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Spring break for Faith, Candy, Brit, and Cotty (Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, and Rachel Korine) was supposed to be a chance to get away from the stress of rules, school, life, and the norm. But to make their dreams come true, the four beauties will reveal just how ugly they can be– fueling the fire is Alien (James Franco), a rapper/gangster/drug dealer living in Florida. Combined, Alien and the girls will search their souls, find their own truths, and make their own paths in life; but their self-discovery could have severe impacts. By far his most accessible film to date, writer/director Harmony Korine’s love for the seedy, the derelict, and the destitute is evident and omnipresent. Meanwhile, Korine’s juxtaposition of dialogue to visuals is ironic and poignant as ever, making for a sharp, grating message, almost guaranteed to leave you a little queasy all the while poking the idea of spring break in the eye, and probably causing a sty. The acting here is solid, the visuals are interesting, just know that this could be a tough watch for the weak of stomach. Worth your attention in some form, Spring Breakers is rated R, and remember to bring your antibiotics.

Growing up in London, two best friends since birth, Ginger and Rosa (Elle Fanning and Alice Englert), challenge their love for each other in light of the cold war and the Cuban Missile crisis; but, it’s the yearning for love from boys, men, and fathers that will contort them both more than anything else. How to maintain a friendship while growing up so fast? Written and directed by Sally Potter, the film moves at a difficult pace, spreading out in many directions but often not staying on one course long enough to add enough meat. Regardless, acting from the ensemble is stout all round, that includes performances from Annette Bening, Christina Hendricks, and Alessandro Nivola. Drama heavy this wont be everyone’s cup of tea, but still earns respect. Maybe a matinee, Ginger & Rosa is rated PG-13.

Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell) and Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi) turned to the instructional video tapes of the great magician Rance Holloway (Alan Arkin) for guidance into the world a magic. From humble beginnings the two would eventually be a team with the clout to sell out their own theatre in Vegas for 10 years. That is, until newjack magician Steve Gray (Jim Carrey) appears on the scene. Guided by assistant, Jane (Olivia Wilde), the two are challenged to stay relevant and hip to a younger demographic, but not before their own hubris and ego take a first crack at things. Desperately trying to stay afloat, their greatest illusion may be their saving grace, or else it may be curtains for this aging act. Powered with the comedic engines of today’s finest, Carell and Carrey certainly earn their paycheck this go round. Mind you, it’s not rip roaring nonstop hilarity; however, the rolling laughter is certainly enough to keep things fresh throughout. Sticking a big fat finger in the eye of Vegas magicians and wannabes, the source material for the ensemble to draw from is already plenty ripe for the picking. Bit parts and cameos from David Copperfield, Jay Mohr, and James Gandolfini keep the flick moving forward. Meanwhile production value feels polished and trim. Bottom line, inspiration abounds for aspiring magicians, sort of. Worthy of a matinee, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is rated PG-13.