New movie releases this week - www.urbancookie.com

A discredited journalist (Daniel Craig) and a mysterious computer hacker discover that even the wealthiest families have skeletons in their closets while working to solve the mystery of a 40-year-old murder in this David Fincher-directed remake of the 2009 Swedish thriller of the same name. Inspired by late author Stieg Larsson's successful trilogy of books, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo gets under way as the two leads (Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara) are briefed in the disappearance of Harriet Vanger, whose uncle suspects she may have been killed by a member of their own family. The deeper they dig for the truth, however, the greater the risk of being buried alive by members of the family, who will go to great lengths to keep their secrets tightly sealed.

THE DARKEST HOUR

Cast: Emile Hirsch, Olivia Thirlby, Max Minghella, Rachael Taylor

Director Chris Gorak (Right at Your Door) teams with producer Timur Bekmambetov for this tense apocalyptic thriller centering on the fight for survival waged by five youths who find themselves stranded in Moscow during an alien invasion. As the invisible extraterrestrials absorb all of Earth's energy and life forms, finding a means of escaping the unstoppable attackers becomes a seemingly impossible task. Emile Hirsch, Olivia Thirlby, and Max Minghella star

SHERLOCK HOLMES : A GAME OF SHADOWS

Cast: Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris

Warner Bros. returns to the scene of the crime with this sequel to their wildly successful revamp of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes character. Robert Downey Jr. stars alongside Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo's Noomi Rapace. Mad Men's Jared Harris also joins the cast as the arch villain, Professor Moriarty

HUGO

Cast: Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Asa Butterfield, Jude Law

A young orphan living in a Paris train station uncovers a mystery that jeopardizes his secretive way of life in this Martin Scorsese-directed adaptation of Brian Selznick's stunning children's book. The Aviator's John Logan provides the screenplay for the GK Films production, which stars Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jude Law, and Christopher Lee.

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS

Cast: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy

Take a trip to the North Pole and discover exactly how Santa Claus makes Christmas magic happen every year in this imaginative comedy for the entire family. Produced by Aardman Features in association with Sony Pictures Animation, this fun-filled holiday film introduces viewers to Santa's mischievous son Arthur, who races to complete an important mission in time to ensure that this year's Christmas celebrations will go off without a hitch.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1

Cast: Taylor Lautner, Gil Birmingham, Billy Burke, Sarah Clarke

The epic love story between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen concludes in this final installment of Stephenie Meyer's best-selling series. Dreamgirls' Bill Condon directs this first segment of the two-film adaptation

Puss in Boots

Cast: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thornton

Swashbuckling feline Puss in Boots (voice of Antonio Banderas) fights to save his town with the help of Kitty Softpaws (voice of Salma Hayek) and Humpty Dumpty (voice of Zach Galifianakis.

IMMORTALS

Cast: Henry Cavill, Mickey Rourke, Freida Pinto, Stephen Dorff

Review rating: 3/5 , If you are a fan of Greek mythology or bloody action then this should make some sense to you, otherwise you can just skip it. The 3D glasses at PVR were not good either.

A brave young stonemason assembles a fierce band of warriors to prevent an evil king from acquiring the artifact that will permit him to rule the world in this epic mythological fantasy from visionary filmmaker Tarsem Singh. King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) is a brutal tyrant on a bloody mission to seek out the mythical Bow of Epirus. Should he succeed, even the Gods of Olympus will be forced to bow before him. In his efforts to locate the invincible and elusive weapon, Hyperion leads his Heraklion army on a brutal rampage across Greece, razing every town in their path, and killing with impunity. When the Hyperions lay waste to his village and cut down his mother in cold blood, vengeful stonemason Theseus (Henry Cavill) emerges from the rubble determined to make the king pay for his crimes. Later, the Sybelline Oracle, Phaedra (Freida Pinto), experiences a vision of Theseus' future that convinces her he will play a pivotal role in defeating King Hyperion. Armed with that supernatural knowledge, she agrees to help Theseus assemble a small army capable of defeating the tyrannical king, and prevent him from enslaving the entire human race. Stephen Dorff, Kellan Lutz, and John Hurt co-star.

J EDGAR

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Watts, Armie Hammer, Armie Hammer

Director Clint Eastwood delves into the personal life of J. Edgar Hoover with this biopic starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the controversial FBI director. Naomi Watts and Armie Hammer head up a supporting cast that includes Josh Lucas, Ed Westwick, and Damon Herriman.

