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Arts and Entertainment

Movie Friday - Hairspray, Sunshine + More

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John Travolta, in a wig and fat-suit, tops the list as the most likely thing to draw people to the popcorn stadium this weekend. A decent sci-fi flick about restarting the sun and a sure-to-be-awful movie with all the gay-marriage jokes you can stomach are also on tap. Behold the blandness of the 3rd week of July.

Hairspray - I'll take "Movie I won't be seeing" for $400, Alex. Really, this is a remake of a stage show that was a remake of a movie. That alone should be a turn-off, but somehow I see "Hairspray" taking a decent chunk of the box office, assuming the little wizard doesn't come back for seconds this weekend. Potter could put a dent in the opening film's business.

I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry -
Dear Mr. Sandler, I grew up on your films. I can still watch "Happy Gilmore" and "Billy Madison" and laugh my ass off. So why, in your old age, have you decided to water down and pussify every movie you're in? I'm just disappointed because I'm sure this will be a touching, familyish comedy full of "they're gay but they aren't actually gay" jokes. Hopefully you'll prove me wrong and return to form...A+ on getting Jessica Beal in her bra and panties though. Maybe I judge too soon, another LAister loved it.

Sunshine - The movie I'm most excited for this weekend. Danny Boyle is amazing. I loved "Trainspotting", "28 Days Later" was a horror masterpiece (even with the somewhat weak, but still awesome, final act) and I even managed to enjoy "The Beach." Now, Boyle takes on Sci-Fi with a story about astronauts traveling to the sun to restart our giant glowing orb with a nuke. Of course, since it's Boyle, the time in space causes someone to go crazy and start killing people on-board the ship. I can't wait. Read the LAist review of Sunshine.

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Cashback - A 20-something starts working at a 24 hour supermarket out of boredom (caused by insomnia). The lack of sleep blends his dreams with reality.

Goya's Ghosts - I feel like I've been hearing about this film since 2000, and its finally being release in limited cities (read: LA and NYC) this weekend. Milos Forman helms the the story about the painter's life and his relationship with his muse. The always impressive Stellan Skarsgård and Natalie Portman star. You can check out LAist's review here.

Photo courtesy of Newline Cinema

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