Weekend box office preview: Stay home.

I've never understood why so many of my closest friends are so obsessed with Josh Brolin. Sure, he's a good actor, but why the Brad Pitt-ish craziness, ladies (and gentlemen)? Whatever the case, Josh Brolin stars in one of this weekend's terrible looking new major film releases. In case you haven't guessed, I'm probably going to stay home and watch the Superb Owl with my spouse. In fact, I think I'd rather sit home and watch paint dry, instead of braving the cold to plunk down my cash for any of the new offerings.

Still, some of you might be interested in what's out there, so let's just take a look. We only have two big nationwide releases this weekend: the testosterone-laden, idiotic comedy That Awkward Moment, starring Zac Efron as...well, a testosterone-laden idiot. Sorry, Efron fans, this film looks like a total stinker, despite having a nice supporting case of fresh young faces, including Miles Teller, Imogen Poots and Michael B. Jordan. I'm all for great, R-rated, raunchy comedy, but from the first trailer I suspected this one would be junk. Based on the scathing reviews from critics, I was correct. Still, it's out this week, so if this is your thing, go for it. Just don't say I didn't warn you.

Next up is Labor Day, starring the aforementioned Josh Brolin and Kate Winslet. Given that level of acting talent, you would think this film would get rave reviews. Not so, at least not at the moment. Several major critics are weighing in and they seem no more than lukewarm about this Jason Reitman-directed drama/romance, which is based on Joyce Maynard's novel about a reclusive woman and her 13-year-old son who spend a long weekend with an escaped convict. Just a guess here, but I'm thinking we can all wait for the DVD release on this one, unless you are among the Brolin-crazed fans out there.

Anyone planning on skipping out on the Super Bowl to catch a flick at the theater? If so, what's tops on your must-see list?

Photo courtesy of WayTooIndie.com