TOWER HEIST

Cast: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Alan Alda

The workers at a posh Central Park condominium plot to steal back their pensions from the thieving Wall Street billionaire who's about to get away with the ultimate white-collar crime in this heist comedy starring Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy. Financial giant Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda) has just been placed under house arrest in his luxury New York City penthouse for cleaning out his investors to the tune of two billion dollars. Meanwhile, on the complete opposite end of the financial spectrum, Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller) earns a modest living as the manager of The Tower - the luxurious building where Shaw resides. Upon learning that the tower staffers who entrusted Shaw with their retirement funds are about to lose their life earnings, and that the thief will likely get off scot-free, Josh convinces a small group of Tower employees and a downtrodden former resident that Shaw has stashed a million dollar safety net somewhere in his opulent penthouse, and that it's theirs for the taking if they can just slip past security. With dim-witted concierge Charlie (Casey Affleck), under-educated electrical engineer Enrique (Michael PeÃ±a), safecracking maid Odessa (Gabourey Sidibe) and downtrodden former resident Mr. Fitzhugh (Matthew Broderick) to back him, Josh recruits crafty swindler Slide (Eddie Murphy) to help get their money back. Though the security in Arthur's condo is unusually tight, between Josh's knowledge of the building and Slide's sleight of hand, this ragtag gang of criminals might just have what it takes to get the job done

A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR CHRISTMAS

Cast: John Cho, Kal Penn, Neil Patrick Harris, Neil Patrick Harris

Pot-smoking pals Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) team up once again for another wild adventure with this Mandate Pictures production. Todd Strauss-Schulson directs from a script by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg. Neil Patrick Harris heads up the supporting cast, which also includes Patton Oswalt and Danny Trejo.

IN TIME

Cast: Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy, Vincent Kartheiser

When scientists unlock the secret to immortality, time becomes the new currency and one desperate man comes under attack from a mysterious group known only as the "Time Keepers." In the not-too-distant future, scientists have discovered a way to turn off the aging gene. As the threat of overpopulation looms over society, money becomes a thing of the past. Now, assets are measured in time; those with the most time also possess the most power. Meanwhile, the lower classes are forced to barter with the new elite if they want to live forever. Suddenly a young commoner stumbles across a treasure chest of time. With the "Time Keepers" in hot pursuit, however, he may never get a chance to use it. Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, and Olivia Wilde star in this sci-fi thriller from writer/director Andrew Niccol (Gattaca, Lord of War).

FOOTLOOSE

Cast: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Andie MacDowell, Dennis Quaid

Hustle & Flow director Craig Brewer takes the helm for this remake of the popular 1984 musical romance about a big-city teen who moves to a town that has outlawed dancing. Uprooted from Boston and reluctantly transplanted to the small Bible Belt town of Bomont, Ren MacCormack (Kenny Wormald) finds himself in a repressed community still reeling from a devastating loss. Shortly before he arrived in Bomont, five local teens perished in a tragic car accident following a local dance. As a result, the upstanding Reverend Shaw Moore (Dennis Quaid) and the local councilmen passed a strict ordinance outlawing both dancing and excessively loud music. Convinced that the new law is hopelessly misguided, rebellious Ren puts on his dancing shoes and wins the heart of Reverend Moore's distraught daughter, Ariel (Julianne Hough), while showing his fellow classmates that it's perfectly normal to blow off a little steam with some loud music and good friends

JOHNNY ENGLISH REBORN

Cast: Rowan Atkinson, Gillian Anderson, Rosamund Pike, Dominic West

When a team of ruthless assassins plot to kill the Chinese premier, the only person who can stop them from plunging the world into total chaos is bumbling secret agent Johnny English (Rowan Atkinson) in this sequel featuring Gillian Anderson, Dominic West, and Rosamund Pike. Somewhere deep in Asia, the veteran MI-7 spy has been training for years in anticipation of his next mission. Meanwhile, the most prominent heads of state in the world begin gathering for a conference that could have a major impact on global politics. When MI-7 receives word that the Chinese premier has become the target of some high-powered killers, it falls on Johnny English to save the day. Armed with the latest high-tech weaponry and gadgets that would make even James Bond jealous, the once-disgraced agent uncovers evidence of a massive conspiracy involving some of the world's most powerful organizations, and vows to redeem his tarnished reputation by stopping the killers before they can strike

THE THREE MUSKETEERS

Cast: Logan Lerman, Milla Jovovich, Matthew MacFadyen, Ray Stevenson

The Three Musketeers ride again in this three-dimensional revamp from Impact Pictures and writer/producer Paul W.S. Anderson (Alien vs. Predator, Resident Evil). Percy Jackson & the Olympians' Logan Lerman toplines as D'Artagnan, the brash young man who bands up with the famed trio (Luke Evans, Matthew Macfadyen, and Ray Stevenson) to fight the corrupt the dreaded Cardinal Richelieu (Christoph Waltz). Mads Mikkelsen and Milla Jovovich co-star in the Summit Entertainment release.

