Movies to Try the Popcorn Trick At

While all of the unwashed masses and Twittering teens will surely head out to the Cineplex over the next couple of weekends to watch the metal-on-metal testosterone of Transformers (check out Ebert's hilarious 1 Star review here) and bask in the free air conditioning, I implore the more civilized of you to check out these HHH approved flicks that will both entertain and enlighten, some in ways you never knew possible. For instance, did you know that tigers love pepper? Some of these you may have to search out, but they're well worth it. Trailers linked for your viewing pleasure.

The Hangover - In theatres now - As if you didn't know. As predicted on this very site, it's the instantly quotable, 'OMG you have to see it' movie of the summer. Crude and raunchy like a Vegas stripper, now is the time to catch this one if you haven't already, as the crowds will have died down enough that you might actually catch all of the jokes instead of having some of them drowned out by the din of maniacal laughter.

Away We Go - In theatres now - John Krasinski (Jim from 'The Office') and Mya Rudolph (SNL) star in this meandering indie road trip dramedy about a thirty-something couple expecting their first child and trying to figure out what to do with their lives in the process. Based on a screenplay by Dave Eggers ('A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius') and his wife, Vendela Vida. I loved this movie for it's small charms, pitch perfect acting and great soundtrack.


Moon - In theatres now - The always underrated Sam Rockwell stars as Sam Bell, an astronaut nearing the end of a 3 year stint working on the moon, alone except for a talking computer named Gerty, voiced by Kevin Spacey. Or at least he thinks he's alone. Directed by David Bowie's kid, it's sort of a well intentioned, low budget homage to 2001: Space Odyssey that is a showcase for Rockwell's talents. The less you know about it going in the better. Some may find the pacing slow, but I found it to be oddly hypnotic and fascinating. If you saw Danny Boyle's pre-Slumdog film Sunshine and enjoyed the first 3/4 like I did, you'll probably like this one.

(500) Days of Summer - In theatres July 17 - This one is shaping up to be Fox Searchlight's annual indie sleeper hit (think Garden State/Little Miss Sunshine/Juno). Zooey Deschanel bats her eyelashes and plays a manic pixie dream girl and Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the shy good guy that every girl wishes they could find.* Add in a crackling indie soundtrack and a random but perfect Hall and Oates music montage and you've got enough irony and street cred to pacify all but the most jaded hipsters. This is the date movie for people that don't like date movies.

*Spot on analysis by fellow blogger Ken Haynes.