Weekend Picks: ‘Men in Black 3,’ ‘Chernobyl Diaries’ & ‘Moonrise Kingdom’

(Photo: Columbia Pictures/Warner Bros. Pictures/Focus Features)

Industry insiders are saying "Men in Black 3" will push "Marvel's The Avengers" out of the winnner's circle this Memorial Day weekend to claim No. 1 at the U.S. box office.
Since it appears everyone on the planet has seen "The Avengers" at least once, I agree the MIB3 bet is a sound one.
Here are highlights of this weekend's new releases:


Men in Black 3

Sony Pictures

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, action and destruction, and for language.

What's the Story?

Agent J and Agent K are back, but this time with the addition of a young K (played by Josh Brolin, who, by the way, does a dead on impression of Tommy Lee Jones). Monowheel chases and aliens ensue as well as the need to unlock certain kept secrets to the universe to save K and mankind.

Who Will Dig it?
People who still like to get jiggy with it a/k/a Will Smith fans. Sci-fi and action fans with a sense of humor. Former fans of both (but not at the same time) "Flight of the Conchords" and the Pussycat Dolls should be keen on villains played by Jemaine Clement and Nichole Scherzinger.

 

   

Chernobyl Diaries

Warner Bros.

Rated R for violence, some bloody images and pervasive language.

What's the Story?
A group of young and attractive travelers find themselves at the site of the world's most devastating nuclear accident to date -- Chernobyl (in the Ukraine). They become stranded in the deserted city and make the excruciating discovery that they are not alone.

Who Will Dig It?

Horror and suspense fans (think "Paranormal Activity" and "The Blair Witch Project"). People who are too young to remember the real 1986 Chernobyl disaster (because for those of us who do, the premise may seem in poor taste.)

 

 Moonrise Kingdom

Focus Features

Rated PG-13 for sexual content and smoking.

What's the Story?
According to the buzz at Cannes and early reviews, Wes Anderson is in top form with this release (which will continue to widen in the weeks to come for those of you who are not in L.A. or New York). This film, of course, starring Bill Murray -- along with Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Tilda Swinton, and, of course, Jason Schwartzman -- takes place at a kids camp circa 1965 where two 12-year-olds fall in love and run away, making their surrounding community frantic for their return.

Who Will Dig It?
Did you like "Rushmore" and "The Royal Tenenbaums"? You'll like "Moonrise."