THE THING

Cast: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton, Ulrich Thomsen

An American paleontologist and a team of Norwegian scientists fight for their lives against a shape-shifting extraterrestrial that can perfectly mimic any living creature in this prequel to John Carpenter's 1982 horror classic. Upon receiving word that the Antarctic research team has unearthed an alien craft, paleontologist Kate Lloyd (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) joins the group to explore what secrets the ship might hold. Though by Kate's estimation the creature inside the spaceship has been dead for centuries, it has actually just been lying dormant in the ice. Perfectly preserved, it has awaited the day when it would finally be freed from its frigid prison; now, after eons of lying in wait, that day has finally come. Suddenly revived during a crucial experiment, the malevolent alien begins methodically mimicking each member of the crew undetected. By the time Kate realizes the frightening implications of the creature's unique ability, it may already be too late. As paranoia among the crew begins to intensify, it's up to Kate and the crew's helicopter pilot, Carter (Joel Edgerton), to make sure the extraterrestrial menace is exterminated before it has the opportunity to escape -- for, should it manage to make its way to a heavily populated area, humanity's days may be numbered. Matthijs Van Heijningen Jr. makes his feature directorial debut from a script by Eric Heisserer and Battlestar Galactica's Ronald D. Moore

REAL STEEL

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Anthony Mackie, Evangeline Lilly

A retired pugilist transitions to the business side of the ropes after human boxers are replaced by robotic ones in director Shawn Levy's feature-length adaptation of the Twilight Zone episode "Steel." Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman) was fighting for the title when the sport of boxing was changed forever. Now, instead of humans duking it out for the masses, huge, powerful steel robots trade blows in the ring. As a result, former gladiator Charlie has been forced into the role of two-bit promoter, piecing together cut-rate fighting bots from scrap metal as he makes the rounds on the underground boxing circuit. Just when it seems that Charlie has sunken to the nadir of his career, his estranged son, Max (Dakota Goyo), offers him the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at a comeback by constructing and training a true champion. Now the stakes are higher than ever before, and Charlie is fully prepared to coach his robot to victory so that he can finally leave an indelible mark on the sport he once dedicated his life to

Review: Great entertainment, More fast paced than a 'Rocky movie. Hugh Jackman's presence also makes it a strong draw at the back office.

THE IDEAS OF MARCH

Cast: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti

George Clooney goes behind the camera for the fourth time to direct The Ides of March, an adaptation of Beau Willimon's play Farragut North. The movie stars Ryan Gosling as Stephen Myers, an idealistic deputy campaign manager for Governor Mike Morris (Clooney) who is in a major political battle in Ohio that could be the key to winning the Democratic nomination for the Presidency. When the opposing candidate's campaign manager (Paul Giamatti) offers Stephen a job on his staff, Stephen neglects to inform his boss (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Just as that omission is revealed, Stephen uncovers a dirty personal secret that could sink Morris' political career. The Ides of March screened at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

MONEYBALL

Cast: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright Penn

Brad Pitt stars in the real-life tale of Major League Baseball general manager Billy Beane, who built up a winning team despite a decreased budget thanks to his sly use of statistical data to calculate the best -- and cheapest -- players for his roster. Aaron Sorkin updates Steve Zaillian's adaptation of Michael Lewis' fly-on-the-wall novel for Columbia Pictures, with Robin Wright, Jonah Hill, and Philip Seymour Hoffman co-starring

50/50

Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard

Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars in this heartfelt comedy drama about a young man's struggle with discovering that he has cancer in this Mandate Pictures production. Will Reiser provides the script, based on his own experience, with The Daily Show's Evan Goldberg and Ben Karlin handling producing duties. Seth Rogen co-stars, along with Bryce Dallas Howard, Anjelica Huston, and Philip Baker Hall.

ABDUCTION

Cast: Taylor Lautner, Alfred Molina, Antonique Smith, Maria Bello

Twilight series star Taylor Lautner stars in director John Singleton's thriller about a teen who finds himself in mortal danger after realizing that his entire childhood has been built on lies. Realizing that the people who raised him aren't his real parents after stumbling across a childhood photo of himself on a website devoted to missing children, the frightened teen flees for his life as FBI agents Frank Burton (Frank Molina) and Sandra Burns (Antonique Smith) race to protect him and uncover the truth about his mysterious past

DRIVE

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks

Director Nicolas Winding Refn (The Pusher Trilogy, Bronson) teams with screenwriter Hossein Amini to adapt author James Sallis' novel about a lone-wolf Hollywood stunt driver who moonlights as a criminal getaway driver. When the lightning-fast wheelman (Ryan Gosling) incurs the wrath of L.A.'s most dangerous criminal (Albert Brooks), the only way out of the mess is to put the pedal to the metal. Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Christina Hendricks, and Ron Perlman co-star

