This week, we're only looking at two wide releases: Pete Docter and Bob Peterson's Pixar animated flick "Up" with Edward Asner and Jordan Nagai as the voice cast; and Sam Raimi's new horror flick "Drag Me to Hell" with Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver and Dileep Rao:

DRAG ME TO HELL

Synopsis: Christine Brown is an ambitious L.A. loan officer with a charming boyfriend, professor Clay Dalton. Life is good until the mysterious Mrs. Ganush arrives at the bank to beg for an extension on her home loan. Should Christine follow her instincts and give the old woman a break? Or should she deny the extension to impress her boss, Mr. Jacks, and get a leg-up on a promotion? Christine fatefully chooses the latter, shaming Mrs. Ganush and dispossessing her of her home. In retaliation, the old woman places the powerful curse of the Lamia on Christine, transforming her life into a living hell.

First thoughts: I'm kind of glad Sam Raimi is taking a break from "Spider-Man," and I'm really interested to see if he's still got what it takes to deliver an intriguing horror thriller. The trailer for "Drag Me to Hell" sells the film as the return to true horror, but we'll see about that when it opens this weekend. The only thing I can say right now is that I pretty much enjoy the previews, even though I've had it with nasty curses and such for a while.

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UP

Synopsis: Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Junior Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life.

First thoughts: I'm a big Pixar fan, I love everything they've done during the past years, and I am really excited to follow the 3D animated adventure of Carl Fredricksen. Response from Cannes (where the film premiered) has been solid, and recent trailers for the film lifted my curiosity as well. Should be quite an interesting weekend for new releases.