Your Highness (2011)

The stoner fantasy features a sorcerer’s tale and a sorcerer’s tail (Natalie Portman’s bare ass), but director David Gordon Green, James Franco and Danny McBride can’t recapture the high times of “Pineapple Express.” You may have to be stoned to enjoy it.

d: David Gordon Green | imdb.com | trailer | Advice for Isabel

(500) Days of Summer (2009)

A realistic (un)romantic comedy told out of order: Joseph Gordon-Levitt falls in love with the adorable Zooey Deschanel (Summer), but she doesn’t believe in love. Both give charming, natural performances, and there’s even a musical number.

d: Marc Webb | imdb.com | trailer | Sid and Nancy | Stalking
“You Make My Dreams Come True” | They used to call me anal girl.

Yes Man (2008)

“Liar Liar” re-imagined with the truth-telling parable replaced by saying “yes” to life and all of its questions. Jim Carrey works his ass off again, but it’s not enough. There’s no point, no life-affirming reason to say “yes” other than the inevitable happy ending.

d: Peyton Reed | imdb.com | trailer | Thanks for the ride.

Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

Based on the children’s fantasy book, the movie is grounded in reality — the well-told story of a boy and girl and their friendship. Josh Hutcherson captures the boy’s melancholy and AnnaSophia Robb the girl’s free spirit. She just might be a star.

d: Gabor Csupo | imdb.com | trailer | “Why Can’t We Be Friends”