Collegiate Times

Bruno - July 10

IN BRIEF: Sacha Baron Cohen hopes to match the success of his smash-hit "Borat" with another film starring a different "Da Ali G Show" character. Feisty and flamboyant fashion designer Bruno takes America by storm, exposing a trail of hilariously awkward homophobia and celebrity-fatigue on his way.

Looks promising: Two words: velcro jumpsuit. And gabbing with hunters over which "Sex and the City" girl they resemble is a guaranteed riot. Also, a hilariously misguided send-up of celebrities adopting babies from abroad will likely offend many and cause everyone else to convulse uncontrollably in laughter.

Not so much: Can this slapstick satire of pomp and prejudice differentiate itself from "Borat," or merely copy the formula of making people look like fools in the face of uncomfortably side-splitting situations?

(500) Days of Summer - July 24

IN BRIEF: The trailer lays it all out: "This is a story of boy meets girl." Although it warns, "this is not a love story." Ending in a breakup, the boy tells his story from the beginning about the would-be love of his life, Summer.

Looks promising: After a slew of esoteric film choices, attractive leads Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt seem to be ready for primetime leading this teen-skewing, feel-good romantic comedy.

Not so much: Early buzz from Sundance was mostly positive so it could be the perfect summer diversion. However, some may be turned off by its "Garden State"-level uber-hipness, complete with an ear infecting, must-have soundtrack (The Smiths!) and pretentiously quirky visual gimmicks a la "Little Miss Sunshine."

Funny People - July 31

IN BRIEF: With each successive movie, writer-director of "Knocked Up" Judd Apatow's fame moves further into the realm of the dramas. Now he's dealing with terminal diseases in this Adam Sandler, Seth Rogan comedy.

Looks promising: Apatow seems to model his body of work on James L. Brooks and his classic poignant and authentic comedies like "As Good As It Gets." Nothing wrong with learning from the master.

Not so much: The trailer seems to condense the movie into a standard three-act dramedy. Comedian befriends fan. Comedian confides in friend about cancer before overcoming it (maybe). Comedian enlists friend to win back the one that got away after getting a new lease on life. Hopefully the trailer is holding back the goods to make the movie worthwhile.