STRAW DOGS

Cast: James Marsden, Kate Bosworth, Alexander Skarsgård, James Woods

A Hollywood screenwriter and his wife come under attack from her ex-flame and his vicious friends in director Rod Lurie's remake of Sam Peckinpah's 1971 home-invasion classic. In the wake of her father's death, Amy (Kate Bosworth) returns to her rural Southern hometown with her husband, David (James Marsden). Her goal is to put her childhood home on the market while David works on his latest screenplay. Meanwhile, David hires Amy's high school boyfriend Charlie (Alexander Skarsgård) and his crew to rebuild the roof on the secluded country home. But the more time Charlie's work crew spends working on the roof, the greater tensions begin to grow between Amy and David. Every time Amy walks outside, the work stops and the ogling begins. When David attempts to avert confrontation by firing the crew before the job is finished, former high school football star Charlie snaps, deciding that if he can't have Amy on his own terms, he'll take her by force. Later, when night falls, Charlie's gang besieges the house, forcing David and Amy into a desperate fight for their lives

CONTAGION

Steven Soderbergh presents this look at what happens when an infectious disease threatens humanity through varied viewpoints from an ensemble cast, including Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Laurence Fishburne, and Kate Winslet. The Informant's Scott Z. Burns provides the script.

SHARK NIGHT 3D

Cast: Sinqua Walls, Chris Carmack, Alyssa Diaz, Joel David Moore

Vacationing college students fight a shiver of sharks after traveling to an island getaway and being surrounded by the ferocious man-eaters in this sun-soaked shocker from director David R. Ellis (Final Destination 2, Snakes on a Plane). The moment Sara (Sara Paxton) and her friends arrive at her parent's Louisiana lake house, the party is in full gear. Everyone is swimming in the salt-water lake and having a blast until Malik (Sinqua Walls) loses his arm in what initially appears to be a tragic wake-boarding mishap. Determined to get him to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible, Malik's friends fire up the speedboat and hit the water full throttle. It isn't until they're far from shore that the reality of the situation finally dawns on them -- the lake is teeming with hungry sharks, and a tiny speedboat isn't about to stop them from getting their next meal. Suddenly, a severed arm is the least of their worries. As the feeding frenzy begins, Sara and her pals realize that their only hope for survival is to swim for their lives and reach the beach without becoming fish food.

THE DEBT

Cast: Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington, Jessica Chastain, Jesper Christensen

The espionage thriller begins in 1997, as shocking news reaches retired Mossad secret agents Rachel (Academy Award winner Helen Mirren) and Stefan (two-time Academy Award nominee Tom Wilkinson) about their former colleague David (Ciarán Hinds of Focus’ “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day”). All three have been venerated for decades by their country because of the mission that they undertook back in 1966, when the trio (portrayed, respectively, by Jessica Chastain [soon to be seen in “The Tree of Life”], Marton Csokas [Universal’s upcoming “Dream House”], and Sam Worthington [“Avatar,” “Clash of the Titans”]) tracked down Nazi war criminal Vogel (Jesper Christensen of “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace”) in East Berlin. At great risk, and at considerable personal cost, the team’s mission was accomplished – or was it? The suspense builds in and across two different time periods, with startling action and surprising revelations.

CONAN THE BARBARIAN

Cast: Jason Momoa, Stephen Lang, Rachel Nichols, Ron Perlman

When a powerful force of supernatural evil threatens to destroy Hyboria, legendary Cimmerian warrior Conan (Jason Momoa) raises his sword against mythical monsters and treacherous enemies. Ron Perlman, Rose McGowan, Stephen Lang, and Rachel Nichols co-star in a sweeping fantasy adventure based on the character created by Robert E. Howard, and directed by Marcus Nispel (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday the 13th).

Review: 2/5

FRIGHT NIGHT

Cast: Colin Farrell, Anton Yelchin, David Tennant, Imogen Poots

A suburban teenager realizes that his new neighbor is a charismatic vampire in this remake of the 1985 horror comedy hit. After years of climbing to reach the top of the social ladder, high school senior Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) finally rules the roost. Just as Charley ditches his best pal, "Evil" Ed (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), and starts dating the most popular girl in their class, however, a handsome new face appears in the neighborhood. It belongs to Charley's new neighbor Jerry (Colin Farrell), an outwardly amiable guy with a quick smile and a sharp wit. But when Charley sees a side of Jerry that everyone else seems to miss, he quickly becomes convinced that the nice-guy act is a cover for something truly sinister. Unable to convince his charmed mother (Toni Collette) that Jerry is a genuine bloodsucker, the suspicious teen turns to Las Vegas magician Peter Vincent (David Tennant) to help exterminate the demon before he drinks the entire neighborhood dry.

FINAL DESTINATION

Cast: Nicholas D'Agosto, Emma Bell, Miles Fisher, Ellen Wroe

Death stalks a group of co-workers who avoid a grisly demise in a massive suspension bridge collapse after one of them experiences a terrifying premonition in the fifth installment of the popular Final Destination series. Series regular Tony Todd returns in this sequel starring David Koechner, Emma Bell, Nicholas D'Agosto, and Miles Fisher.

