade tattoos. He is malnourished and smokes a lot of cigarettes. He likes fire and blowing things up. He lives in his van, until he meets TJ.

Thoughts: Bad synopsis, interesting trailer. A weird look for Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

HEY, BOO: HARPER LEE & TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Directed By: Mary Murphy
Written By: Mary Murphy
Starring: Tom Brokaw, Rosanne Cash and James McBride
Release Date: May 13, 2011 (2 screens)
Synopsis: Fifty years after winning the Pulitzer Prize, To Kill a Mockingbird remains a beloved bestseller and quite possibly the most influential American novel of the 20th Century. The film version, starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, won a trio of Academy Awards, and in April the Postal Service will issue a stamp honoring Peck - depicted wearing glasses, as Finch. Hey, Boo explores the To Kill a Mockingbird phenomenon and unravels some of the mysteries surrounding Harper Lee, including why she never published again. It also brings to light the context and history of the novel's Deep South setting and the social changes it inspired after publication. Anna Quindlen, Tom Brokaw, Wally Lamb, Richard Russo, Oprah Winfrey, Andrew Young and others reflect on the novel's power, influence, and popularity, and the many ways it has shaped their lives.

Thoughts: Loved the book. This looks like a great look at the author. Shame it's only playing on one screen.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

HOW TO LIVE FOREVER

Directed By: Mark Wexler
Written By: Robert DeMaio, Mark Wexler
Starring: Suzanne Somers, Phyllis Diller and Ray Bradbury
Release Date: May 13, 2011 (1 screens)
Synopsis: Baby boomer Mark Wexler travels the world searching for the secrets of long life.

Thoughts: Looks entertaining enough.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

L'AMOUR FOU

Directed By: Pierre Thoretton
Written By:
Starring: Yves Saint-Laurent, Pierre Bergé and Betty Catroux
Release Date: May 13, 2011 (2 screens)
Synopsis: A documentary on the relationship between fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent and his lover, Pierre Berge.

Thoughts: Looks like a solid documentary, but not quite my cup of tea.

Diagnosis: Pass.

SKATELAND

Directed By: Anthony Burns
Written By: Anthony Burns, Heath Freeman
Starring: Shiloh Fernandez, Ashley Greene and Heath Freeman
Release Date: May 13, 2011 (2 screens)
Synopsis: In the early 1980s, in small-town Texas, dramatic events force a 19-year-old skating rink manager to look at his life in a very new way.

Thoughts: Looks like a pretty standard coming-of-age tale set in the 80s, as in I'll probably rent it one day...maybe.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

One of the big Marvel releases for the summer is out this weekend, and Rutger Hauer shoots everyone to bloody death. There's also a dumb romantic comedy and a slew of limited releases that might actually be worth checking out. There's pretty much something for everyone this weekend, so get your ass out to the local cineplex and watch some films! And then come back here when you're done and tell us what you thought of the film. Or just tell us what you think now and don't go see anything. I'm pretty flexible here, people!

Films after the jump!

JUMPING THE BROOM

Directed By: Salim Akil
Written By: Elizabeth Hunter, Arlene Gibbs
Starring: Paula Patton, Laz Alonso and Angela Bassett
Release Date: May 6, 2011 (2,035 screens)
Synopsis: Two very different families converge on Martha's Vineyard one weekend for a wedding.

Thoughts: Not my cup of tea, and it's not a particularly well-made trailer either.

Diagnosis: Pass.

SOMETHING BORROWED

Directed By: Luke Greenfield
Written By: Jennie Snyder
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson and Colin Egglesfield
Release Date: May 6, 2011 (2,904 screens)
Synopsis: Friendships are tested and secrets come to the surface when terminally single Rachel falls for Dex, her best friend Darcy's fiancé.

Thoughts: Why are Darcy and Dex getting married if there's this residual doubt from the both of them? Also, why is Dex marrying Darcy in the first place if he KNOWS how Rachel feels about him? It's in the trailer. Everyone keeps saying they're great together. Ugh. This looks to be pretty much everything I hate from the romantic comedy genre.

Diagnosis: Pass.

THOR

Directed By: Kenneth Branagh
Written By: Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman
Release Date: May 6, 2011 (3,955 screens)
Synopsis: The powerful but arrogant warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth, where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.

Thoughts: I'm conflicted about this one. I've started to read some good reviews and that's sparked my interest in this, but the trailers haven't done a whole lot for me and it's a Marvel hero that I'm not really that knowledgeable or interested in.

Diagnosis: Curious to see.

BATTLE OF THE BRIDES (CO DAU DAI CHIEN)

Directed By: Victor Vu
Written By: Victor Vu, Hong Phuc
Starring: Ngoc Diep, Huy Khanh and Ngan Khanh
Release Date: May 6, 2011 (5 screens)
Synopsis: Thai (Huy Khanh) is a young and famous playboy who is after four beautiful girls at the same time. Trang (Ngan Khanh) is a flight attendant; Mai Chau (Van Trang) is a doctor; Quyen (Le Khanh) is a sexually aggressive chef while Huynh Phuong (Phi Thanh Van) is one fiery actress.

Thai has never been serious with all his girlfriends until he meets Linh (Ngoc Diep), the fifth girl who catches his heart and works as a painter. He decides to marry her as she possesses all the qualities of a dream wife. As they are about to get married, his ex-girlfriends decide to hijack his wedding. Will Thai get married in the end? If he does who is the lucky girl?

Thoughts: *spock eyebrow*

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant

THE BEAVER

Directed By: Jodie Foster
Written By: Kyle Killen
Starring: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster and Anton Yelchin
Release Date: May 6, 2011 (22 screens)
Synopsis: A troubled husband and executive adopts a beaver hand-puppet as his sole means of communicating.

Thoughts: I'm still not sure what to think about this. It looks like it might be good, but then there are moments in the trailer that make me wrinkle my nose and go, "oh, that."

