Bee Reel: Baby Mama Drama

Although it isn’t quite May yet, the summer movie season starts now. Okay, maybe it’s more like the pre-season games before the real thing begins, but the studios have shrugged off their post-awards show winter doldrums and have started rolling out the movies they really care about–or at least the ones that can get a respectable opening before the real blockbusters begin. (See: Iron Man, next week!) Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from this weekend’s new releases.

To Laugh: Baby Mama

It Comedy Girl Tina Fey opened the Tribeca Film Festival on Wednesday, but starting today everyone can see her return to the big screen. "Mean Girls" is one of the underrated gems of the last few years, but the fact that she didn’t get the writing credit on this one has us slightly concerned. There should be enough talent here to make it enjoyable, however.

To Cry: Standard Operating Procedure

Documentarian Errol Morris—Oscar winner for “The Fog of War”–is back with a look at the tale of Abu Ghraib prison and how horrific violence and torture can become just an everyday part of a soldier’s life. Put this on your “must see” list.

To Think: Roman de Gare

On the foreign film front, an intriguing story about a novelist getting caught up in the research for her next big story. Funny, strange, and full of murderous plot twists? Sounds like the French to us.

To Avoid: Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay

Look, we thoroughly enjoyed their trip to White Castle, despite (or because of?) a lot of easy gay stoner jokes, but every instinct tells us it can’t be done again. A hitchhiking Neil Patrick Harris is funny when it’s bizarre and unexpected, but to try and relive those warmed up gags as a centerpiece for your sequel is just asking for trouble. Plus, after living with awful George Bush jokes for 8 years, I think we’ve just about had our fill, haven’t we?

And don’t forget, the Tribeca Film Festival picks up in earnest this weekend, and there’s still plenty of great movies to catch. (See my round up of the festival here .) We’ve got a of couple screenings on our plate for this weekend and will report back on the action next time.

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