This week's new movie releases - June 5, 2009

This week, we're looking at three wide releases: Todd Phillips' comedy "The Hangover" with Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha; Brad Silberling's "Land of the Lost" with Will Ferrell and Danny McBride; and Donald Petrie's "My Life in Ruins" with Nia Vardalos and Richard Dreyfuss:

THE HANGOVER

Synopsis: Two days before his wedding, Doug and his three friends drive to Las Vegas for a blow-out bachelor party they'll never forget. But, in fact, when the three groomsmen wake up the next morning, they can't remember a thing. For some reason, they find a tiger in the bathroom and a six-month-old baby in the closet of their suite at Caesars Palace. The one thing they can't find is Doug.

First thoughts: So far, I've only heard good things about "The Hangover," and to be honest, I think the film's trailer is hilarious. I have yet to see a brilliant comedy this year, and I kind of hope this will be it. At least the cast looks great and the story sounds interesting enough. We'll see this Friday.

***

LAND OF THE LOST

Synopsis: On his latest expedition, Dr. Rick Marshall (Ferrell) is sucked into a space-time vortex alongside his research assistant (Friel) and a redneck survivalist (McBride). In this alternate universe, the trio make friends with a primate named Chaka (Taccone), their only ally in a world full of dinosaurs and other fantastic creatures. Can they all make it back to our world alive, and if so: Will Dr. Marshall can go from zero to hero with his discoveries?

First thoughts: I'm not so sure about this one. Yes, Will Ferrell can be very funny, and I really enjoyed many of his flicks, but up to this point, what I've seen of "Lost" has failed to win me over, really. I'm not so much worried about the film's goofy look than I am about the quality of its humor, and I can only hope Ferrell and co. have some good jokes in stores for us. I definitely don't want to watch him ru from a dinosaur the whole time.

***

MY LIFE IN RUINS

Synopsis: Georgia (Nia Vardalos) has lost her kefi (Greek for "mojo"). Discouraged by her lack of direction in life, she works as a travel guide, leading a rag-tag group of tourists as she tries to show them the beauty of her native Greece. While opening their eyes to an exotic foreign land, she too begins to see things in new ways-finding her kefi in the process.

First thoughts: I really loved Nia Vardalos in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," and I can only hope this comedy will amuse me on similar levels. The trailer didn't really make me laugh, but I'll definitely give this one a fair chance.