Bucking the trends, this weekend brings four new films going into wide release this week. After a smattering of one- and two-movie release weeks, we get dumped upon. Four movies all vying for your attention, all of which could be potential hits, but I think that Captain Jack will be able to hold them at bay. Could be interesting — I hope the movies are actually good.

Clerks II. (2006, 97 minutes, R, comedy, trailer) Kevin Smith returns to the characters that brought him fame and fortune and a world of haters. Dante and Randall are no longer at the Quick Stop and video store; they've moved up to flipping burgers for Mooby's. Now, whether or not there is a story has yet to be seen. I loved the original film, and have guarded hopes that this will also be very funny, even if it isn't for everybody.

Lady in the Water. (2006, 110 minutes, PG-13, suspense, trailer) M. Night Shyamalan attempts to rebound from the disappointing The Village with this fairy tale. Paul Giammatti and Bryce Dallas Howard co-star in this film where the characters discover they are a part of a fairy tale. The trailer looks good, but I am keeping my expectations in check. Shyamalan is a talented director, but he is in a rut. I hope he can make other types of movies without the need for a twist, or else his career will sink fast.

Monster House. (2006, 91 minutes, PG, animated, trailer) Every street has that one house, the one that no one goes near and the kids say is haunted. This animated adventure is that story. A trio of kids have to find a way to destroy the haunted house before hapless trick-or-treaters meet a ghoulish surprise. I have heard nothing but good things about this one, a real crowd pleaser.

My Super Ex-Girlfriend. (2006, 95 minutes, PG-13, comedy, trailer) I guess it was only a matter of time before the romcom met the superhero flick. Uma Thurman plays the heroine looking for love, and the latest interest is Luke Wilson. Wilson starts dating her alter-ego, never suspecting that his subdued love is something more than she appears. Of course, the truth comes out when he decides to break up with her. This looks like it could be fun, but I'm not holding my breath.