I still don't think "Due Date" looks very funny, but I'm remaining optimistic for the following reasons: 1) It was directed by Todd Philips, who made "The Hangover," 2) I'll watch Downey Jr. in anything, and 3) Rumor has it the best moments are yet to come, i.e. Warner Bros. hasn't ruined the movie by showing us all the funny parts already. "Due Date" is due in theaters Nov. 5, 2010.

George Clooney is back on the big screen this week with "The American," in which he plays an assassin fighting to survive while hiding in Italy. The description sounds like an action movie, but it's really a character drama featuring a nice performance from Clooney. Drew Barrymore is at her cutest in "Going The Distance," which was surprisingly funny, and Robert Rodriguez is at his bloodiest with "Machete," which was inspired by a trailer he made in 2007 for the Exploitation double-feature he made with Quentin Tarantino, "Grindhouse."

Don't expect any of the above to do very well at the box office, but it's worth noting that each of the films is interesting/tolerable in its own way. They're not great, but they're better than what we usually get in early September.

I always thought trailers were supposed to get people into movie theaters, not tell the entire story beforehand. Watch this trailer for "The Town." Or better yet, don't. But if you do, note that at about the 1:40 point the anticipation for watching the movie is tarnished by the revelation of a plot twist I would've gladly waited until September 17 (the film's release date) to learn. Hopefully this moment comes early in the film so we can move on quickly. After all, what fun is suspense if suspense is ruined?

P.S. I'm officially predicting now that Jon Hamm is also a bad guy. You heard it here first.

It's going to be another slow weekend at the box office, as late August/early September is usually the proverbial dumping ground for movies the studios don't have much hope for. "Takers," however, I've seen and can say that it deserves to be seen, though it'll probably find its audience on DVD/Blu-Ray. "The Last Exorcism" I have not seen, nor have I heard anything good about it. And who cares if "Avatar" is already on DVD/Blu-Ray? The re-release is on IMAX and 3-D screens only, and includes nine minutes of additional footage (as if the movie wasn't long enough to begin with). All three trailers below and after the jump.

"Avatar" extras: One scene focuses on the death of a Na'vi. His death is hinted at in the original film, but in the extended version, "We actually see him die," Cameron told the AP, adding that "It's this big emotional scene and it's actually the best CG we did in the whole movie."

Of course Cameron would say that. He has overpriced tickets to sell. If it was really the best CG they did in the movie, you would've seen it the first time. Another scene follows a hunt for one of Pandora's bizarre creatures in a "rousing action-adventure, pulse-pounding kind of scene," Cameron said.

There's nothing quite like adding every penny you can to a $2.7 billion worldwide gross.

I know nothing about ballet. But if you tell me Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis are playing rival dancers in the latest film from director Darren Aronofsky ("The Wrestler"), and you show me a trailer that's as captivating, sexy and alluring as what's below, you'll definitely have my interest. "Black Swan" is slated to open Dec. 1, 2010. Can you say Oscar bait?

There may not be "quality" films opening this weekend, but that doesn't mean they won't be darn entertaining. Killer fish/"Jaws" ripoff "Piranha 3D" will likely lead the new releases, but whether it can scare off "The Expendables" for the top spot is a tough call. "The Switch" will open in the middle of the pack -- Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman, great TV stars, have yet to enjoy great box office success -- while "Lottery Ticket" will open with decent  but not great numbers. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if "Lottery Ticket" beats "The Switch" this weekend.