30 MINUTES OR LESS

Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride, Aziz Ansari, Nick Swardson

Small-town pizza delivery driver Nick (Jesse Eisenberg) stumbles into an elaborate crime scheme when he's abducted by a pair of ambitious criminals (Danny McBride and Nick Swardson) who coerce him into robbing a bank on a strict timeline. Desperate, Nick implores his former best friend Chet (Aziz Ansari) to help him out of the predicament. But with each attempt to thwart the would-be criminal geniuses, Nick and Chet find their dire situation spinning faster out of control

COWBOYS & ALIENS

Cast: Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, Sam Rockwell

Based on the graphic novel by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, Cowboys & Aliens starts in 1800s Arizona, where the local cowboys, headed by gunslinger Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig), and the indigenous Apache tribe have been feuding fiercely for quite a while. Their skirmish is interrupted, however, by the appearance of a spaceship, commanded by an alien creature that's bent on enslaving the human race. It's time for a six-gun shoot-out between these cattle rustlers and space invaders, and there might even be a temporary peace between the cowboys and Indians as they both take aim at these extraterrestrial uninvited guests. Jon Favreau directs from a script by Star Trek scribes Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, with help from Lost's Damon Lindelof. Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, and Sam Rockwell fill out the headlining cast

Rating: 2/5

THE SMURFS

Cast: Hank Azaria, Neil Patrick Harris, Jonathan Winters, George Lopez

Scooby-Doo director Raja Gosnell takes the helm for this 3D live action/CGI comedy based on the popular characters created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo (aka Pierre Culliford). In their race to escape the malevolent wizard Gargamel, the little blue forest dwellers find themselves suddenly transported to Central Park. Now stuck in a world populated by towering giants, the Smurfs must find a way to elude Gargamel, and find a way back to the village they call home. Paul Reubens provides the voice of "Jokey" Smurf in a film also featuring Hank Azaria, George Lopez, Fred Armisen, Anton Yelchin, Sofía Vergara, Neil Patrick Harris, Jonathan Winters, and Katy Perry.

CAPTAIN AMERICA : THE FIRST AVENGER

Cast: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Tommy Lee Jones, Sebastian Stan

Meek U.S. Army soldier Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) takes part in an experimental military program that infuses him with super-human powers, and uses his newfound strength to battle the villainous Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) in this comic-book adventure from director Joe Johnston (The Wolfman, The Rocketeer). Tommy Lee Jones, Neal McDonough, and Stanley Tucci co-star in a film written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeeley (who previously collaborated on The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe).

Rating: 3/5

HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter

The final adventure in the Harry Potter film series follows Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) as they prepare for a final battle with Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), who is determined to destroy Harry once and for all. In order to defeat the powerful wizard, they must find and destroy Voldemort's last and most elusive Horcrux -- that is, the enchanted piece of soul allowing him to remain immortal -- before his nefarious plans come to fruition. David Yates directs.

ZOO KEEPER

Cast: Kevin James, Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb, Ken Jeong

Beloved zookeeper Griffin Keyes (Kevin James) decides to quit his job to dive into the dating pool, and finds that his animal friends have been harboring an incredible secret in this comedy from director Frank Coraci (The Wedding Singer, Click). Griffin is a single guy who loves his job at the Franklin Park Zoo. He has a special bond with the animals, yet he can't help but feel lonely each night when he returns to an empty house. Eventually deciding that a more prestigious job may be the key to finding a new girlfriend, Griffin prepares to turn in his walking papers and reinvent himself. But when word gets out to the animals that Griffin will soon be leaving, they realize the only way to keep him around is to reveal they have the gift of the gab. Perhaps with a little dating advice from his friends in the animal kingdom, this lonely zookeeper will manage to meet the girl of his dreams without losing the job he loves. Rosario Dawson co-stars in a comedy featuring the voices of Sylvester Stallone, Adam Sandler, Cher, and Nick Nolte

HORRIBLE BOSSES

Cast: Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Jennifer Aniston

Colin Farrell, Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, and Charlie Day star in this workplace comedy about three frustrated employees who hatch a plan to kill their micromanaging bosses, only to find their murderous plot snowballing into disaster. Seth Gordon (The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters) directs a screenplay written by Michael Markowitz, Jonathan Goldstein, and John Francis Daley

TRANSFORMERS : DARK OF THE MOON

Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro

Director Michael Bay returns to wreak more robotic mayhem in this third entry of the Transformers franchise. Penning the further adventures of the Autobots and Decepticons is Ehren Kruger, who co-wrote the second installment, along with Star Trek's Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci.

CARS 2

Cast: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, John Turturro, Eddie Izzard

Ratatouille producer Brad Lewis steps into the director's chair for this sequel that follows race-tack legend Lightning McQueen and his trusty sidekick, Mater, as they secure their passports and prepare to take part in the biggest and fastest race on the planet.

BAD TEACHER

Cast: Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Jason Segel, Lucy Punch

A booze-swilling, pot-smoking, hard-swearing seventh grade teacher rallies to get out of the classroom for good...

