Last week delivered a pair of films targeting vastly different audiences. One was banking on the gorehounds' desire to see some splatter for Halloween while the other figured there would be many who would not be interested in blood, but would thirst for something light and funny.

This weekend also delivers films targeting different markets, although there is a larger chance for crossover. Looking for the serious adult crowd is a dramatic film about a larger than life gangster and the detective on his trail. The other side of the coin has a pair of family films, one being light-hearted animation and its competition being a slightly more serious tale about an orphan who may be from Mars. I have plans to try and catch them all.

American Gangster. (2007, 157 minutes, R, drama, trailer) This movie has been an on again/off again production that has resulted in Denzel Washington getting paid twice. That's right. He originally signed on years ago in a pay or play deal (meaning he gets paid even if the movie is not made). Other actors that were considered include Don Cheadle and Benicio del Toro, all before Washington was chosen (again) along with Russell Crowe. This film reunites the two for the first time since Virtuosity. This is the story of Frank Lucas (Washington) who goes from mob driver to the leader of his own very powerful crime family, while cop Richie Roberts (Crowe) pursues him. Ridley Scott directs what is sure to be a very good film, if a bit long.

Bee Movie. (2007, 90 minutes, PG, animated comedy, trailer) Jerry Seinfeld returns in his highest profile role since the end of Seinfeld. The comedian, who could probably write his own check for any role he wants, has chosen to champion the tale of a bee looking for more who explores life outside the hive. The advertising campaign has been a little untraditional with the early live action trailers and Bee Movie TV Juniors running on NBC. I like the advertising, I like to see something a little bit different, however, I think it could also backfire since little about the actual film is shown in the ads. I am hoping that it will turn out to be fun. Other voices include Renee Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, Patrick Warburton, Chris Rock, Kathy Bates, and Ray Liotta.