With the arrival of the student body to Elon University it is a busy time for the campus and for student life. However, not all student life is contained to the confines of Elon’s campus. One great place for students to unwind and take in some movies is West End Cinemas. The cinema features 14 movie theaters and is located a few miles off campus at 3437 South Church Street.

As the summer movie season is coming to a close, many good movies are still playing, so let’s take a look at some of the viewing options.

Superbad: The number one movie at the box office last weekend, grossing more than 31 million dollars. Written by Seth Rogen, who starred in another summer hit, “Knocked Up,” “Superbad” follows two graduating high school students [Jonah Hill and Michael Cera] as they hilariously try to enjoy their last glory days of high school. From misadventures buying alcohol to trying to woo the girl of your dreams, “Superbad” is one laugh after another.

Rush Hour 3: The third installment of the Jackie Chan-Chris Tucker comedy sees the duo heading to Paris to fight a crime organization known as the Triads. The formula for this movie is very simple and similar to the first two with Tucker providing the laughs and Chan providing the action scenes. This recipe appears successful as through two weekends the movie grossed more than 88 million dollars and the first two installments of the franchise grossed more than 400 million.

The Bourne Ultimatum: One of the most anticipated films of the summer has certainly lived up to its billing. The third edition of the Bourne franchise finds Jason Bourne returning to the United States to find out exactly who he is, while dodging familiar foe Pamela Landy [Joan Allen] and Noah Vosen [David Strathairn]. Once again, Bourne fights to stay alive, just one step ahead of his foes, while finding out who he was before he became a trained assassin. Almost every bit as good as the first two films; the third movie is one giant thrill ride of action and mystery until the very end.

The Simpsons Movie: A project that was many years in the making, finds Homer forced to save the world and Springfield from an environmental disaster. Many of the memorable supporting characters that appeared on the show make an appearance in the film from Krusty the Crown to Ned Flanders to Apu. Even if the movie comes off as an extended episode, this movie proves that if The Simpsons weren’t already, they are certainly icons of American pop culture.

Resurrecting the Champ: This movie debuts this week and is based off of a true story. “Champ” tells the story of a sportswriter, Erik [Josh Hartnett] who meets up with a former boxing champion who is now homeless [Samuel L. Jackson]. After this chance meeting, Erik writes a magnificent story about the champ. However, after many question the validity of the story, Erik loses almost everything and is forced to examine his professional career and his family relationships. Alan Alda, Kathryn Morris and Teri Hatcher help round out the supporting cast in this drama.

Also opening this weekend are several other movies you might want to check out, including WAR, Mr. Bean’s Holiday, Illegal Tender, The Nanny Diaries and September Dawn.

War: Jet Li and Jason Statham face off in a flick about rival Asian mobs and an FBI agent looking to avenge his fallen partner. This movie promises action packed scenes and pure adrenaline.

Mr. Bean’s Holiday: Take Mr. Magoo and Pink Panther and roll them into one person and place them on the French countryside with a camcorder and you’ve got Mr. Bean’s Holiday. If you’re looking for slapstick humor and a little dramatic irony, check out this movie.

The Nanny Diaries: The classic working girl from Jersey meets the wealthy Upper East Side family from hell. Scarlett Johnasson meets the X’s, Laura Linney and Paul Giamatti, and takes a job as their nanny. Throw in Chris Evans for a little sizzle and it’s a hit.

A&E Editor: RJ Kraft - 08/24/07