See-it, rent-it, skip-it: quick reviews of top 15 movies in theaters Friday, April 17, 2009

April 17, 9:56 AMMovie ExaminerRyan Pratt

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State of Play is best in theaters this week.

Not sure which movie to see this week in theaters? Let me help you out. The following is a list of films playing in the majority of theaters around the nation, including a movie starring Zac Efron that would've been worth seeing in theaters many other weeks if it wasn't for 6 better feature films and 3 documentaries this week that will surely be on the buy-it DVD and Blu-ray list:

See these fifteen films in order from top to bottom:

1.  State of Play - See-it - The best film in theaters this week has an astounding cast performing at the peak of their careers to deliver a story so powerful and intriguing that, despite this hype, you cannot expect.

2.  Anvil! The Story of Anvil - See-it if you can - If you are lucky enough to find it playing in a theater near you and if you loved This Is Spinal Tap (and who didn't) you will love this documentary of a real-life rock band.

3.  Adventureland - See-it - Best film of the week turned biggest flop of the year. Since most of you skipped it the past 2 weeks, give it a try this week.

4.  Crank High Voltage - See-it - Makes sitting through the 2 hours of the first film well worth your time!

5.  Sunshine Cleaning - See-it if you can - Unfortunately only in limited release, this comedy-drama proudly shows off its two young starring actresses: Amy Adams and Emily Blunt.

6.  I Love You, Man - See-it - Another hilarious adult comedy starring always-funny Paul Rudd.

7.  Monsters vs. Aliens - See-it in 3D - Great family flick, and especially entertaining in 3D for all ages. If the gross list of stars doing voices and the relentless marketing doesn't draw you into theaters, the thumbs-up reviews should.

8.  Oblivion - See-it if you can - In a string of recently brilliant documentaries this film about everyday life Lima, Peru shines bright.

9.  Every Little Step - See-it if you can - Another engrossing documentary, this one about the long-lived musical A Chorus Line.

10.  17 Again - Rent-it - The story has been done a hundred times before but never this well, and never this funny.

11.  Observe and Report - Rent-it - Is not for everybody, but for those it caters to, it's like smashing your funny bone into the corner of the kitchen table.

12.  Duplicity - Rent-it - Big name stars, enticing trailer, but not worth the 9 bucks and couple hours of free time unless you're a sucker for hard-to-follow con movies with plot twists galore.

13.  Hannah Montana: The Movie - Skip-it - You already know if you will like this before you see it. Follow your gut.

14. Dragonball Evolution - Skip-it - Ditto times two.

15.  Fast and Furious - Skip-it - (Biggest opening of any film in 2009 so far) Genuinely interested, certainly awful, and for many fans a must-see-it, must-buy-it film, but you should skip-it.