Win free movie tickets Editor's note: Comment on today's "Cinema Chat" for a chance to win free movie tickets to the Michigan Theater. Some time between now and 6 a.m. Wednesday, leave a comment on this column, written by the Michigan Theater's Russ Collins. Offer your opinion on a recent movie you've seen, or on anything Russ mentions. We'll randomly select a winner and notify that person via the email address they signed up with. They will get two passes to a movie of their choice.

Opening at the cineplex

“Megamind” is an animated comedy from the people who brought us “Shrek,” featuring the vocal talents of Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. A scientist of a doomed planet sends his son to earth to become a hero (a la “Superman”), but so does another scientist on a different doomed planet — and that infant has just a few more heroic tendencies. What does a second-rate hero become? A villain, of course! Ed Gonzalez of Slant Magazine says, “'Megamind' may initially seem like a superhero spoof in the comedic vein of “Shrek,” but it reveals itself to be smarter, funnier, and infinitely more sympathetic than that.” Opens Friday at a multiplex near you.

“Due Date” sees director Todd Phillips reunited with his “Hangover “star Zach Galifianakis, but this time they bring Robert Downey Jr. along for the ride. The plot is simple enough: Downey plays a father-to-be who is forced to hitch a ride home for the birth of his first child with Galifianakis. However, the reviews haven’t been too kind: The Hollywood Reporter says, “Todd Phillips' follow-up to the most successful R-rated comedy of all time serves up its share of laughs while not actually providing a terribly enjoyable time because of a queasy undercurrent that never goes away.” Opens Friday at your favorite multiplex.

“For Colored Girls” is directed, produced, and written by Tyler Perry. It is an adaptation of Ntozake Shange's Tony Award-winning play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf.” The film, like the play, follows the lives of young African-American women as they wrestle with issues such as abortion, rape and love. The cast is a variable who’s who of strong female actresses — Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Janet Jackson and Thandie Newton. However, reviewer Emanuel Levy says, “Perry's screen version of the noted play lacks subtlety, seldom finding the right tempo and tone to stir emotions through the women's monologues about their abuse.” The film opens Friday.

Playing downtown

The Michigan Theater is proud to bring the final installment of the “Millennium trilogy” from Stieg Larsson to the big screen with “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.” The film finds Lisbeth Salander (played by the breakout actress of the year, Noomi Rapace) fighting for her life in intensive care and charged with three murders. She not only has to prove her innocence, but also identify and denounce the corrupt government institutions that very nearly destroyed her life. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone says, “Hornet's Nest is talky but indisputably terrific, and it ends in a dazzling display of courtroom fireworks. Rapace is hot stuff in any language. Oscar, take heed.” The film opens at the Michigan on Friday.

Special film screenings “The Found Footage Festival” returns to the Michigan tonight at 7:30 p.m. Curators Joe Pickett and Nick Preuher will host this screening in person, providing their unique observations and commentary as they resurrect these forgotten treasures and serve them up in a lively 90-minute celebration.

“The Princess Bride” plays Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and continues the Michigan Theater’s Family-Friendly Film Series. In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness. Children under 12 are admitted FREE!

The Interior Visions series continues on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Michigan with a truly classic film, Terrence Malick’s “Badlands.” The film is based on real murders committed by a couple in 1958 and stars Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek.

“180° South: Conquerors of the Useless” follows explorer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia. This screening is sponsored by Bivouac and all tickets cost $5. It plays Tuesday, November 9 at 7 p.m.

What to see this week:

The following is Russ’s list of the newest and the best to help you prioritize what to see this week:

Notable and premiering this week:

• “The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets’ Nest” — The final installment of what could very well be the movie event of the year. • “Megamind” — an animated Superman spoof that features the vocal talents of Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill.

Continuing and not to be missed:

• “Red” — What about this cast doesn’t scream “see me now”? A funny action film that doesn’t pull its punches. • “Waiting For Superman” — Sundance winner about the failing educational system. Sure to be a topic of discussion in this town. • “Conviction” — Sure it’s filmed in Ann Arbor, but you should see it because of the virtuoso performances from Swank and Rockwell. • “The Social Network” — “Greed” for the digital age. • “Secretariat” — Everyone seems to like this inspiring horse racing film.

See you at the movies!

Russ Collins is executive director of the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. Tune in to the audio version of “Cinema Chat” on WEMU radio (89.1-FM) each Thursday at 7:40 a.m. and 5:40 p.m., or listen to it online at WEMU's web site.