Opening This Weekend: Super Spoofs, Blackjack, and Marathons

This weekend at the movies has something for everyone; comedy, romance, drama, sex, violence, rock n' roll...well, it might be a little light on the rock n' roll.  But let's take a look, shall we?

"21" - A movie about MIT students who form a card counting team to take on the Las Vegas Blackjack scene.  The movie is loosely based on the book Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich, which is also loosely based on real events.  In other words, don't expect a straight biographical account here.  We're told that the story and acting are good, though, so suspend a little disbelief and check it out.  But remember, these people are geniuses and you, well, probably aren't.  So don't get any wild dreams about going to Vegas and beating the system.  Just enjoy the show.  It's rated PG-13.

"Stop-Loss" - The story of an army sargent who returns to Texas from a tour in Iraq, only to find out he's been called back even though he's already satisfied his military commitment.  Ryan Phillipe portrays Brandon King, who is torn between family, the army, and pressure from his best friend and fellow soldier.  The story looks powerful, but it's produced by MTV Films so it's hard to tell what you're going to get. It's rated R.

"Run, Fatboy, Run" - Simon Pegg of "Shawn of the Dead" fame returns as an out-of-shape 30-something who has to prove his commitment to a, once jilted, girlfriend by running a marathon.  Apparently Pegg's character has never finished anything in his life and this is his one chance to win his true love from her rich, handsome fianee'.  Ah, Hollywood.  It should be fun as Pegg has shown his comedic chops quite well in the past.  I guess we'll see.  Hank Azaria and Thandie Newton also star. It's rated PG-13

"Superhero Movie" - The long awaited spoof is finally here, I guess.  Drake Bell plays the main character in an ensemble case that includes Pamela Anderson "insert current last name here" and Tracy Morgan.  The movie is an amalgam of gags created from "Spiderman", "Batman", "Superman", and the "X-Men".  Leslie Nielsen - a long time veteran of this kind of schlock - also stars.  If you liked the "Scary Movie" series and/or "Epic Movie" then this is for you.  If not, save your money.  I'm sure I will.  It's rated PG-13.

So have a great weekend, get out and see a flick.  But don't say we didn't warn you.

Photo - Simon Pegg in "Run, Fatboy, Run"