This week's new movie releases - October 2, 2009

Opening this week are Ricky Gervais' "The Invention of Lying" with Jennifer Garner; "Whip It" with Ellen Page; "Zombieland" with Woody Harrelson; and Michael Moore's "Capitalism: A Love Story."

ZOMBIELAND (with Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg)

Synopsis: "Zombieland" focuses on two men who have found a way to survive a world overrun by zombies. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) is a big wuss - but when you're afraid of being eaten by zombies, fear can keep you alive. Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) is an AK-totin', zombie-slayin' badass whose single determination is to get the last Twinkie on earth.

First thoughts: I've been saying it over and over again, and one more time won't hurt: "Zombieland" is one of a few films I am looking forward to most this fall. The previews rock, early reviews sound great, and the film promises a solid cast delivering excellent humor and first-class zombie action. My excitement meter for this one: 8/10.

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WHIP IT (with Drew Barrymore, Ellen Page)

Synopsis: "Whip It," the directorial debut of Drew Barrymore, stars Ellen Page as Bliss, a rebellious Texas teen who throws in her small town beauty pageant crown for the rowdy world of roller derby.

First thoughts: I've heard some good responses from folks who saw the film, and I'm excited. I love Ellen Page as an actress, and it looks like she and Barrymore can work together pretty well. The trailer for this one won me over, so I'm ready to roll. My excitement meter for this one: 7/10.

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THE INVENTION OF LYING (WITH RICKY GERVAIS)

Synopsis: In an alternate reality, lying -- even the concept of a lie -- does not even exist. Everyone -- from politicians to advertisers to the man and woman on the street -- speaks the truth and nothing but the truth with no thought of the consequences. But when a down-on-his-luck loser named Mark suddenly develops the ability to lie, he finds that dishonesty has its rewards.

First thoughts: I love Ricky Gervais' work, and I loved "Ghost Town," his previous flick. This one looks like another soft, cute comedy, and I'm looking forward to see this awesome cast deliver some light fun in a world almost free of lies. My excitement meter for this one: 8/10.

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CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY (by Michael Moore)

Synopsis: The film will explore the root causes of the global economic meltdown and take a comical look at the corporate and political shenanigans that culminated in what Moore has described as "the biggest robbery in the history of this country" -- the massive transfer of U.S. taxpayer money to private financial institutions.

First thoughts: Moore's films are entertaining, but I'm hard to convince. This guy is just too one-sided and has the ability to spin everything the way he wants to, so I certainly look at his films as statements rather than docs. My excitement meter for this one: 6/10.

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TOY STORY / TOY STORY 2 3D RE-RELEASE

Synopsis: Both films have a limited two-week theatrical engagement in 3D starting this week.

First thoughts: I adored "Toy Story" and liked "Toy Story 2," so I'm definitely going to check out the 3D versions of the films. This sounds like a fun cinema package, so take the kids and enjoy the show. Hurry, because it will be over in two weeks!