Fanboys

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 6, 2009

DVD Release Date: May 19, 2009

Plot 411: A group of Star Wars uberfans try to break into George Lucas' ranch to watch Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace before it's released.

Review: Four long-time friends, Eric (Sam Huntington), Linus (Chris Marquette), Hutch (Dan Fogler) and Windows (Jay Baruchel), embark on a cross-country journey from Ohio to California. Their mission? Break into George Lucus' Skywalker ranch and catch a glimpse of Episode 1 before it hits theaters. Along the way, the boys are tested (like any real Jedi knight would be) and must trust in each other to make it through. This is the ultimate movie for Star Wars fans because it not only pokes fun at them but also embraces all their quirkiness. It's a good-spirited movie that honors all the world's fanboys and fangirls. There are so many references to Star Wars and Star Trek that you kinda need to be aware of the history of the two movies to really get it. I can honestly say that I'm a fan of neither and still laughed my head off at some of the jokes. Also in this film or playing cameos are Kristen Bell, Seth Rogan, Billy Dee Williams, William Shatner, Carrie Fisher and Kevin Smith.

Watch It: And don't be afraid to geek it up. Best viewed with other fanboys to enhance the total experience.

Skip It: If you're a Trekkie (or Trekker). The jokes are harsh.

How To Train Your Dragon

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: Marhc 26, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: A young Viking doesn't fit in with the rest of his people and befriends their long-time enemy.

Review: Jay Baruchel voices Hiccup, the son of a Viking leader named Stoick (Gerard Butler). Everything about Hiccup screams the antithesis of a Viking. He is scrawny and weaker than his peers, which adds to the ridicule he receives from just about everyone in town. He just isn't able to fit into his society depsite all his best efforts. However, this attribute turns out to be his saving grace. I won't say any more because it would ruin the already quite predictable plot for you. Needless to say, this film isn't touting any new moral lessons for us, or our kids, to learn. Still, the action was really enjoyable and there were some definite funny moments. Craig Ferguson is good as Gobber, an old warrior who must teach the next generation to fight dragons. The best part for me was the animation. How do they manage to make clouds, water and fire look so real? It even looks like you can reach out and touch Hiccup's hair as the ocean breeze blows it around. These tiny details make you realize that DreamWorks is definitely the studio leading the pack. Also providing voice support in this film are America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Kristen Wiig.

Watch It: Because it's definitely better than the trailers make it out to be.

Skip It: If you usually turn on the subtitles so you can understand all UKish dialects. You might want to wait for the DVD for this one.