I look at this week’s three offerings—two mainstream, one art house—and the first thing that immediately occurs to me is that it has to be better than last week. Since I’d already seen the Oscar shorts, last weekend was a complete washout for me. How bad was it with those out of the mix? Well, this week is one of the few editions that carries no Weekly Pick. That’s grim. That’s February grim.

The only surprising thing about George Lucas embracing the 3D-ification re-release schtick is that it took him so long to get around to it. That he chose the most criticized and least liked of the entire set of Star Wars movies isn’t all that surprising, since Lucas’ lack of real concern over what his fans want has done nothing but become more evident every year. The real question is whether or not the Lucasian faithful will flock to see it anyway. But of course, The Phanton Menace isn’t the only thing arriving in town this week.

What can I say? It’s another week of some pretty sketchy-looking unknown quantity movies from the mainstream, and only one art title to help balance things out. Well, you have to expect that sometimes. If you’re wanting to fill in your Oscar-nom viewing, this might be a good time. However, don’t rule out that art title — and one of those others might have possibilities.