Opening this week are "Surrogates" with Bruce Willis; "Fame" with Kherington Payne; "Pandorum" with Ben Foster and Dennis Quaid; and "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell" with Matt Czuchry and Jesse Bradford.

SURROGATES (with Bruce Willis, Radha Mitchell)

Synopsis: People are living their lives remotely from the safety of their own homes via robotic surrogates, but when the first murder in years jolts this utopia, FBI agent Greer (Willis) discovers a vast conspiracy behind the surrogate phenomenon and must abandon his own surrogate, risking his life to unravel the mystery.

First thoughts: Although "Surrogates" doesn't sound all too original, I like the concept. So far so good, and although Bruce Willis wears a terrible wig in this flick, I'm still having high hopes for this futuristic action thriller. My excitement meter for this one: 8/10.

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PANDORUM (with Ben Foster, Dennis Quaid)

Synopsis: Two astronauts awaken in a hyper-sleep chamber aboard a seemingly abandoned spacecraft. As one of them ventures deeper and deeper into the ship, he begins to uncover a terrifying reality. Slowly the spacecraft's shocking and deadly secrets come unraveled, and the astronauts realize that the survival of mankind hinges on their actions.

First thoughts: Terror in space is back on the big screen, and it has Paul W.S. Anderson attached as producer. That means be alert, because it will either be a suspenseful horror thriller or a big, loud mess. That's pretty much all I have to say about this one. My excitement meter for this one: 4/10.

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FAME

Synopsis: Inspired by the 1980 film, 'Fame' follows an exceptional group of dancers, singers, actors, and artists over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts. They have practiced and prepared since childhood to prove they're the best of their generation, and in this incredibly competitive atmosphere their passion will be put to the test.

First thoughts:  can only hope they didn't ruin this remake. At least I can honestly say I'm more excited to experience this one than the "High School Musical" flicks. As long as the moves are impressive and the music is vibrant enough, I don't see why I wouldn't enjoy "Fame." My excitement meter for this one: 6/10.

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I HOPE THEY SERVE BEER IN HELL

Synopsis: A tireless and charismatic novelty seeker, Tucker (Matt Czuchry) tricks his buddy Dan (Geoff Stults) into lying to his fiancée, so they can go to a legendary strip club to celebrate Dan’s last days of bachelorhood in proper style. Tucker drags their misanthropic friend Drew (Jesse Bradford) along for the ride, and before they know it Tucker’s pursuit of a hilarious carnal interest lands Dan in serious trouble with his the law and his future wife.

First thoughts: Okay, Tucker Max's book the film is based on is vulgar and nasty, but it's also freaking hilarious. I'm not so sure the movie was such a great idea (this type of comedy is worse on the screen than in print), but I'll give it a fair chance. My excitement meter for this one: 6/10.