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When a mysterious new deadly virus with unknown origins begins to spread around the globe the world’s greatest minds are set into action. As the virus spreads, fear, panic, and chaos begins to set in. This is the story of humanity’s stand against the virus, told from multiple perspectives, the average joe’s, the CDC, the bio-tech community, the fanatic’s, the government’s, etc.. Who will survive, who will die, and where exactly did the virus actually come from are the big questions. Meanwhile, a myriad of other questions are methodically examined bit by bit slowly revealing how
an actual contagion might be addressed. An all star cast leads this modern thriller including parts from, Gweneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, Lawrence Fishburne, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, and Marion Cotillard. Quality performances ring throughout making the overall ensemble strong. Told in a peekaboo and almost haphazard editing style we’re slowly given pieces to the puzzle which certainly helps to create a sense of mystery, suspense, and disorientation to what might otherwise be a relatively boring story. Although, none of the storylines go deep enough to really get meaty which is unfortunate because there’s plenty to explore about humanity in this regard. Overall I can’t say I was truly riveted, but it was interesting. Maybe a matinee or a rental. Contagion is rated PG-13.

A group of life long friends known for throwing extravagant theme parties are suddenly challenged with the task of throwing one last party– the house they’ve used as party central for years is up for sale and they’re starting to see the twilights of their youth. After much hard thought Eric (Jason Sudeikis) and pal McCrudden (Tyler Labine) come up with the theme, an orgy; just a good old fashioned orgy. Of course, not everyone is thrilled with the concept, least of all the ladies in the group. But, as the pending sale of the house nears, the pressure is on. Will Sue (Michelle Borth), Alison (Lake Bell), Laura (Linday Sloane), and Willow (Angela Sarafyan) get on board with the guys or will the orgy flop. And, what will Eric’s new love interest, Kelly (Leslie Bibb) make of all this? So this is a tricky sell to make right? The name alone might keep the more puritanical movie goers away in a 10 mile radius. Yes, there’s plenty of sex based humor here, there’s no escaping the nature of the film, you’ll just have to accept it. But, assuming you can get past this first hurdle, in an odd sort of way, it’s kind of like a John Huges film a little grown up and gone blue. The film’s strength comes from the ensemble nature of the cast and the honest truth’s about relationships that get exposed. In many regards this is a coming of age film for unattached 30 somethings. Funny enough to make me chuckle at a few points, but not the funniest thing I’ve seen all year, nor is it the sexiest film I’ve seen all year, it’s really more tongue in cheek. Good enough for a matinee, but most will probably check it out on DVD, perhaps too chicken to admit to their curiosity in public? A Good Old Fashioned Orgy is rated R.

In the time of kings, Barbarians, battles, and dark magic a barbarian woman is slain on the battlefield. In her last moments, her son Conan (Jason Momoa) is delivered to this world. Born of the blade, and taught the ways of the warrior Conan is raised by his father, Corin (Ron Perlman). But, when the evil Khalar Zym (Stephen Lang) and his daughter Marique (Rose McGowan), a dark sorceress, kill Corin and destroy his tribe, a fire is stoked inside Conan. Now on a lifelong mission to avenge his father’s death Conan is challenged to reach his full potential, but, before he can rest he will also need to protect Tamara (Rachel Nichols), the last of the necromancer’s true blood line. Now, let’s be clear about this from the start. This is a barbarian film, it’s about blood, guts, testosterone filled battles, womanizing, you know, the typical barbarian lot. To expect anything less or anything really “serious” seems a bit lofty. That being said, for what it is, it’s not half bad. Yes, there’s plenty of CGI. Yes, the dialogue is thin and even laughable at times. Yes, that really is Rose McGowan overacting in possibly her worst role to date. Yes, Ron Perlman looks like Will Ferrell with a beard. No, Jason Momoa isn’t anywhere as physically large as Arnold on roids was. And No, no camels were punched in the making of this film, but a horse does get bonked. Honestly, this is a barbarian film! Can we really expect Lord of the Rings caliber? Simply, no…nor should we, you can’t get sunshine all the time right? But you can get something entertaining, distracting, and maybe worthy of a matinee. By the way, the 3-D on this doesn’t do a damn thing, if you can avoid it, do so. Conan the Barbarian is rated R.