What's new in theaters this week - 11/21/08

We've got two pretty big releases this week, along with a cadre of smaller films as well.  Looks like everyone should be able to find something they like.  Oh, and from now on I'll be linking to the trailers for every movie each week... so just click on the movie title on you'll see the trailer.

Opening in Wide release:

• Bolt - The canine star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to the very real world of New York City.  This is the newest non-Pixar Disney film, and it actually looks pretty good.  Looks perfect to take the kids to.  Rated PG.
• Twilight - Bella, the new girl in town, is swept up in a passionate and dangerous romance with Edward, a mysterious teen vampire.  Based on the first book in the mega-popular series, of which I am an admitted fan.  While the film should please the large (mostly female) audience of already existing Twilight fans, it looks like the filmmakers have toned down the romantic aspects a bit and cranked up the action in an attempt to get more guys to see it.  Will it be successful?  I'll let you know after I see it this weekend.  Rated PG-13.

Opening in Select release:

• The Betrayal - A filmmaker portrays his family's struggle to survive the impact of U.S. foreign policy in Laos and his father's involvement in the war.  Appears to be a combination of documentary and filmed footage.  This looks like an amazing and powerful film.  See it!  Not rated; doesn't appear to contain anything objectionable.
• I Can't Think Straight - A traditional Middle Eastern woman's encounter with a young British Indian woman begins a journey of self-awareness for her.  Is it just me or does there seem to suddenly be an influx of young-lesbian-girls-discovering-and-coming-to-terms-with-their-sexuality movies?  It feels like they've been releasing at least one every week these days... which is fine by me as long as they're good.  But this does not appear to be one of the better ones.  Rated PG-13.
• Lake City - When a man gets into trouble with a local drug dealer, he heads to the last place on earth he wants to go--his childhood home.  Stars Sissy Spacek, Rebecca Romijn and Dave Matthews.  Looks like kind of a standard thriller... but how many other chances are you going to get to see the lead singer of the Dave Matthews Band as a violent drug dealer?  Rated R.
• Special - A man participating in a drug study becomes convinced he is developing special powers and finds his calling as a superhero.  This is a truly strange looking movie.  It seems to focus on the question of whether this guy actually has super powers or if he's just going crazy.  At times it resembles an episode of "Heroes" that's intentionally trying to be funny.  I'd suggest giving it a shot.  Rated R.