This week's new movie releases - May 1, 2009

This week, we're looking at three wide releases: Gavin Hood's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" with Hugh Jackman and Liev Schreiber; Mark Waters' comedy "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" with Jennifer Garner, Emma Stone and Matthew McConaughey; and Aristomenis Tsirbas' animated sci-fi flick "Battle for Terra":

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE

Synopsis: "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" tells the story of Wolverine’s epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe whose appearances in the film series have long been anticipated.

First thoughts: I highly enjoyed the first two "X-Men" films, and although I didn't really like the idea of spinoffs at first, I admit I am pretty excited to experience this one after seeing all this awesome footage in recent spots and trailers. I'm glad Jackman returns to reprise his role, and with Hood at the helm, this adventure should be both visually intriguing and explosive.

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GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST

Synopsis: Celebrity photographer Connor Mead loves freedom, fun and women...in that order. A committed bachelor who thinks nothing of breaking up with multiple women on a conference call, Connor's mockery of romance proves a real buzz-kill for his kid brother, Paul, and a houseful of well wishers on the eve of Paul's wedding. Just when it looks like Connor may single-handedly ruin the wedding, he is visited by the ghosts of his former jilted girlfriends, who take him on a revealing and hilarious odyssey through his failed relationships--past, present and future.

First thoughts: I really enjoyed Waters' "Freaky Friday," "Mean Girls" and even "Just Like Heaven" and "The Spiderwick Chronicles," but at this stage, I'm not quite sure what to make of "Ghosts." From what I've seen so far, this seems just a basic spin on the classic tale, and as long as it's enjoyable and funny, I'm game. Let's just hope it will deliver at least a few interesting twists...

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BATTLE FOR TERRA

Synopsis: The film tells the story of Senn (Justin Long) and Mala (Evan Rachel Wood), two rebellious alien teens living on the beautiful planet Terra, a place that promotes peace and tolerance, having long ago rejected war and weapons of mass destruction. But when Terra is invaded by human beings fleeing a civil war and environmental catastrophe, the planet is plunged into chaos. During the upheaval, Mala befriends an injured human pilot (Luke Wilson) and each learns the two races are not so different from one another.

First thoughts: I've seen the trailer for this one once before, and that's about it. The lack of a solid marketing campaign could potentially hurt "Terra." Let's just hope the film delivers and doesn't turn into this year's "Delgo." You know, that animated flick pulled from theaters after just a week last year.