Here are a few of the movies that previewed before the movie this afternoon:

• Escape From Planet Earth – Alien visitors are captured by an evil government organization and hijinks ensue.  Looks more like a renter to me, and maybe not even that.
• Despicable Me II – This one had no fewer than three spots in the previews, including a trailer that asks the immortal question “How many minions does it take to screw in a lightbulb?”.  We loved the original, so we’ll probably go see this one.
• Oz: The Great and Powerful – Back story of the man behind the curtain and a prequel to the story of Dorothy.  The visuals look outstanding, but I’m going to wait to hear more about this one before spending money at the theater.
• Epic – Girl discovers that her crackpot father isn’t in need of medication when she finds that the ‘little people’ he’s been talking about do indeed exist.  The animation on this one is as close to crossing the uncanny valley as you can get without having James Cameron in as a consultant.  I will probably go see this one.
• Smurfs II – Neil Patrick Harris, if you need money that badly, you should consider porn.  Shame on you for unleashing those little blue heathens on the world yet again.
• Monsters University – Prequel to Monsters Inc.  Animal House meets Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.   Yet another offering from the Dominion of the Rat, so we’ll probably take Boo to see this one.
• Jurassic Park in 3D – I only saw the poster for this one, but thought I’d mention it.  I’ve got a dollar that says that Spielberg has removed every sequence where the humans arm themselves and/or resist being turned into dragon dinosaur scat.  Probably pass, if for no other reason than I’ve seen this movie more times than I can count already, and that was for free on TV.