GREEN LANTERN

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong

The DC Comics character ' The Green Lantern ' is given his own feature with this Warner Bros. production that follows the Hal Jordan incarnation of the character. Casino Royale's Martin Campbell directs Ryan Reynolds in the title role.

MR POPPERS PENGUINS

Cast: Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Ophelia Lovibond, Madeline Carroll

Adventure-loving house painter Mr. Popper (Jim Carrey) contends with the problem of having too many penguins in director Mark S. Waters' adaptation of author Richard Atwater's beloved children's book. Shortly after penning a letter to a team of Arctic explorers, Mr. Popper is surprised to receive a penguin in the mail. Later, after making his mischievous new pal a cozy new home in the freezer, the hapless Mr. Popper comes into possession of a playful female penguin as well. Before long Mr. Popper finds himself surrounded by a growing family of the flightless birds, and begins training them to perform in a traveling show dubbed Popper's Performing Penguins. With each new town the show travels to, pandemonium is quick to follow

SUPER 8

Cast: Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Gabriel Basso

Writer/director J.J. Abrams teams with producer Steven Spielberg for this period sci-fi thriller set in the late '70s, and centering on a mysterious train crash in a small Ohio town. Summer, 1979: a group of young friends are filming a Super-8 movie when a pickup truck derails a speeding train. When the locals start to disappear and even the inquisitive deputy can't come up with answers, suspicions emerge that the incident was anything but an accident. As the truth finally begins emerge, no one is prepared to learn what now stalks the unsuspecting citizens of this once quiet community. Kyle Chandler and Elle Fanning star

THE TRIP

Cast: Will Rogers, Rochelle Hudson, Richard Cromwell, George Barbier

A best-selling nonfictional book of the 1920s provided the title for this Will Rogers vehicle. Rogers plays a small town newspaper editor who prints all the news that fits his own homespun view of the world. Against the wishes of the town higher-ups, Rogers tries to clear the name of Richard Cromwell, a young man accused of a long-ago bank robbery. Along the way, the genial editor smooths the path of romance between Cromwell and sweet Rochelle Hudson. Life Begins at 40 contains some great bits of dialogue, notably Rogers' comment after unloading a box of canned goods that the American emblem should be changed from an eagle to a can opener. ~ Hal Erickson, Rov

X MEN - FIRST CLASS

Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon, Rose Byrne

Set in the era before Professor Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr became mortal enemies as Professor X and Magneto, respectively, director Matthew Vaughn's X-Men: First Class follows the two former allies as they lead a powerful team of mutants on a mission to save the planet from nuclear annihilation. Charles (James McAvoy) and Erik (Michael Fassbender) were just young men when it began to appear as if the world was careening toward destruction. And as the Doomsday Clock ticks faster toward midnight, the time comes to take action. In the process of saving humanity, however, Charles and Erik clash. In the years that followed, Professor X would lead the X-Men in the fight for good, as Magneto and the Brotherhood spread chaos and destruction throughout the land. Kevin Bacon, Caleb Landry Jones, Nicholas Hoult, January Jones, and Lucas Till star in a film directed by Matthew Vaughn and adapted from a story by Bryan Singer

SUBMARINE

Cast: Craig Roberts, Noah Taylor, Sally Hawkins, Paddy Considine

Writer/director Richard Ayoade adapts author Joe Dunthorne's acerbic coming-of-age novel to the big screen with this comedy centered on the efforts of precocious Welsh 15-year-old Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts) to lose his virginity before his next birthday, and prevent his mother (Sally Hawkins) from having an affair with a smooth-talking spiritual guru (Paddy Considine) after his morose father (Noah Taylor) loses will to fight for his marr

HANGOVER - PART II (R)

Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha

KUNG FU PANDA 2 (PG)

Cast: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman

Jack Black and Angelina Jolie return to lend their voice talents to the Kung Fu Panda franchise with this second entry from DreamWorks Animation and Paramount Pictures. Jennifer Yuh Nelson directs from a script by Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES - 3D (PG-13)

Cast: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane

Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) returns in this fourth entry in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series from Walt Disney Entertainment

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS (PG-13)

Cast: Léa Seydoux, Nina Arianda, Owen Wilson, Marion Cotillard

Owen Wilson, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, and Carla Bruni star in Woody Allen's romantic comedy about a family on a business trip in the City of Light. As a young couple engaged to be married experiences a profound transformation during their visit to Paris, an idealistic man with a romanticized view of the city finds that there's plenty of truth to that old adage about the grass being greener on the other side. Michael Sheen, Mimi Kennedy, and Kurt Fuller co-star

PRIEST

Cast: Paul Bettany, Karl Urban, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q. Rating: PG-13

