New Movies to Crave: Titanic Comes Back in 3D, the Gang Returns for an American Reunion

By Chris Kavan - 04/06/12 at 12:12 PM CT

It's a trip down memory lane this weekend as we get a 3D re-release and a franchise that returns after a nearly eight-year respite. It really comes down to how audiences feel about revisiting some old friends or whether The Hunger Games will continue to draw in the lion's share of moviegoers.

1) For a long time people had predicted that Titanic would be the top-grossing film of all time after becoming the first film to gross over $1 billion worldwide. Yet in 2009 James Cameron topped himself with Avatar, which helped kick off the whole 3D movement. Now he's hoping that 3D will once again lead to big returns and, if Wednesday's impressive $4.7 Wednesday debut is any indication, it should sail away to a healthy weekend tally.

2) Isn't it way too early to feel nostalgic about the 90s? If Titanic being re-released wasn't enough, we have American Reunion in which everyone's favorite raunchy crowd get back together for a their own class reunion. And it looks like the whole gang is back: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Mena Suvari, Seann William Scott, Tara Reid, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas and Eddie Kaye Thomas all reprise their roles along with Eugene Levy (always a welcome addition, even in the terrible straight-to-video monstrosities), Jennifer Coolidge and everyone's favorite foreign exchange student Shannon Elizabeth. I wasn't particularly impressed with American Wedding (and just choose to ignore all the non-theatrical releases) but I'm hoping that the original cast can bring back that original magic - a mix of comedy, raunch and outrageousness that really set the stage for R-rated comedies making money. Early review are favorable - so signs point to things turning out better than expected.

3) In limited release, as a true nerd-at-heart I must mention that awesome documentary Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope. Morgan Spurlock has made some great documentaries, and I hope he brings his A-game along once again. I have never dressed up (outside of Halloween) nor attended a convention (well, not in a long, long time anyway) and certainly not the massive event known as Comic-Con, but, given the chance, I would be first in line. From truly inspired (and maybe a bit insane) fans, to world-class nerds like Keven Smith, Seth Rogan and comic legend Stan Lee - I think I would thoroughly enjoy this look into the world of Comic-Con.

I think it will be a tight race for the top box office spot this weekend. Two strong competitors go up against the reigning champ - come Sunday we'll see who emerges victorious and if nostalgia can conquer hype.

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