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Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg) is a math professor trying to raise and support his Jewish family in Minnesota in the late 1960’s. Challenged with a wife (Sari Lennick) that feels ignored, kids (Aaron Wolff, Jessica McManus) that are growing up fast, and the desire to fit in socially, religiously and morally, Larry is twisted and contorted efforting to be a serious man. Written and directed by the powerhouse duo Joel and Ethan Cohen, this black comedy works to pull out laughs from the least likely of situations. Once again show casing their forte, tragically flawed but rich and interesting characters with stream of conscious dialogue that demands attention. Solid acting from all involved makes for an even more entertaining ride. Perhaps not the most accessible film due to the cultural and religious references throughout the film; there’s still plenty of thought provoking material to ponder and discuss later. Worthy of a matinee, A Serious Man is rated R.

Jason (Jason Bateman) and Cynthia (Kristen Bell) seem to be the perfect professional couple with everything going their way. Their friends Joey (Jon Favreau), Lucy (Kristen Davis), Ronnie (Malin Akerman), Dave (Vince Vaughn), and Shane (Faizon Love) all appear to be in working relationships too; but, when the gang heads to a tropical island for relaxation and fun, things begin to fall to pieces as the couples are forced to engage in relationship building exercises. At the end of the trip the question now becomes who will still be a couple? Despite the potential to be just another predictable romantic comedy, the freewheeling style of the actors keeps this story surprisingly fun and entertaining. And while it’s not as though cinema history will be changed by anything shot in this film, as far as date movies go, this is one both sexes can appreciate and not feel too embarrassed. Matinee worthy, Couples Retreat is rated PG-13.

An epidemic zombie apocalypse has taken over the world, leveling the population and leaving only a small handful of survivors each known only by the name of the city they came from. While attempting to get back to his parents home in Ohio, Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) runs into Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson); the unlikely pair team up and before long run into Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin). Now on a quest to find a zombie free zone and the last remaining twinkie on earth, the group make their way to a rumored safe spot in California, which also happens to be an amusement park. But will they make it out before they become zombie snacks? Pop culture snarky humor lines this entertaining horror flick from start to finish; although, to say this script is new and refreshing might be a stretch. Acting wise, generally the film feels okay but attempts at being emotional fall flat. Gore and special effects come across in great detail. And, a cameo appearance from Bill Murray just adds to the screwball fun nature of the film. Hands down it’s fun, for fans of the genre this is a must see, also remember to stick through the credits for an extra treat. Zombieland is rated R.