Before we get to this week’s movies, I want you to watch this video. Be sure to watch the whole thing, because this is important.

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You know how every once in a while, you dread seeing a particular movie, even as you understand that you have no choice but to plunk down your money and go? That’s how I feel this week about Prince Caspian , the second installment in The Chronicles of Narnia film adaptations.

I absolutely loved the books as a kid, reading each of them multiple times and "Caspian" always ranked among my favorites. But the first effort to bring the land to 21st century CGI-life, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe , was … not disappointing, so much as … underwhelming. It was non-offensive to hardcore Narnia fans, it covered all the bases, and even had a few "Wow!" moments, but it didn’t open your eyes the way you hope a film that important (to you) will. I saw it, I didn’t hate it. The end.

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I almost decided to skip this week’s coming attractions, because … what’s the point? You’re all going to see Iron Man again anyway. Who could blame you really? It’s an incredible action movie, with great special effects, great acting and a smart, well-written story. See, Michael Bay! It can be done! I saw it on the Ziegfeld Theater’s giant screen (which I highly recommend) and the audience applauded on multiple occasions during the film. And not just the Marvel Comics fan boys, either. (Ok, it was mostly them, but even I silently cheered for Robert Downey Jr.) So see it again; you know you want to. (Especially if you forgot to stay until the closing credits were finished. Hint, hint.)

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So, remember what I said about the new David Mamet movie and how awesome it sounded and how you should definitely check it out when it comes to your theater? Well, uh … nevermind all that. I caught a screening of it last weekend and this movie actually had less coherence and dramatic structure than an actual mixed-martial arts match. A lot fewer kicks to the head as well, which was a tremendous disappointment. It was so muddled and ridiculous that it actually made me reconsider David Mamet’s entire career.

As a playwriter/screenwriter, his talent can’t be questioned. “The Verdict”, “The Untouchables”, “Glengarry Glen Ross” (play and movie), “Oleanna”, (the play, more than the movie) and “Wag The Dog” are all great. It’s when he takes over as writer/director that things go a little haywire. “The Spanish Prisoner”? Somewhat entertaining (i.e., very well acted) but I defy anyone to explain what the hell happened in that movie. “The Winslow Boy”? It was rated G, for pete’s sake. “State and Main” is actually pretty brilliant, but “Heist” was another mixed-up mess. So after seeing yet another conspiracy film filled with ludicrous and incomprehensible twists, I found myself longing for another “Karate Kid” sequel and wondering if this previously unassailable talent had any idea what he was doing in the first place. I’ll certainly think twice before proclaiming his genius again (the obnoxious commercials for that horrible Nathan Lane play, don’t help either) or before putting one of his features on the must see list.

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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.

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Twelve dollars is a lot of money to spend on two hours of filmed entertainment, and it’s definitely way too much to spend on bad entertainment. With all the movies that you could choose from on any given weekend, the last thing you want to do is make a mistake and waste your hard earned cash (and a good bucket of popcorn) on a lousy flick that you’re just going to sleep through anyway. I’m Dash, and it’s my job to come here each Friday and steer you in the right direction, with recommendations on the best films to check out — and maybe a few to avoid.

The good news is that New Yorkers have almost limitless options when it comes to silver screen choices, and those options become even more juicy with the opening of the Tribeca Film Festival next week. Starting on April 23 and running for 12 days, there are over 120 films to choose from, including shorts, documentaries, obscure foreign films and big-time Hollywood premieres. Obviously, you can’t see them all, but here’s a quick rundown of what look like the most interesting entries.

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