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

CATERPILLAR

Directed By: Kôji Wakamatsu
Written By: Hisako Kurosawa, Masao Adachi
Starring: Shinobu Terajima, Keigo Kasuya and Emi Masuda
Release Date: May 6, 2011 (1 screens)
Synopsis: During the Second Sino-Japanese War, in 1940, Lieutenant Kurokawa returns home as an honoured and decorated soldier... but deprived of his arms and legs lost in battle in mainland China. All hopes, from the villagemen and women to close family members, turn to Shigeko, the Lieutenant's wife: she must honour the Emperor and the country in setting an example for all by fulfilling her duty and taking care of the 'god soldier'.

Thoughts: This looks kind of interesting, and the trailer doesn't really give you too much to go on, which I like. The last moment of the trailer is rather powerful, which makes me think that this will be worth checking out. Shame it's only playing on one screen.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

FORKS OVER KNIVES

Directed By: Lee Fulkerson
Written By: Lee Fulkerson
Starring: Joey Aucoin, Neal Barnard and Gene Baur
Release Date: May 6, 2011 (6 screens)
Synopsis: Examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods.

Thoughts: *Cues Meat is Murder album from The Smiths*

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

HAUNTED 3D

Directed By: Vikram Bhatt
Written By: Amin Hajee, Amin Hajee
Starring: Tia Bajpai, Mahakshay Chakraborty and Mimoh Chakraborty
Release Date: May 6, 2011 (13 screens)
Synopsis: Haunted 3D is a story set in the dark mountains of Dalhousie. The movie revolves around the character Glen Manor who has a villa with a secret past and a haunted present.

The lead Rehan visits Glen Manor villa to complete the sell transactions, which his father has initiated but couldn't be solved due to certain mysterious incidents. While trying to do, he finds the secret of the villa and falls in love with it.

What he does not bargain for is that the secret attacks him to the biggest challenge and question of his life.

Thoughts: There are way too many screams in this trailer without any jarring imagery to make it look remotely interesting.

Diagnosis: Pass.

HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN

Directed By: Jason Eisener
Written By: John Davies
Starring: Rutger Hauer, Pasha Ebrahimi and Robb Wells
Release Date: May 6, 2011 (2 screens)
Synopsis: A homeless vigilante blows away crooked cops, pedophile Santas, and other scumbags with his trusty pump-action shotgun.

Thoughts: This looks absolutely brilliant.

Diagnosis: Want to see.

I'M NOT JESUS MOMMY

Directed By: Vaughn Juares
Written By: Vaughn Juares, Joseph Schneider
Starring: Charles Hubbell, Bridget McGrath and Joseph Schneider
Release Date: May 6, 2011 (3 screens)
Synopsis: Kimberly would stop at nothing to have a child of her own. After recovering from cancer her possibilities seemed slim. However, the world's first successful human cloning project brings an unthinkable solution and a son named David. Seven years after David's birth, wars, famine and natural disasters of every kinds have plagued the Earth. As Kimberly struggles to survive her biggest challenge is raising her son. Strange occurrences surrounding the young boy are only becoming worse and more mysterious. Roger, the head researcher of the cloning project returns to reveal that David was cloned from DNA taken from the Shroud of Turin...from blood of Christ. Has cloning made it possible to bring Christ back? Is David the Second Coming of Christ or something else?

Thoughts: Seems a bit out there, but the trailer is intriguing and the premise interesting. Or it could just be a low budget Omen film with cloning.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

AN INVISIBLE SIGN

Directed By: Marilyn Agrelo
Written By: Pamela Falk, Michael Ellis
Starring: Jessica Alba, J.K. Simmons and Bailee Madison
Release Date: May 6, 2011 (1 screens)
Synopsis: Mona Gray is a 20-year-old loner who, as a child, turned to math for salvation after her father became ill. As an adult, Mona now teaches the subject and must help her students through their own crises.

Thoughts: It's no Stand and Deliver, but it looks like it has enough quirky charm and indie music to satiate anyone looking for that kind of thing. It also looks like Alba gives a decent performance. Still, it falls under the type of film I'm not THAT interested in seeing.

Diagnosis: Pass.

OCTUBRE

Directed By: Daniel Vega Vidal, Diego Vega Vidal
Written By: Daniel Vega Vidal, Diego Vega Vidal
Starring: Bruno Odar, Gabriela Velásquez and Carlos Gassols
Release Date: May 6, 2011 (2 screens)
Synopsis: Clemente, a moneylender of few words, is a new hope for Sofía, his single neighbor, devoted to the October worship of Our Lord of the Miracles. They're brought together over a new-born baby, fruit of Clemente's relationship with a prostitute who's nowhere to be found. While Clemente is looking for the girl's mother, Sofía cares for the baby and looks after the moneylender's house. With the arrival of these beings in his life, Clemente has the opportunity to reconsider his emotional relations with people.

Thoughts: Looks interesting. Decent trailer.

Diagnosis: Curious to see.

PASSION PLAY

Directed By: Mitch Glazer
Written By: Mitch Glazer
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Megan Fox and Bill Murray
Release Date: May 6, 2011 (2 screens)
Synopsis: An angel under the thumb of a ruthless gangster is saved by a trumpet player down on his luck.

Thoughts: Bill Murray as a bad guy? Interesting. But the whole Megan Fox thing isn't, and I'm a little weirded out that the trailer alludes to a romantic entanglement between Rourke and Fox in the film. Their age gap seems just a wee bit on the...um...large side. Still..

Diagnosis: Curious to see.

THE PEOPLE VS. GEORGE LUCAS

Directed By: Alexandre O. Philippe
Written By:
Starring: John Barger, Ahmed Best and David Brin
Release Date: May 6, 2011 (1 screens)
Synopsis: Uses a courtroom debate approach to explore the issues of filmmaking and fanaticism around one of the industry's most famous franchises and its creator. The innovative film combines filmmaker and celebrity interviews with fan films - submitted via the film's site - to make this the world's first digitally democratic feature documentary.

Thoughts: Yeah, but...okay. Whatever.

Diagnosis: Pass.

