The Hot Chick

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 13, 2002

DVD Release Date: May 13, 2003

Plot 411: A high school cheerleader and a small-time crook switch bodies when they both get their hands on magical earrings.

Review: Rachel McAdams is Jessica, a spoiled little rich girl and one of the cool kids in school. She has a crew of other mean girls that includes her BFF April (Anna Faris). While at the mall one day, Jessica pinches a pair of earrings. Unfortunately, she loses one side at a gas station that Clive (Rob Schneider) has just robbed. He picks up the earring, which leads to the body swap the next morning. This is a cross between Mean Girls and Freaky Friday that has its funny moments but again isn't groundbreaking. I'd say it was probably on par with Schneider's other comedic attempts and just another teen comedy for McAdams. Can't really say I'd recommend it, even to its teen demographic. There are other teen comedies that rock and this one just isn't one of them.

Watch It: If you really feel the need to do so.

Skip It: If at all possible.

Just Friends

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: November 23, 2005

DVD Release Date: March 7, 2006

Plot 411: A successful music producer returns home for the holidays and must face his high school nightmares all over again.

Review: Chris (Ryan Reynolds) has really made something of himself out in L.A. But, when a trip to Paris with an up-and-coming pop star (Anna Faris) takes a detour, Chris finds himself back home in New Jersey. At home, all his high school insecurities return and only gets worse when he reunites with his best friend (and secret crush) Jamie (Amy Smart). Between babysitting the pop star and trying to get the nerve to declare his love for Jamie, Chris fumbles through the holidays and being home with his parents. This is another cute (and brainless) rom-com that's good for snuggling up in front of the TV during the holidays. It tackles issues like self-esteem and high school stereotypes. I guess you're never too far from your high school self, despite all that you may have accomplished in the world. This movie is a perfect example of the traumas of high school and their effect on you the rest of your life. Sure, it's a bit extreme but I still think it's possible. That's why there are shows like Bully Beatdown. Chris Klein and Chris Marquette also star in this film. Both Faris and Klein are pretty hilarious in their roles. Faris is notable for her normal eccentricities and over-the-top physical humor. Klein's laughs are more low key, but it's his appearance that really makes your belly ache. How did this guy go from being the jock boy in American Pie to the nerd in this one? Amazing . . . or is that just amazingly sad?

Watch It: For another run-of-the-mill chick flick.

Skip It: And spend some time with your family instead.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: September 18, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: Flint's inventions have always gotten him in trouble, but his latest creation makes him famous.

Review: Flint (Bill Hader) has been an inventor his entire life. Like most inventors, he hasn't found much success with his inventions. But with his mother's words of support ringing in his ears, he ventures onward. When one of his inventions goes awry and turns clouds into food, it starts to rain every kind of food imaginable. At first it helps his town and creates a sensation. However, soon the food portions get bigger and bigger and becomes hazardous to everyone's health. Flint must shut his invention down before it consumes everyone. This was quite an enjoyable movie that dealt with the effects of poor eating habits on society in a not-so-subtle way. It reminded me of Wall-E a bit but wasn't as clever. It also dealt with one's identity and the hardship that sometimes accompanies being different from everyone else. The cast was pretty diverse and included: Bruce Campbell, the town's mayor; Mr. T, a police officer; James Caan, Flint's dad; Anna Faris, a weathergirl; and Andy Samberg; a child star.

Watch It: For a smorgasbord of a good time.

Skip It: If you're looking for a more high-brow animation such as Wall-E

The House Bunny

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: August 22, 2008

DVD Release Date: December 19, 2008

Plot 411: A Playboy bunny gets kicked out of the mansion and becomes the house mother for the most unpopular sorority on campus.

Review: This movie was a toss up for me. I wasn't expecting much from it and I wasn't disappointed. The humor was all Anna Faris so if you liked her in other films, you'll love her in this one as she is at last a prominent figure in the film. Also, if you're looking for a movie with a lot of T&A, then this is the one for you. Other than that, I thought the plot was weak and very predictable. There were some big-name cameos but other than that, nothing remarkable.

Watch It: If Anna's throaty voice is a turn on for you. That's about the only redeeming quality of this film (besides all the T&A shots).

Skip It: If you're over Anna's "Scary Movie" clueless act.

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