New In Lubbock Theaters This Weekend (4/17)

Looks like a windy weekend in Lubbock, with clouds and temps struggling to hit 80. So it's a good thing so many movies are opening this weekend. Here are a few of the better looking ones.

Paul Blart returns for Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2. This looks to be at the top of the heap. Mildly funny movie with LCD humor. The movie was shot entirely in Las Vegas at the Wynn hotel. Interestingly, this is the first time Steve Wynn has allowed a commercial film to be shot on premise. If they put all the funny stuff in the trailer, it will really be no. 2!

Monkey Kingdom is the eighth film by Disneynature and actually looks pretty cool --provided you like nature films and monkeys bring you joy! A portion of the film proceeds will benefit Conservation International.

Unfriended now this one looks incredibly creepy...or dumb...or both! The basic premise is a group of online chat room participants being haunted by a supernatural force using the profile/account of a dead friend. I can see carbon copy 'haunts' happening already!

True Story This is based on actual events (don't you hate it when the film companies say that? Kind of like saying 'could be true, could be BS: You decide.') and actually looks fairly interesting. Just the fact that Jonah Hill, James Franco and Felicity Jones star in this flick make it a compelling film to drop some dough on.

Monsters: Dark Continent and While We're Young are also in theaters.

Simply because of the dumb name of Monsters (can you say 'extra cheese with my cheese, please'?) and the fact that Ben Stiller is in While We're Young, both movies are instant scratches from my must-see list. Have you ever noticed that Ben is only able to play Ben in every movie he's ever starred in? Aside from the 'Focker' franchise, I just can't stomach Ben Stiller.

Personally, aside from True Story, I'd save the $50 or so dollars spent on a night at the movies and get a good dinner with a friend this weekend. But don't let me stop you. Having a background education in television and film, I guess I'm a crass, jaded movie critic.