WEEKEND PIC - Oct 30 - Nov 1, 2009

YOUR GUIDE TO THE WEEKEND MOVIES

NEW THIS WEEK

a) THIS IS IT! (Michael Jackson's concert rehearsals & clips) Rated * * * 1/2 (3.5 stars out of 4): This is one of the best pop musical concerts I have seen in a long time and wow, what a show. If these are just rehearsals, I can't imagine what the real thing would be like! Makes me wanna see it again. A must for all music lovers. (Reviewed below)

b) THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE (sci-fi rom-com with Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams, Jane McLean, Ron Livingston and Stephen Tobolowsky) Rated * * * (3 stars): A sentimental and intriguing look at a love story that transcends time. Somewhat like the Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons. (Reviewed below)

c) NINJA (action thriller with Scott Atkins, Tsuyoshi Ihara, Todd Jensen and Miles Anderson) Rating * * (2 stars): A B-grade effort about an American ninja student trying to protect a cache of weapons. Lots of stunts but lacks sense.

d) JENNIFER'S BODY (horror comedy with Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Johnny Simmons, Adam Brody, J.K. Simmons, Amy Sedaris and Chris Pratt) Rated * 1/2 (1.5 star): It's actually Megan Fox's luscious body on parade here - plus a bit of Seyfried's. Those are the main attractions and not the silly sucubus story. (Reviewed below)

STILL GOING STRONG

1. INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS (war adventure with Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Melanie Laurent, Eli Roth, Christoph Waltz, Daniel Bruhl, Samm Levine and Til Schweiger) Rated * * * 1/2 (3.5 out of 4): This is 'Pulp World War 2 History' according to Quentin Tarantino - set in the template of spaghetti westerns. It is at times funny, outrageous and loquacious but entertaining, especially for fans of Tarantino and 'pulp cinema'. (Reviewed below)

2. CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS (animated comedy with Anna Faris, Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, Bruce Campbell, James Caan, Tracy Morgan and Mr. T) Rated * * * (3 stars): Offbeat family entertainment with a touch of inspired lunacy and subtle messages about fatherly love, puppy love and youthful ambition. Available in 3D, the action makes you hungry at first - and then you may wanna duck for cover. (Reviewed below)

3. LAW ABIDING CITIZEN (crime thriller with Jamie Foxx, Gerard Butler, Bruce McGill, Colm Meaney, Leslie Bibb, Michael Irby, Regina Hall and Viola Davis) Rated * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): Director F. Gary Gray's tale of one-man against the city's justice system is far-fetched and whimsical, if at all ingenious. Still, Foxx and Butler make it watchable as they pit their wits against each other. (Reviewed below)