THERE BE DRAGONS

Directed By: Roland Joffé
Written By: Roland Joffé
Starring: Charlie Cox, Wes Bentley and Dougray Scott
Release Date: May 6, 2011
Synopsis: Arising out of the horror of the Spanish Civil War, a candidate for canonization is investigated by a journalist who discovers his own estranged father had a deep, dark and devastating connection to the saint's life.

Thoughts: From the director of The Killing Fields. It looks kind of interesting, actually.

Diagnosis: Curious to see.

This is an odd weekend for film as there's not a whole lot out and the quality varies dramatically. You've got the fifth installment of the Fast series, as well as a comic book adaptation that looks questionable at best. Werner Herzog's 3D masterpiece debuts this weekend and proves that 3D can be done well. 13 Assassins is also out in limited release and it's probably the best one you could possibly see. Planning on seeing anything this weekend? If so, let us know in the comments. Would love to get some discussion on these films!

Films after the jump!

DYLAN DOG: DEAD OF NIGHT

Directed By: Kevin Munroe
Written By: Thomas Dean Donnelly, Joshua Oppenheimer
Starring: Brandon Routh, Anita Briem and Sam Huntington
Release Date: April 29, 2011 (862 screens)
Synopsis: The adventures of supernatural private eye, Dylan Dog, who seeks out the monsters of the Louisiana bayou in his signature red shirt, black jacket, and blue jeans.

Thoughts: Looks like we've found this year's Constantine. On the other hand, this looks like it knows it's ridiculous and has a sense of humor about itself.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

FAST FIVE

Directed By: Justin Lin
Written By: Chris Morgan, Gary Scott Thompson
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson
Release Date: April 29, 2011 (3,643 screens)
Synopsis: Dominic and his crew find themselves on the wrong side of the law once again as they try to switch lanes between a ruthless drug lord and a relentless federal agent.

Thoughts: Didn't hate the first film, but damn were those sequels terrible. This, looks like it might be alright in comparison and the word around the net is that it's kinda good.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

HOODWINKED TOO! HOOD VS. EVIL

Directed By: Mike Disa
Written By: Cory Edwards, Todd Edwards
Starring: Hayden Panettiere, Glenn Close and Patrick Warburton
Release Date: April 29, 2011 (2,505 screens)
Synopsis: Red Riding Hood is training in the group of Sister Hoods, when she and the Wolf are called to examine the sudden mysterious disappearance of Hansel and Gretel.

Thoughts: Needed two people to write, and looks like it was made in a weekend. What garbage. Don't subject your kids to this bullshit.

Diagnosis: Emphatic Pass.

PROM

Directed By: Joe Nussbaum
Written By: Katie Wech
Starring: Aimee Teegarden, Thomas McDonell and DeVaughn Nixon
Release Date: April 29, 2011 (2,730 screens)
Synopsis: A group of teenagers get ready for their high school prom.

Thoughts: There's a demographic for this, and I am not a part of it. If the prom doesn't involve Jason Biggs making love (poorly) to pie or some kind of slasher horror element, I don't care.

Diagnosis: Pass.

13 ASSASSINS

Directed By: Takashi Miike
Written By: Kaneo Ikegami, Daisuke Tengan
Starring: Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada and Yûsuke Iseya
Release Date: April 29, 2011 (3 screens)
Synopsis: A group of assassins come together for a suicide mission to kill an evil lord.

Thoughts: Saw this at AFI Fest last November and enjoyed it. A bit of a slow burn in the beginning, but the end more than makes up for it. If you can get to any of the 3 screens it's playing at, please do so.

Diagnosis: Must See!

THE ARBOR

Directed By: Clio Barnard
Written By:
Starring: Kate Rutter, Christine Bottomley and George Costigan
Release Date: April 27, 2011 (1 screens)
Synopsis: Portrayal of the late Bradford playwright Andrea Dunbar.

Thoughts: As with most documentaries, I'll catch it if and when it reaches Netflix. Not big on going to the documentaries in theaters. That said, this one looks interesting.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS

Directed By: Werner Herzog
Written By: Werner Herzog, Judith Thurman
Starring: Werner Herzog, Dominique Baffier and Jean Clottes
Release Date: April 29, 2011 (5 screens)
Synopsis: Werner Herzog gains exclusive access to film inside the Chauvet caves of Southern France, capturing the oldest known pictorial creations of humankind in their astonishing natural setting.

Thoughts: The best use of 3D technology yet, Cave is quite a wonder to behold. Saw it at AFI Fest and quite enjoyed it. Check it out if you get a chance.

Diagnosis: Must See!

EXPORTING RAYMOND

Directed By: Philip Rosenthal
Written By: Philip Rosenthal
Starring: Philip Rosenthal and Aleksandr Zhigalkin
Release Date: April 29, 2011
Synopsis: A documentary on Phil Rosenthal's experiences during the making of "Voroniny," the Russian-language version of "Everybody Loves Raymond".

Thoughts: This actually looks more amusing than Everybody Loves Raymond. But hey, I could say that about most laugh-track sitcoms out now (How I Met Your Mother almost being an exception). Did I mention that I thought Everybody Loves Raymond was terrible?

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

LEBANON, PA.

Directed By: Ben Hickernell
Written By: Ben Hickernell
Starring: Josh Hopkins, Samantha Mathis and Mary Beth Hurt
Release Date: April 29, 2011 (2 screens)
Synopsis: Will (Josh Hopkins), a charming 35-year-old Philadelphia ad man, heads to Lebanon, Pa. to bury his recently deceased father. He forms an unexpected friendship with CJ (Rachel Kitson), his bright, newly pregnant 17-year-old cousin. As Will becomes interested in CJ's married teacher (Samantha Mathis) and CJ confronts her conflicted father, both struggle with formidable decisions about the path their lives will take. Can we vault our differences and meet in the middle? This bittersweet comic drama tenderly explores the cultural divide in America through the lives of one extended family.

Thoughts: This looks like it might be alright. Not digging the trailer all that much, thought.

Diagnosis: Curious to see.

IFC On Demand

Not entirely sure how this section will evolve, but I wanted to highlight films that are coming out this weekend on On Demand, or that have already come out at some point this week. So far I've only been able to consistently find upcoming info for IFC. As I figure out more, I'll add them.

