The weekend’s US film releases, the blockbusters and breakthroughs: 'Couples Retreat' and 'An Education'

(Relaxnews) -

With film studios holding off bigger Oscar releases until the end of the year, the fare at theaters seems thin this weekend, October 9, but could bring surprises. The expected box office hit is Hollywood comedy Couples Retreat with Vince Vaughn, while An Education, the small independent film, is recognized by critics. Other entertaining fare includes an amusing documentary and a real-life sports story with international appeal.

Couples Retreat
A comedy about four couples on vacation at a tropical-island resort. As one couple enters marriage counseling, the other's holiday fun gets interrupted by real -life issues. Stars Vince Vaughn ( Wedding Crashers), Kristin Davis ( Sex & the City), Jason Bateman ( Juno), and Jon Favreau ( Iron Man). Co-written by Vaughn and Favreau who appeared together in Swingers in 1996.

http://www.couplesretreatmovie.com

Good Hair
Comedian Chris Rock explores the important role of African-American hairstyles in this comical documentary. With an insider's look, he visits salons to reveal the story, and features comments from poet Maya Angelou, politician Al Sharpton, rappers, and more.
http://www.goodhairmovie.net

An Education
A coming-of-age tale set in the 1960s about a 16-year-old schoolgirl putting her dreams in jeopardy when charmed by an "older" guy. Starring Peter Sarsgaard ( Jarhead and Kinsey), Alfred Molina, and newcomer Carey Mulligan. Written by novelist Nick Hornby ( High Fidelity) and directed by Denmark's Lone Scherfig ( Italian for Beginners)
http://ww.sonyclassics.com/aneducation/

The Damned United
Michael Sheen ( Frost/Nixon and The Queen) stars as Brian Clough, the coach of Leeds United Football Club, in this adaptation of David Peace's novel. Despite his skills, his abrasive manner with the team, and 44-day tenure made him a media sensation.

RC