THE WEEKEND EXPERIENCE - MOVIES OPENING: 8/14/09

PICK OF THE WEEK

District 9
Critics are giving producer Peter Jackson's latest film rave reviews, saying it's technically brilliant, emotionally wrenching, and has all the elements of a thoroughly entertaining science-fiction classic.

Thirty years ago, aliens made first contact with Earth. Humans waited for the hostile attack, or the giant advances in technology. Neither came. Instead, the aliens were refugees, the last survivors of their home world. The creatures were set up in a makeshift home in South Africa's District 9 as the world's nations argued over what to do with them.


PERFECT FOR THE KIDS

Ponyo
From the Academy Award-winning director and world-renowned Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki comes Ponyo, a story inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale The Little Mermaid. Already a box-office success in Japan, the story of a young and overeager goldfish named Ponyo and her quest to become human features an outstanding roster of voice talent, including Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Tina Fey, Cloris Leachman, Liam Neeson, Lily Tomlin, Betty White, Noah Cyrus, and Frankie Jonas.

Critics are giving Ponyo great reviews, saying it might not be Miyazaki's best film, but it's a visually stunning fairy tale that's a sweetly poetic treat for children of all ages.


UNDERACHIEVING COMEDY OF THE WEEK

The Goods
I was excited about this film, but critics are giving The Goods bad reviews, saying It's repetitive, adolescent and lame.

Who is Don Ready? Salesman? Lover? Song Stylist? Semi-professional dolphin trainer? Ready is all of the above - except for a dolphin trainer. When he's asked to help save an ailing local car dealership from bankruptcy, Ready and his ragtag crew descend on the town of Temecula like a pack of coyotes on a basket full of burgers. Selling, drinking, selling and going to strip clubs is their stock and trade. And they do it well. What Don doesn't expect is to fall in love and find his soul (cue heartfelt piano).

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