STAKE LAND

Release Date: April 27, 2011
Directed By: Jim Mickle
Written By: Nick Damici, Jim Mickle
Starring: Connor Paolo, Nick Damici and Kelly McGillis

Synopsis: Martin was a normal teenage boy before the country collapsed in an empty pit of economic and political disaster. A vampire epidemic has swept across what is left of the nation's abandoned towns and cities, and it's up to Mister, a death dealing, rogue vampire hunter, to get Martin safely north to Canada, the continent's New Eden.

Diagnosis: Curious to see.

Thanks goes out to IMDB, Box Office Mojo and Youtube. Without these sites, I wouldn't be able to bring you your weekly edition of Diagnosis:Film!

It's an odd weekend for films as there aren't all that many choices. The top contenders this weekend are Incendies and Stake Land, which have a bunch of good reviews floating around. Legend of the Fist, The Greatest Movie Ever Sold and The Warring State all look interesting, but you can probably catch those in the rental phase if and when they make their way to Netflix or Redbox. Are you planning on seeing anything this weekend? Any of these films? Let us know!

Films after the jump!

AFRICAN CATS

Directed By: Alastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey
Written By:
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson
Release Date: April 22, 2011 (1,200 screens)
Synopsis: A nature documentary centered on two cat families and how they teach their cubs the ways of the wild.

Thoughts: Not really my cup of tea.

Diagnosis: Pass.

TYLER PERRY'S MADEA'S BIG HAPPY FAMILY

Directed By: Tyler Perry
Written By: Tyler Perry
Starring: Tyler Perry, Loretta Devine and Bow Wow
Release Date: April 22, 2011 (2,100 screens)
Synopsis: Madea jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can't manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband; and Byron, after spending two years in jail, is under pressure to deal drugs again. It's up to Madea, with the help of the equally rambunctious Aunt Bam, to gather the clan together and make things right the only way she knows how: with a lot of tough love, laughter ... and the revelation of a long-buried family secret.

Thoughts: Also not my cup of tea. And wasn't there already a Madea film out this year? Or does it just FEEL like there was?

Diagnosis: Pass.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

Directed By: Francis Lawrence
Written By: Richard LaGravenese
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz
Release Date: April 22, 2011 (2,700 screens)
Synopsis: A veterinary student abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a traveling circus as their vet.

Thoughts: As much as I appreciate Robert Pattinson branching out from the Twilight series and as much as I like Cristoph Waltz, this just doesn't interest me in the slightest. Looks like a solid film, however, so your mileage will no doubt vary.

Diagnosis: Pass.

DEEP GOLD

Directed By: Michael Gleissner
Written By: Michael Gleissner, Frederick Bailey
Starring: Bebe Pham, Jaymee Ong and Michael Gleissner
Release Date: April 22, 2011 (20 screens)
Synopsis: Shortly after free diver Amy Sanchez breaks an important freediving record, her boyfriend - Air Force Pilot Tony - mysteriously vanishes together with a flight that was bringing millions of dollars worth of gold to the Central Bank. Determined to discover the truth, Amy goes off with her sister to find out. Is Tony actually dead? Or if not, is the man she loved really part of the plot to steal the gold? But she has no idea that she is about to discover the unexpected, and entangles herself in a web of lies and deceit before she finds out that somebody used her for what turns out to become a much larger conspiracy.

Thoughts: The trailer for this is terrible, over-using stock explosion sounds to ramp up the film's copy. I'm willing to guess the film itself isn't that great either, nor will it be much in the way of "so bad it's good."

Diagnosis: Pass.

DUM MAARO DUM

Directed By: Rohan Sippy
Written By: Shridhar Raghavan, Purva Naresh
Starring: Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Bipasha Basu
Release Date: April 22, 2011 (96 screens)
Synopsis: Goa. Paradise on Earth. But every Paradise has a few snakes. Multiple lives collide brutally one day at Goa Airport... and change forever.

Thoughts: The trailer looks cool, and tells you virtually nothing about the film other than there will be sex and violence and intrigue. In that regard, this could be fun.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

INCENDIES

Directed By: Denis Villeneuve
Written By: Denis Villeneuve
Starring: Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin and Maxim Gaudette
Release Date: April 22, 2011 (3 screens)
Synopsis: A mother's last wishes send twins Jeanne and Simon on a journey to Middle East in search of their tangled roots. Adapted from Wajdi Mouawad's acclaimed play, Incendies tells the powerful and moving tale of two young adults' voyage to the core of deep-rooted hatred, never-ending wars and enduring love.

Thoughts: I've heard good things about the film, and the trailer looks interesting.

Diagnosis: Curious to see.

LEGEND OF THE FIST: THE RETURN OF CHEN ZHEN

Directed By: Wai-keung Lau
Written By: Gordon Chan
Starring: Donnie Yen, Alex Ahlstrom and Qi Shu
Release Date: April 22, 2011 (5 screens)
Synopsis: Seven years after the apparent death of Chen Zhen, who was shot after discovering who was responsible for his teacher's death (Huo Yuanjia) in Japanese-occupied Shanghai. A mysterious stranger arrives from overseas and befriends a local mafia boss. That man is a disguised Chen Zhen, who intends to infiltrate the mob when they form an alliance with the Japanese. Disguising himself as a caped fighter by night, Chen intends to take out everyone involved as well as get his hands on an assassination list prepared by the Japanese.

Thoughts: Hate to dog on a Gondry film, but this looks more interesting than Green Hornet. Not that you can really make a comparison other than Kato having the same mask and suit. Still, Donnie Yen kicking ass and some great action scenes? I'll bite.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

POM WONDERFUL PRESENTS: THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD

Directed By: Morgan Spurlock
Written By: Morgan Spurlock, Jeremy Chilnick
Starring: Ralph Nader and Morgan Spurlock
Release Date: April 22, 2011 (18 screens)
Synopsis: A documentary about branding, advertising and product placement that is financed and made possible by brands, advertising and product placement.

