This week's new movie releases - May 22, 2009

This week, we're looking at three wide releases: McG's "Terminator Salvation" with Christian Bale; Shawn Levy's sequel "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" with Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson and Robin Williams; and Damien Wayans' comedy "Dance Flick" with Damon Wayans Jr. and Shoshana Bush:

TERMINATOR SALVATION

Synopsis: In 2018, after the world has been all but destroyed by a nuclear holocaust, the human resistance faces off against Skynet, a networked artificial intelligence bent on destroying what remains of humanity. Predestined resistance leader John Connor is having a hard time rising through the ranks, as his deep knowledge of Skynet makes other resistance members suspicious. Joining up with a mysterious stranger named Marcus Wright, Connor must venture deep into enemy territory in order to claim his destiny.

First thoughts: At first, I was not sure whether McG would be able to handle this, but now that I've seen plenty of pics and video footage from "Salvation," I admit I'm quite excited to see what happens next. Early reviews are mixed, but to be honest, as long as the film looks great and delivers some awesome action with a decent enough backstory, I'll be satisfied.

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DANCE FLICK

Synopsis: "Dance Flick" is a new comedy from the Wayan Brothers that is about a rich, suburban white girl named Megan who gets into a series of misadventures when she moves to the inner-city.

First thoughts: This is a Wayans comedy, which means I don't need to waste much time commenting on it. The trailer looks stupid, the spoofs look rather unoriginal, and I have this scary feeling it will be neither funny nor entertaining. We'll see...

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NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN

Synopsis: When the Museum of Natural History is closed for upgrades and renovations, the museum pieces are moved into federal storage at the famous Washington Museums. Security guard Larry Daley (Ben Stiller)
infiltrates the Smithsonian Institute in order to rescue Jedediah (Owen Wilson) and Octavius (Steve Coogan), who have been shipped to the museum by mistake.

First thoughts: I definitely was no fan of the first film, and I'm not at all excited about this sequel either. Trailers and TV spots for this flick obviously try to be very funny, but I haven't been impressed at all by any footage I've seen so far. Kids will probably like it, but I will likely never want to visit any museum anywhere ever again.