Paul Bettany re-teams with Legion director Scott Stewart for this Screen Gems adaptation of the TokyoPop comic. In the film, a priest (Bettany) heads up a team with a sheriff (Cam Gigandet) and a warrior priestess (Maggie Q) to hunt down a vampiric tribe in an attempt to track down his kidnapped niece. True Blood's Stephen Moyer co-stars with 90210's Lily Collins

BRIDES MAIDS

Cast: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy

Director Paul Feig and producer Judd Apatow team with co-writers Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo for this comedy about a devoted maid of honor whose life falls into ruin as she plans her best friend's dream wedding. Upon hearing the news that Lillian (Maya Rudolph) has gotten engaged, ecstatic Annie (Wiig) leaps at the chance to plan the perfect wedding. With the big day rapidly approaching, Annie struggles to put her romantic and financial woes aside in order to give her dearest friend a day of memories that will last a lifetime.

SOMETHING BORROWED

Cast : Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin, John Krasinski, Colin Egglesfield

Screenwriter Jennie Snyder Urman adapts author Emily Giffin's freshman novel to the screen with this romantic drama directed by Luke Greenfield. Darcy (Kate Hudson) is best friends with Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin), a successful New York City attorney. When Rachel forms a romantic connection with Darcy's fiancé, the fragile threads that connect the trio are tested.

THE BEAVER

Cast : Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence

A successful businessman and loving father finds a unique means of coping with his debilitating mental illness in this drama from director Jodie Foster. When Walter Black (Mel Gibson) finds himself stuck in a downward spiral, the only solution is to separate from his wife, Meredith (Foster), and their two children, Henry (Riley Thomas Stewart) and Porter (Anton Yelchin). Just as the once-prominent toy executive nears rock bottom, however, the chance discovery of a beat-up beaver hand puppet offers him a unique opportunity to pull himself back from the brink. By using The Beaver to speak with others, Walter develops the abilities to express the suppressed feelings that were slowly eating him away from the inside

THOR (PG-13)

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins

Exiled to Earth after his arrogance fans the flames of an ancient conflict, The Mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth) of Asgard discovers the meaning of humility when a powerful old foe dispatches a destructive force to crush humanity. Only when the banished prince has defeated an opponent capable of crushing him in battle will he learn what it takes to be a true leader. Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Stellan Skarsgard, and Tadanobu Asano co-star in a comic book adventure from acclaimed director Kenneth Branagh

FAST FIVE (PG-13)

Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Dwayne Johnson

Director Justin Lin (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Fast & Furious) returns to the helm for this adrenaline-charged sequel reuniting series stars Vin Diesel and Paul Walker for their biggest thrill ride yet. With the police in hot pursuit and wanted fugitive Dom (Diesel) in tow, Brian (Walker) and Mia (Jordana Brewster) make their way to Rio, and realize they've run out of luck. In order to earn their freedom, they'll have to pull off their biggest job yet. After assembling a crack team of the top racers in Brazil, the gang prepares to confront the crooked businessman who seeks to silence them forever. Meanwhile, unstoppable federal agent Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) has assembled his own team, an intimidating group of top cops whose sole mission is to capture Dom, Brian, and Mia by whatever means possible. But as the race heats up, Hobbs loses his ability to tell the good guys from the bad guys. Now, in order to prevent the lawless trio from being turned into roadkill before he can arrest them, Luke puts his pedal to the metal, and begins to rely more on his killer instinct than his police training

Review: If its adrenaline pumping fast and furious action you want from start till the end, then 'Fast Five' does not disappoint. The setting this time is in Brazil and a re-union of sorts when characters from the previous parts join the action.

PROM

Cast : Aimee Teegarden, Thomas McDonell, Yin Chang, De'Vaughn Nixon

A group of teenagers find their lives intersecting and their futures taking shape as they prepare for the most pivotal event of their high school careers. At first Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden) is infuriated at a classmate (Thomas McDonell) who nearly destroys her plans for prom. But the closer the big day gets, the more she realizes that he may be the perfect date. Meanwhile, secretive seniors Tyler (De'Vaughn Nixon) and Mei (Yin Chang) wrestle with their consciences over how to make the most of their big night as the rest of their classmates attempt to reconcile their explosive anticipation with their growing uncertainty over how the dance will ultimately pan out.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (PG-13)

Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christopher Waltz

A handsome veterinary student falls for a married circus performer in this romantic drama adapted from author Sara Gruen's best-selling novel, and directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend). When Jacob (Robert Pattinson) meets Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), it's love at first sight -- their shared affections for an extraordinary elephant stirring profound feelings of compassion within both of them. Theirs is a love that could span lifetimes, though the wrath of Marlena's dangerously domineering husband, August (Christoph Waltz), threatens to spell tragedy for all involved

Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family (PG-13)

Cast: Tyler Perry, Shad “Bow Wow” Moss, Shannon Kane, Chandra Currelley-Young, Cassi Davis.