Thoughts: The concept is amusing, but I'm not sure it's something that would hold me for an entire film. Still, you could do worse.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

STAKE LAND

Directed By: Jim Mickle
Written By: Nick Damici, Jim Mickle
Starring: Connor Paolo, Nick Damici and Kelly McGillis
Release Date: April 22, 2011 (1 screen)
IFC On-Demand: April 27, 2011
Synopsis: Martin was a normal teenage boy before the country collapsed in an empty pit of economic and political disaster. A vampire epidemic has swept across what is left of the nation's abandoned towns and cities, and it's up to Mister, a death dealing, rogue vampire hunter, to get Martin safely north to Canada, the continent's New Eden.

Thoughts: I've heard good things about this film as well, and that's probably the main reason I'm interested in seeing this. The film also comes out on IFC On-Demand on the 27th, so if you have access to that with your cable provider, I suggest you give this one a try. Might be a little bit before it expands to more screens.

Diagnosis: Curious to see.

THE WARRING STATE

Directed By: Chen Jin
Written By: Shen Jie
Starring: Degang Guo, Huang Haibing and Wu Jiang
Release Date: April 22, 2011 (23 screens)
Synopsis:

Thoughts: Looks interesting, but don't know much about it and couldn't find a good synopsis.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant, maybe.

ZOKKOMON

Directed By: Satyajit Bhatkal
Written By: Satyajit Bhatkal
Starring: Manjari Fadnis, Anupam Kher and Akhil Mishra
Release Date: April 22, 2011 (24 screens)
Synopsis: A boy named Kunal is abandoned by his uncle and embarks on an epic journey to become a superhero.

Thoughts: I'm kind of burned out on super hero films right now, and I'm especially not too interested in a kid-oriented super hero film imported from Disney. Still, the trailer gives the impression that this will be a solid film.

Diagnosis: Pass.

Kind of a slow weekend for film. If you had planned on catching up with older releases, now would be the perfect time to do so. Not much here that you couldn't wait for rental to see, and the tent pole releases this weekend certainly aren't worth the $13 ticket price. But if you do plan on seeing anything from this list, let us know what you think. I am curious to hear what other people have to say about The Conspirator and if there's any bit of witticism left in the tired Scream series.

Films after the jump.

THE CONSPIRATOR

Directed By: Robert Redford
Written By: James D. Solomon
Starring: Robin Wright, James McAvoy and Tom Wilkinson
Release Date: April 15, 2011 (707 screens)
Synopsis: Mary Surratt is the lone female charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination trial of Abraham Lincoln. As the whole nation turns against her, she is forced to rely on her reluctant lawyer to uncover the truth and save her life.

Thoughts: The trailer has grown on me some now that I've seen it a few times. And it's got a lot of actors/actresses in it that I'm usually generally interested in watching.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

RIO

Directed By: Carlos Saldanha
Written By: Don Rhymer
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway and George Lopez
Release Date: April 15, 2011 (3,800 screens)
Synopsis: When Blu, a domesticated macaw from small-town Minnesota, meets the fiercely independent Jewel, he takes off on an adventure to Rio de Janeiro with this bird of his dreams.

Thoughts: Nope. This looks pretty stupid.

Diagnosis: Pass.

SCRE4M

Directed By: Wes Craven
Written By: Kevin Williamson
Starring: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette
Release Date: April 15, 2011 (3,300 screens)
Synopsis: Ten years have passed, and Sidney Prescott, who has put herself back together thanks in part to her writing, is visited by the Ghostface Killer.

Thoughts: Same shit, different movie.

Diagnosis: Pass.

ARMADILLO

Directed By: Janus Metz Pedersen
Written By: Kasper Torsting (idea)
Starring:
Release Date: April 15, 2011 (1 screen)
Synopsis: In February 2009 a group of Danish soldiers accompanied by documentary filmmaker Janus Metz arrived at Armadillo, an army base in the southern Afghan province of Helmand. Metz and cameraman Lars Skree spent six months following the lives of young soldiers situated less than a kilometer away from Taliban positions. The outcome of their work is a gripping and highly authentic war drama that was justly awarded the Grand Prix de la Semaine de la Critique at this year's Cannes film festival. But it also provoked furious debate in Denmark concerning the controversial behavior of certain Danish soldiers during a shootout with Taliban fighters. The filmmakers repeatedly risked their lives shooting this tense, brilliantly edited, and visually sophisticated probe into the psychology of young men in the midst of a senseless war whose victims are primarily local villagers. Yet more disturbing than scenes in which Taliban bullets whiz past their cameras is the footage of the young soldiers as each tries, in his own way, to come to terms with putting his life constantly on the line.

Thoughts: This looks like it's really well done, but I'm not really all that interested in seeing it.

Diagnosis: Pass.

ATLAS SHRUGGED: PART 1

Directed By: Paul Johansson
Written By: John Aglialoro
Starring: Taylor Schilling, Paul Johansson and Michael O'Keefe
Release Date: April 15, 2011 (299 screens)
Synopsis: A powerful railroad executive, Dagny Taggart, struggles to keep her business alive while society is crumbling around her. Based on the 1957 novel by Ayn Rand.

Thoughts: I've not read the source material, so this trailer does absolutely nothing for me.

Diagnosis: Pass.

THE DOUBLE HOUR

Directed By: Giuseppe Capotondi
Written By: Alessandro Fabbri, Ludovica Rampoldi
Starring: Kseniya Rappoport, Filippo Timi and Antonia Truppo
Release Date: April 15, 2011
Synopsis: A spark between a newly-met couple is snuffed out tragically.

Thoughts: Admittedly, the trailer kind of sparked my interest.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

DUMBSTRUCK

Directed By: Mark Goffman
Written By:
Starring: Bob Ashman, Maria Ashman and Robert J. Ashman
Release Date: April 15, 2011 (1 screen)
Synopsis: At the annual Vent Haven Convention in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, ventriloquism capital of the world, director Mark Goffman discovers five extraordinary characters straight out of a Christopher Guest mockumentary. But in this delightful, it's-all-true documentary, the characters are real, and so are the emotional attachments that they have with their "dummies."

