This week's new movie releases - August 7, 2009

This week, we're looking at three wide releases: Stephen Sommers' "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" with Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum and Sienna Miller; Nora Ephron's "Julie & Julia" with Amy Adams and Meryl Streep; and David Twohy's thriller "A Perfect Getaway" with Timothy Olyphant and Milla Jovovich:

G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA

Synopsis: From the Egyptian desert to deep below the polar ice caps, the elite G.I. JOE team uses the latest in next-generation spy and military equipment to fight the corrupt arms dealer Destro and the growing threat of the mysterious Cobra organization to prevent them from plunging the world into chaos.

First thoughts: To tell you the truth, at first I wasn't too excited about this one, but now that I've seen some cool spots and I've heard some very positive feedback from folks who've seen it already, I admit I'll walk into the film expecting a bunch of entertaining action. Apparently, that's where the film delivers the goods.

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JULIE & JULIA

Synopsis: Based on two true stories, "Julie & Julia" intertwines the lives of two women who, though separated by time and space, are both at loose ends until they discover that with the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible.

First thoughts: Two great actresses and a whole lot of food - what can go wrong? Previews for this one look tasy enough, and I'm really looking forward to these two performances. Casting Streep is always a good recipe.

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A PERFECT GETAWAY

Synopsis: Cliff and Cydney are an adventurous young couple celebrating their honeymoon by backpacking to one of the most beautiful, and remote, beaches in Hawaii. Hiking the wild, secluded trails, they believe they've found paradise. But when the pair comes across a group of frightened hikers discussing the horrifying murder of another newlywed couple on the islands, they begin to question whether they should turn back.

First thoughts: This one I'm not sure about. On the one hand, I kind of believe this is one of those thrillers with a lame twist in the ending, but on the other hand, I hope it's anything but that kind of movie. Let me say this: neither the synopsis nor the trailer for this one really blew me away. We'll see how perfect this getaway really is.