When her five grown-up children fail to answer her call for a family gathering, exacerbated mother Shirley calls on outspoken force of nature Madea to see that everyone comes together to discuss some rather important issues in this filmed stage play written and directed by Tyler Perry. With everyone finally assembled thanks to Madea's tenacity, Shirley addresses some important family secrets, reveals that she's in the midst of a financial crisis, and engages her sons and daughters in a serious talk about drugs. Through it all, Madea makes it a point to emphasize the importance of faith in helping her family weather the rough waters ahead, and stay true to their values.

SOUL SURFER (PG)

Cast: AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, Carrie Underwood

The story of surfer, shark-attack victim, and subsequent comeback surfing champion Bethany Hamilton is told in this inspirational drama from director Sean McNamara. AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, and Helen Hunt topline the cast

SCREAM 4

Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) comes face to face with her greatest fear after returning home to Woodsboro and getting caught in the center of another bloodbath in this sequel from director Wes Craven and screenwriter Kevin Williamson. Touring the country in promotion of her new self-help book, Sidney arrives in Woodsboro and quickly reconnects with her old friend Sheriff Dewey (David Arquette), who has recently gotten married to Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox). Though a much-welcomed family reunion with her aunt Kate (Mary McDonnell) and cousin Jill (Emma Roberts) goes a long way in helping Sidney lay her tragic past to rest, old fears come back with a vengeance when Ghostface reappears on a murderous mission to make up for lost time.

RIO

A misfit macaw named Blu (voice of Jesse Eisenberg) heads to Rio de Janeiro, embarks on a magnificent journey, and makes some loyal new friends in this animated adventure for the entire family. Domesticated from the time he was just a hatchling, Blu traded a life in the clouds for a contented existence in Moose Lake with his doting owner, Linda (Leslie Mann). They live under the impression that Blu is the last of his kind, but upon receiving word that a female macaw named Jewel (Anne Hathaway) has been discovered in Rio de Janeiro, Linda and Blu set their sights on South America on a mission to replenish the species. Shortly after their arrival in the Brazilian capitol, however, the two rare birds fall victim to a gang of greedy animal smugglers intent on making a mint by selling Blu and Jewel to the highest bidder. But the headstrong Jewel isn't about to be locked in a cage and put on display, so when the opportunity arises she stages a daring escape with the help of some wisecracking local birds, and takes her new friend Blu along for the ride. With the bumbling birdnappers fast closing in, Blu realizes that his only hope for making a clean getaway and reuniting with Linda is to finally summon the courage he needs to take flight. Rio also features the voices of Tracy Morgan, Jamie Foxx, George Lopez, and will.i.am.

HANNA

A teenage assassin raised in remote Finland is dispatched on a dangerous mission by her father, an ex-CIA operative, in this innovative action thriller from director Joe Wright (Atonement, Pride & Prejudice). Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) may look like your typical teenage girl, but she's a trained killer who has spent her entire life preparing for one mission. Schooled in the arts of survival and killing by her mysterious father (Eric Bana), Hanna finally reaches the age when she must put her skills to the test, and sets out across Europe on a collision course with a cunning intelligence operative (Cate Blanchett) who has been awaiting her arrival for years. Later, as agents close in from all sides and Hanna finally gets her target in the crosshairs, the trained assassin uncovers some secrets from the past that stir the conscience she never knew she had, and cause her to question everything she has ever known.

ARTHUR

Russell Brand steps into the role made famous by Dudley Moore with this Warner Bros. remake scripted by Peter Baynham. The 1981 original followed a drunken millionaire who puts his inheritance on the line when he falls for a shoplifting waitress.

YOUR HIGHNESS

Pineapple Express' Danny McBride and James Franco re-team for a fantasy comedy sending up such '80s gems as Krull and The Sword and the Sorcerer with this Universal Pictures production from director David Gordon Green. McBride and frequent collaborator Ben Best provide the screenplay, which follows two princes as they head out on a journey to save their kingdom. Zooey Deschanel and Natalie Portman co-star as a pair of princesses, with Justin Theroux tackling the villainous role of Leezar.

SOURCE CODE

When decorated soldier Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) wakes up in the body of an unknown man, he discovers he’s part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. In an assignment unlike any he’s ever known, he learns he’s part of a government experiment called the “Source Code,” a program that enables him to cross over into another man's identity in the last 8 minutes of his life. With a second, much larger target threatening to kill millions in downtown Chicago, Colter re-lives the incident over and over again, gathering clues each time, until he can solve the mystery of who is behind the bombs and prevent the next attack.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES

Astro Boy director David Bowers helms the follow-up film to 2010's big screen adaptation of Jeff Kinney's acclaimed Diary of a Wimpy Kid comic novels in this Fox 2000 production. Zachary Gordon stars as the titular character who takes on his older bullish brother, Rodrick, in the sequel penned by Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah.

Send us your comments, feedback & suggestions to life@urbancookie.com