Thoughts: Looks like it might be a good rental.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

THE PRINCESS OF MONTPENSIER

Directed By: Bertrand Tavernier
Written By: Jean Cosmos
Starring: Mélanie Thierry, Lambert Wilson and Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet
Release Date: April 15, 2011 (3 screens)
Synopsis: Bertrand Tavernier is in top form with this gripping, superbly mounted drama set against the savage Catholic/Protestant wars that ripped France apart in the 16th century. Based on a novella by the celebrated Madame de Lafayette, the action centers on the love of Marie de Mezières for her dashing cousin Henri de Guise, thwarted when her father's political ambitions force her into marriage with the well-connected Philippe de Montpensier, who she has never met. When Philippe is called away to fight, she is left in the care of Count Chabannes, an aging nobleman with a disdain for warfare, and soon becomes exposed to the sexual and political intrigues of court

Thoughts: Steamy romance, lavish costumes and some swordplay. This could be an interesting watch. Wasn't too particularly taken by the trailer when I first saw it, but it's grown on me with repeat viewings. Might see how the reviews favor this one.

Diagnosis: Curious to see.

A SCREAMING MAN

Directed By: Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
Written By: Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
Starring: Youssouf Djaoro, Dioucounda Koma and Emile Abossolo M'bo
Release Date: April 13, 2011 (1 screens)
Synopsis: Present-day Chad. Adam, sixty something, a former swimming champion, is pool attendant at a smart N'Djamena hotel. When the hotel gets taken over by new Chinese owners, he is forced to give up his job to his son Abdel. Terribly resentful, he feels socially humiliated. The country is in the throes of a civil war. Rebel forces are attacking the government. The authorities demand that the population contribute to the "war effort", giving money or volunteers old enough to fight off the assailants. The District Chief constantly harasses Adam for his contribution. But Adam is penniless; he only has his son....

Thoughts: It's already out on one screen, and looks kind of interesting. Like with the previous film, I'd probably read the reviews on it first to see.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

THE TENANT

Directed By: Ric La Monte
Written By: Ric La Monte
Starring: J. LaRose, Michael Berryman and Bill Cobbs
Release Date: April 15, 2011
Synopsis: A simple man, Dr. Walter Newman, has high aspirations to cure all disease through genetic manipulation. His obsession with his mission draws him deeper into his own dark world, distracting him from his wife Olivia and from his responsibilities to his patients at the Edgewood Asylum. The doctors loyal but diabolical nurse, Ms. Tinsley, decides to take matters into her own hands and in secret she conducts her own experiment. When Dr. Newman realizes what has been done, a deformed creature that defies nature is created. Part human, part nightmare. Dr. Newman knows what he must do, but is it already too late?

Thoughts: Oh ok.

Diagnosis: Pass.

This week we get a dumb remake, an interesting action thriller, a sappy surfer flick, a stoner fantasy comedy, a film about Bill Hicks, a documentary about the 70s DIY film movement, an IMAX animal thing, an infuriating romantic comedy and Meek's Cutoff. Really, that's about it. The rest are mostly "whatever." My money is on that action thriller, by the way.

What are you planning on seeing this weekend? What do you think based on the trailers? Do any of these look good? Sound off in the comments section!

Films after the jump!

ARTHUR

Directed By: Jason Winer
Written By: Peter Baynham
Starring: Russell Brand, Helen Mirren and Jennifer Garner
Release Date: April 8, 2011 (3,200+ screens)
Synopsis: A drunken playboy stands to lose a wealthy inheritance when he falls for a woman his family doesn't like.

Thoughts: There's a market for this, and I'm not it.

Diagnosis: Pass.

HANNA

Directed By: Joe Wright
Written By: Seth Lochhead & David Farr
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett and Eric Bana
Release Date: April 8, 2011 (2,500 screens)
Synopsis: A 16-year-old who was raised by her father to be the perfect assassin is dispatched on a mission across Europe, tracked by a ruthless intelligence agent and her operatives.

Thoughts: This looks like the kind of film that's right up my alley. And seriously...young girl assassin going after a lethal looking Cate Blanchett?! Count me in!

Diagnosis: Want to see!

SOUL SURFER

Directed By: Sean McNamara
Written By: Sean McNamara & Deborah Schwartz
Starring: AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt
Release Date: April 8, 2011 (2,100 screens)
Synopsis: A teenage surfer girl summons the courage to go back into the ocean after losing an arm in a shark attack.

Thoughts: An inspiring tale of a young girl fighting against the odds, with a trailer that gives away every important plot point. This should save you some money at the box office.

Diagnosis: Pass.

YOUR HIGHNESS

Directed By: David Gordon Green
Written By: Danny McBride & Ben Best
Starring: Danny McBride, Zooey Deschanel and James Franco
Release Date: April 8, 2011 (2,600 screens)
Synopsis: When Prince Fabious's bride is kidnapped, he goes on a quest to rescue her... accompanied by his lazy useless brother Thadeous.

Thoughts: As far as fantasy films are concerned, this one looks slick. Still undecided on how soon I need to see this since I'm not terribly fond of Danny McBride. But Zooey is in this, albeit as the damsel in distress, and Natalie Portman looks like she's going to kick ass eight ways to Sunday.

Diagnosis: Curious to see.

AMERICAN: THE BILL HICK'S STORY

Directed By: Matt Harlock & Paul Thomas
Written By:
Starring: Kevin Booth, John Farneti and Bill Hicks
Release Date: April 8, 2011 (1 screen)
Synopsis: Photo-animated feature documentary, uniquely narrated by the 10 people who knew Bill best.

Thoughts: I can't say I've ever heard or seen any of Bill Hick's standup. I knew of him, but that's about the extent of it. While leery of the photo-animated aspect, this looks like it could be a decent rental. Not only that, but it's only playing on one screen.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

BLANK CITY

Directed By: Celine Danhier
Written By:
Starring: Amos Poe, Ann Magnuson and Becky Johnston
Release Date: April 6, 2011 (1 screen)
Synopsis: During the punk rock stage in the late '70s, downtown New York experienced a wave of "Do it yourself" independent filmmaking

Thoughts: A doc about DIY filmmaking in the 70s. I'm game. Shame it's only playing on one screen.

