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Life & Arts

Spies, fries, prison guys come out Friday

by ROBYN MORROW
The Daily Cougar 

This weekend, James Bond returns to the big screen, fast food becomes more than just a pain in the stomach and prison never looked so funny. With a diverse selection of films to choose from, moviegoers with all tastes should be satisfied.

James Bond is back. Played by Daniel Craig, the gun-wielding, martini-slugging womanizer attempts his first mission as a "00" in the latest Bond installment, Casino Royale. After earning his 007 status, Bond travels to Madagascar to spy on a terrorist named Mollaka. When things don't go quite his way, Bond decides to launch an investigation independent of MI6 to track down the rest of Mollaka's crew. 

In an action-packed adventure, Bond finds himself drawn into a poker game with Le Chiffre, banker to terrorist organizations across the globe. Bond must win the competition to keep the banker from using the winnings to fund terrorist activities. 

No Bond installment would be complete without a leading lady. Enter Vesper Lynd, played by the beautiful Eva Green, hired to keep an eye on Bond and his antics.

For less action --but just as much drama -- check out the film adaptation of Eric Schlosser's bestseller Fast Food Nation. The film looks at the creation of an everyday American burger through the eyes of three individuals all connected to the fast food industry. 

Greg Kinnear plays Don Henderson, a marketing executive for the fictional fast-food chain Mickey's. Don must visit the company's meatpacking plant to investigate accusations that burgers have been contaminated by cow manure. Working in the plant is Wilmer Valderrama's character Raul, an immigrant who crosses the border to work in the plant. The film also follows teenage Amber, played by Ashley Johnson, who dreams of escaping this "fast-food nation" and becoming an astronaut. In his film, director Richard Linklater examines the health risks the fast-food industry poses to Americans and the environmental and social consequences.

For those looking for something a little less dramatic, check out Punk'd veteran Dax Shepard's new comedy Let's Go To Prison. Shepard plays felon John Lyshitski, who can finally take revenge on the now-dead judge who put him in jail by watching the judge's wrongfully accused son, Nelson, played by Will Arnett of Arrested Development fame. As Nelson's cellmate, John decides to give the newbie the "full treatment," which includes selling Nelson to another prisoner for snuggling. 

But just as John starts to enjoy his revenge, Nelson gains status as the "big man" in the prison, turning the tables on the nefarious John. 

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