Despicable Me 3D

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 9, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: An evil doer must shrink and capture the moon to prove to the world that he belongs in the bad boys club.

Review: Gru (Steve Carell) is an aging evil mastermind who has yet to prove himself as a valuable member of the evil-doers club. In an attempt to establish himself as an incrediblely bad guy, he plots to steal the moon from the world. This heist will put him in the record books. However, first he must steal a shrinking ray from up-and-comer Vector (Jason Segel). Using three orphans, Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher), Gru hopes to finally fulfill his dreams of being a rock star evil mastermind. This was a cute movie for the young or young at heart. It took full advantage of several things: 1) the overwhelming cuteness of little girls; 2) the overwhelming funniness of secondary characters; and 3) juvenile humor and jokes. I really enjoyed this movie, but somehow it doesn't live up to other animated family comedies that have come before it. There didn't seem to be as much heart as in other movies. Still, I had a great time and would recommend this to family-oriented viewers. Also providing voice talent are Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig and Danny McBride.

Watch It: Simply for the minions. Completely hilarious and cute.

Skip It: Because it doesn't develop the plot or characters the way Pixar does.

I Love You, Man

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 20, 2009

DVD Release Date: August 11, 2009

Plot 411: Recently engaged Peter is faced with the fact that he doesn't have many close male friends and embarks on man-dates to fill out the wedding party.

Review: OMG, I didn't think this movie would be as funny as it was, but I laughed my butt off. This entire movie was just painfully awkward. Peter (Paul Rudd) is a successful real estate agent in L.A. who has recently proposed to his girlfriend Zooey (Rashida Jones). As they discuss their upcoming nuptials, it becomes apparent that Peter doesn't have any close guy friends. Zooey encourages him to meet new people and Peter enlists the help of his mother (Jane Curtin), brother (Andy Samberg) and the internet. His search for bromance definitely mirrors one's search for a significant other and this just adds to the hilarity of the situation. After a series of bad man-dates, Peter meets Sidney (Jason Segel) at an open house and the two become fast friends. Sidney gives Peter the male perspective and influence he has never had before and Peter finally grows a pair (although he's still a "nice guy"). This soon causes tension in Peter and Zooey's relationship and an interesting love triangle develops. The topic of this movie is awesome and so relatable somehow. Rudd and Segel are good together as are the supporting cast that includes Jaime Pressly, Jon Favreau, J.K. Simmons, Thomas Lennon and Lou Ferrigno. The special features are also filled with some pretty good moments that are worth a watch.

Watch It: For an awesome cast of comedic geniuses.

Skip It: If you need to keep people in separate boxes, because there are definite moments when the Peter/Sidney relationship seep over and linger in unknown territory.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 18, 2008

DVD Release Date: September 30, 2008

Plot 411: After a horrible break up, Peter takes a trip to Hawaii only to run into his ex and her new beau.

Review: I thought I'd try another Judd Apatow movie because I just don't understand the hype about this guy. I still don't get it. I've watched a number of movies in which he is the writer or producer and find them only mildly humorous in a sophomoric way. This one had the added benefit of being filmed in Hawaii, but other than that it didn't really impress me. Peter (Jason Segel) makes his living by scoring his girlfriend Sarah's (Kristen Bell) hit tv show. But when she dumps him for another man, he spirals down into depression. His step brother, played by Bill Hader, suggests that he go on vacation to clear his mind (only after he's waded through a sea of one night stands to no affect). Unfortunately, Sarah and her boyfriend are also vacationing and it seems that Peter cannot escape her. The one interesting thing about this film in comparison with the others is that Peter and Sarah realize that they were both at fault for the destruction of their relationship. This, I think, is a new development in many of Apatow's movies. Most films have a good guy and bad guy and leave it at that. This one clearly depicts a grey area in the relationship, which is much more realistic. As in other Apatow films, support comes by way of Paul Rudd and Jonah Hill. Other stars include Mila Kunis and Russell Brand. Kalani Robb also makes an appearance.

Watch It: For comedy on par with Superbad and Knocked Up.

Skip It: If you've had enough of Apatow's creations.