Diagnosis: Want to see.

BORN TO BE WILD

Directed By: David Lickley
Written By: Drew Fellman
Starring: Birute Galdikas, Daphne Sheldrick and Morgan Freeman
Release Date: April 8, 2011 (200+ screens)
Synopsis: Born to be loved. Born to be free.

Thoughts: Morgan Freeman narrates another doc about animals.

Diagnosis: Pass.

CEREMONY

Directed By: Max Winkler
Written By: Max Winkler
Starring: Michael Angarano, Uma Thurman and Reece Thompson
Release Date: April 8, 2011 (2 screens)
Synopsis: A young guy crashes the wedding of the thirty-something woman he wants back.

Thoughts: For fuck's sake. YET ANOTHER film where a long lost friend tries to break up his ex-lover's wedding. What the fuck is wrong with you people?

Diagnosis: Pass x 1,000.

HENRY'S CRIME

Directed By: Malcolm Venville
Written By: Sacha Gervasi & David N. White
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Vera Farmiga and James Caan
Release Date: April 8, 2011 (2 screens)
Synopsis: Released from prison for a crime he didn't commit, an ex-con targets the same bank he was sent away for robbing.

Thoughts: This could be Bandits-level bad, or just plain meh, which is too bad because I actually like Vera Farmiga and she's been good in everything I've seen of hers. Still, this looks like kind of a mess.

Diagnosis: Pass.

MEEK'S CUTOFF

Directed By: Kelly Reichardt
Written By: Jonathan Raymond
Starring: Michelle Williams, Bruce Greenwood and Paul Dano
Release Date: April 8, 2011 (2 screens)
Synopsis: Settlers traveling through the Oregon desert in 1845 find themselves stranded in harsh conditions.

Thoughts: I'm definitely interested in seeing this film. It's got Michelle WIlliams, and it looks to be a rather interesting story. I haven't seen this director's work prior, so I will probably be seeing this without any preconceived ideas.

Diagnosis: Want to see.

MEET MONICA VELOUR

Directed By: Keith Bearden
Written By: Keith Bearden
Starring: Kim Cattrall, Dustin Ingram and Brian Dennehy
Release Date: April 8, 2011 (2 screens)
Synopsis: When an awkward teen meets his favorite porn star, whose career peaked in the '80s, an unexpected friendship follows as the young man gets a glimpse inside Monica Velour's current life as a single mom struggling to make ends meet.

Thoughts: This looks like it might have a bit more heart than one might expect. Curious that it's from the producers of The Kids Are Alright and Garden State.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant

NO ERES TU, SOY YO

Directed By: Alejandro Springall
Written By: Alejandro Springall & Juan Taratuto
Starring: Eugenio Derbez, Martina García and Alejandra Barros
Release Date: April 8, 2011 (175 screens)
Synopsis: Lovelorn Javier goes to extraordinary lengths to recover from his broken marriage in this romantic comedy from Mexico. When Javier married María, he thought it was forever. But then as quickly as she had once said "I do," María was gone. As a result, Javier's self-confidence takes a serious hit. When his psychoanalyst offers precious little advice on the subject of making a full emotional recovery, Javier sinks into a deep depression and seeks solace in the arms of his many ex-girlfriends. What will it take for Javier to finally come to terms with his loss, and finally summon the strength to love again?

Thoughts: Doesn't really sound like my cup of tea.

Diagnosis: Pass.

THANK YOU (2011)

Directed By: Anees Bazmee
Written By: Nisar Akhtar
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor and Bobby Deol
Release Date: April 8, 2011 (92 screens)
Synopsis: Raj, Yogi and Vikram - best friends, business partners, serial womanizers and happily married! Happy, because their lovely wives have no clue that their husbands cheat on them with every pretty young thing they can lay their eyes on. This picture perfect world is rocked when Raj's wife, Sanjana begins to suspect her husband and hires the suave private detective, Kishan, to tail him. Kishan's built his reputation as a man who saves marriages by getting erring husbands to mend their ways. In this particular case, however, his overwhelming attraction towards Sanjana means he may not be acting in her best interest! What follows is a crazy cat and mouse game, with Kishan trying to catch the husbands with their pants down literally and them attempting to just stay outside his grasp.

Thoughts: Huh.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

TO DIE LIKE A MAN

Directed By: João Pedro Rodrigues
Written By: João Pedro Rodrigues & Rui Catalão
Starring: Chandra Malatitch, John Jesus Romão and Ivo Barroso
Release Date: April 8, 2011 (1 screen)
Synopsis: A transvestite tries to erase any past history of herself as a male. She dies tragically before this is accomplished and her male identity is engraved on her headstone.

Thoughts: The trailer didn't do this much justice.

Diagnosis: Pass.

This weekend we've got the jellybean-shitfest that is Hop, the horrifyingly lame Insidious as well as a completely cut up version of The King's Speech. Source Code is also playing this weekend, which is my personal choice for viewing this weekend. What are you guys seeing? Do any of these films stand out to you? Let us know in the comments!

Films after the jump.

HOP

Directed By: Tim Hill
Written By: Cinco Paul & Ken Daurio
Starring: Russell Brand, James Marsden and Elizabeth Perkins
Release Date: April 1, 2011 (3,570 screens)
Synopsis: E.B., the Easter Bunny's teenage son, heads to Hollywood, determined to become a drummer in a rock 'n' roll band. In LA, he's taken in by Fred after the out-of-work slacker hits E.B. with his car.

Thoughts: We can now add this to the list of CG-blandimations you couldn't pay me to see. I mean...the bunny shits jellybeans. Ugh.

Diagnosis: Pass x 1000.

INSIDIOUS

Directed By: James Wan
Written By: Leigh Whannell
Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne and Ty Simpkins
Release Date: April 1, 2011 (2,408 screens)
Synopsis: A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further.

Thoughts: From the creators of Paranormal Activity and Saw...

