Kids films, graphic films and intelligent movies hit theaters

Associated Press

Avid moviegoers should expect equal parts thought-provoking films geared toward intelligent audiences and those films that pack in high school students just waiting to be entertained.

Audiences who like Frank Miller’s “300” or “Sin City” will like the graphic style of “Sucker Punch,” a film carried by a beautiful blonde bombshell with a big gun. “Sucker Punch,” not expected to feature a great storyline, will nonetheless be a beautiful movie to watch for the visual aspects themselves.

For those who liked last year’s “Ramona and Beezus,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” should be one of those movies that anyone older than 22 finds stupid, and all those under will find hilarious.

Here is a rundown of this weekend’s movies.

Sucker Punch (PG-13)

What it’s about: Babydoll, an imaginative blonde, is locked away in a mental institution with a group of other girls her age who were mistakenly diagnosed as mentally insane. Through larger-than-life adventures (that the audience doesn’t know are real or not), Babydoll and her friends battle the odds in order to escape from not just the people keeping them under lock and key, but from the forces inside them that cloud their judgment.

You should see it if: You’re a fan of Frank Miller movies. “Sin City” and “300” come to mind when watching this film, as it depicts the graphic animation Miller used in both those films. Though Miller isn’t involved in any way with “Sucker Punch,” his influence is obvious in Zack Snyder’s obscure tale of battling internal and external forces. Artistry aside, if you’re into beautiful girls wielding big guns, this movie’s for you.

Starring: Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Jamie Chung and Vanessa Hudgens.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (PG)

What it’s about: Greg Heffley, in his first few weeks of seventh grade, tries to appreciate the efforts of his parents to encourage to form a stronger relationship with his big brother, Rodrick, who takes great pleasure in giving Greg a hard time. Seventh-grade jokes abound in this film, based on Jeff Kinney’s novel series, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.”

You should see it if: Immature jokes only 12-year-old boys would like appeal to you. If you don’t, in fact, have the sense of humor of the UHS kids, stay home.

Starring: Zach Gordon, Rachael Harris, Devon Bostick, Robert Capron and Steve Zahn.

Miral (R)

What it’s about: Miral, a young girl who just survived the death of her mother, is taken to a child refugee camp that soon become an orphanage that houses more than 2000 children just like her. As she grows up in this school, she comes to realize the changes in her native Pakistan are influencing the way things are run at school. As she finishes her education and moves into a teaching career, she finds herself falling for both a cause to right the wrongs in her country and for a man who fans the flame of her political passions.

You should see it if: Movies that reflect larger social issues appeal to your taste in films. Similar to “Paradise Now,” a foreign film that speaks to the standards that make a terrorist a terrorist, “Miral” flies in the face of what most Americans are taught about terrorism and who qualifies as a terrorist.

Starring: Freida Pinto, Willem Dafoe, Omar Metwally, Vanessa Redgrave and Hiam Abbass.

Win Win (R)

What it’s about: Third-rate lawyer Mike Flaherty, who moonlights as a high school wrestling coach, is trying to keep his life afloat amid expensive bills, pay cuts, a sinking law career and a flailing wrestling team. Just when he thinks he couldn’t lose any more control of his own life, he and his wife take on caring for a client’s long-lost grandson, Alex. As Alex joins Mike’s wrestling team, they form a bond that helps both overcome the struggles they face outside the realm of their control.

You should see it if: You like Paul Giamatti’s acting style. Giamatti, who can act in films ranging from “Big Fat Liar” to “Lady in the Water,” has the most diverse career of most Hollywood actors under 50. His role in “Win Win,” a compelling and heart-felt performance, makes the movie.

Starring: Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Alex Shaffer, Clare Foley, Penelope Kindred and Sophia Kindred as Stella.