This week's new movie releases - March 13, 2009

We're in for another Friday the 13th this week, and things are a little busier at the movies. The following films open this Friday: "Race to Witch Mountain" with Dwayne Johnson; "Miss March" with Zach Cregger and Trevor Moore; and "The Last House on the Left," a horror flick with Sara Paxton and Monica Potter. Let's take a closer look:

RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN

Synopsis: A taxi driver gets more than get bargained for when he picks up two teen runaways. Not only does the pair possess supernatural powers, but they're also trying desperately to escape people who have made them their targets.

First thoughts: Andy Fickman ("The Game Plan") reteams with Dwayne Johnson for this Disney remake, which, judging by its trailer and TV spots, doesn't look that awesome. Sure, it looks like a fast-paced enough action flick the kiddies may enjoy, but I'm not at all sure whether I should walk into this one with high expectations. Again, from what I've seen so far, especially Johnson's performance pretty much looks as lifeless as a performance in a family film can get. We will see...

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MISS MARCH

Synopsis: A young man awakens from a four-year coma to hear that his once virginal high-school sweetheart has since become a centerfold in one of the world's most famous men's magazines. He and his sex-crazed best friend decide to take a cross-country road trip in order to crash a party at the magazine's legendary mansion headquarters and win back the girl.

First thoughts: Okay, the synopsis alone is a pretty good indication of what kind of comedy "Miss March" really is: one of those raunchy slapstick comedies about two morons taking a road trip to track down a chick. I know, it's not particularly original, and while I smiled once while watching the trailer, I admit I'm in no way excited to see this one. I mean, one scene in the trailer shows a badass chick unlocking a door with her tongue. You get the picture...

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THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT

Synopsis: The night she arrives at the remote Collingwood lakehouse, Mari and her friend are kidnapped by a prison escapee and his crew. Terrified and left for dead, Mari's only hope is to make it back to parents John and Emma. Unfortunately, her attackers unknowingly seek shelter at the one place she could be safe. And when her family learns the horrifying story, they will make three strangers curse the day they came to the Last House on the Left.

First thoughts: It's time for a solid horror movie with plenty of scares, but will this one be able to deliver? While the trailer didn't entirely win me over, I do admit I'm interested to see how this story develops and how much suspense and innovation this one actually ends up boasting. Some of the scenes seem quite intense, so let's hope for the best.