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant

THE KING'S SPEECH (PG-13 VERSION)

Directed By: Tom Hooper
Written By: David Seidler
Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter
Release Date: April 1, 2011 (1,011 screens)
Synopsis: The story of King George VI of Britain, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it.

Thoughts: So, apparently this is an edited down version to fit the PG-13 rating. The biggest question is why anyone would want to watch this without that delightful swearing scene...

Diagnosis: Pass.

SOURCE CODE

Directed By: Duncan Jones
Written By: Ben Ripley
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga
Release Date: April 1, 2011 (2,961 screens)
Synopsis: An action thriller centered on a soldier who wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers he's part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed Duncan Jones' previous film Moon, and the trailer for this looks interesting. I'm definitely planning on seeing this this weekend.

Diagnosis: Want to see.

CAT RUN

Directed By: John Stockwell
Written By: Nick Ball & John Niven
Starring: Paz Vega, Janet McTeer and Christopher McDonald
Release Date: April 1, 2011 (103 screens)
Synopsis: When a sexy, high-end escort holds the key evidence to a scandalous government cover-up, two bumbling young detectives become her unlikely protectors from a ruthless assassin hired to silence her.

Thoughts: Despite the explosions and groovy music, this trailer doesn't really grab me. Kind of like the later seasons of Chuck. And this doesn't even have Yvonne Strahovski.

Diagnosis: Pass.

CIRCO

Directed By: Aaron Schock
Written By: Mark Becker
Starring:
Release Date: April 1, 2011 (1 screen)
Synopsis: Tino Ponce operates Circo Mexico, which journeys across the Mexican countryside in search of paying customers. Wanting to please his father and continue the family business, Ponce has recruited his young children as performers while laboring night and day to maintain the circus's faltering financial fortunes. But a growing resentment brewing within his wife about their hardscrabble existence suggests troubles on the horizon. While documenting the brutal regimen of circus life, Circo also peels back the curtain on the Ponce family's inner dynamics, revealing generational divides and money worries that threaten to tear apart a marriage. Buttressed by indie-rock band Calexico's evocative score, Schock's film observes this family drama with a sympathetic but clear-eyed view of a vanishing way of life. And because Circo refuses to be sentimental in its handling of the material, the story's twists become all the more poignant.

Thoughts: Not really my cup of tea.

Diagnosis: Pass.

IN A BETTER WORLD

Directed By: Susanne Bier
Written By: Anders Thomas Jensen
Starring: Mikael Persbrandt, Trine Dyrholm and Markus Rygaard
Release Date: April 1, 2011 (4 screens)
Synopsis: The lives of two Danish families cross each other, and an extraordinary but risky friendship comes into bud. But loneliness, frailty and sorrow lie in wait.

Thoughts: Sort of like Miral earlier and Circo above, this looks like quality filmmaking, but I'm just not all that interested in seeing it in the near future.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

THE LAST GODFATHER

Directed By: Hyung-rae Shim
Written By: Hyung-rae Shim
Starring: Harvey Keitel, Jason Mewes and Blake Clark
Release Date: April 1, 2011 (58 screens)
Synopsis: A Mafia boss trains his mentally impaired son as his successor.

Thoughts: It's a screwball mafia comedy...with Harvey Keitel.

Diagnosis: Curious to see.

QUEEN TO PLAY

Directed By: Caroline Bottaro
Written By: Caroline Bottaro
Starring: Sandrine Bonnaire, Kevin Kline and Valérie Lagrange
Release Date: April 1, 2011 (6 screens)
Synopsis: Sandrine Bonnaire and Kevin Kline (in his first French-speaking role) shine in this sophisticated feel-good comedy set in idyllic Corsica. Middle-aged chambermaid Hélène's newfound obsession with the game of chess leads her to seek the tutelage of a reclusive American expat, transforming both of their ho-hum lives in the process.

Thoughts: Saw the trailer to this before Certified Copy awhile back. Looks like it's well done, but again not something I'm really all that anxious to see.

Diagnosis: Pass.

RUBBER

Directed By: Quentin Dupieux
Written By: Quentin Dupieux
Starring: Stephen Spinella, Roxane Mesquida and Wings Hauser
Release Date: April 1, 2011 (5 screens)
Synopsis: When Robert, an inanimate tire, discovers his destructive telepathic powers, he soon sets his sights on a desert town; in particular, a mysterious woman becomes his obsession.

Thoughts: Saw this during AFI Fest last year and absolutely loved it. Rubber has all the trappings of a bad B movie surrounded by an existential look into the nature of film itself. You would do well to see this film if it plays near you.

Diagnosis: Go see it!

SUPER

Directed By: James Gunn
Written By: James Gunn
Starring: Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page and Liv Tyler
Release Date: April 1, 2011 (11 screens)
Synopsis: After his wife falls under the influence of a drug dealer, an everyday guy transforms himself into Crimson Bolt, a superhero with the best intentions, though he lacks for heroic skills.

Thoughts: Ellen Page as a psychotic Robin-esque sidekick? Count me in!

Diagnosis: Want to see!

TRUST

Directed By: David Schwimmer
Written By: Andy Bellin & Robert Festinger
Starring: Clive Owen, Catherine Keener and Liana Liberato
Release Date: April 1, 2011 (28 screens)
Synopsis: A teenage girl is targeted by an online sexual predator.

Thoughts: Ross from Friends directs this look into online sexual predators. While this looks like a much higher calibre of drama than one would expect, it still feels like it would have been more relevant of a film 5-10 years ago.

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant

WRECKED

Directed By: Michael Greenspan
Written By: Christopher Dodd
Starring: Adrien Brody, Caroline Dhavernas and Ryan Robbins
Release Date: April 1, 2011 (1 screen)
Synopsis: A man trapped in a car wreck at the bottom of a ravine must overcome incredible odds to survive.

Thoughts: The trailer gives away a major plot point, so if you're the type that's still into "the journey" of the characters, then you'll be fine with this. As it is, I've seen all I need to see and will probably not be watching this anytime soon. That said, this looks like it might be a really stellar performance from Brody.

Diagnosis: Pass.