The Calgary International Film Fest is only a week away and the pickins look good. However, there is not enough time in the week-and-a-half to see all 200 plus movies at the festival. Though I have a feeling almost all films screening would be worth watching, I've narrowed it down to five I am genuinely interested in and do not want to miss.

Fubar 2

Why? The original Fubar really resonated with me and every Albertan teen I knew. I thought it was funny because the characters reminded me of everyone I went to school with. The kids I went to school with thought it was funny because the characters reminded them of themselves.

Now the kids I went to school with work in the oil patch, some even went to Fort McMurray, the same city where Terry and Deaner are headed to in this sequel. Imagine that.

The CIFF site says special guests will be in attendance for a Q&A, so you can't lose. If there is even the slightest bit of red in your neck, you know deep down that this sequel will be killer.

When and Where? Monday, Sep. 27, 07:00 p.m. at the Plaza.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYn3TUmpKO8

Raging Boll

Why? Uwe Boll is notorious for making god-awful movie adaptations of videogames including Bloodrayne, Alone in the Dark, House of the Dead and Postal. He is also notorious for being a beefy German who can kick some serious ass.

This is a documentary detailing the time Boll flew six of his most harsh critics out to Vancouver to be extras in his film Postal and to meet them face to face in a boxing ring to put their money where their mouths were. I watched the fights live on a webcast and Boll dominated every critic in an instant.

His movies may suck hard, but this documentary shows no signs of disappointment.

When and Where? Saturday, Oct. 2, 09:45 p.m. at the Globe Theatre.

Rec 2

Why? I shouldn't need to explain myself here. If you have not seen Rec, do so this very instant. If you have seen Rec, you know that this will not be a movie to miss.

The film picks up immediately after its predecessor and continues with the brilliant story line. I have been waiting for this sequel even before I knew there was a sequel in the works.

When and Where? Wednesday, Sep. 29, 11:00 p.m. at the Plaza.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G18Y-S8YrQ0

The Corrupted

Why? I won't even try to lie to any of you. The only reason I have an interest in this movie is because it's a product of Drayton Valley, my home town. But I've followed the production of this movie from very early in its life and I do have a genuine interest in it.

It's a horror movie featuring a group of friends partying on a lake for a weekend and things start to get spooky. The CIFF description calls it"...classic '80s slasher flicks with a sci-fi twist and a healthy dose of Alberta atmosphere." Can't go wrong, right?

A crew member was even struck by lightning during filming. Talk about suffering for your art.

When and Where? Saturday, Oct. 2, 09:15 p.m. at Eau Claire Market.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noUg-mMTBCM

Let Me In

Why? I have yet to hear of anyone not enjoying the Swedish film Let the Right One In, but remakes are risky business. The (pre-Twilight) vampire film lover in me wants to put my faith in Matt Reeves' talent, so I will.

This film moves the story from Sweden to New Mexico, though remains in the 1980's and still revolves around a boy and his affection for a vampire girl. Trailers often lie to me, but I have a feeling this one isn't playing with my heart.

When and Where? Thursday, Sep. 30, 07:00 p.m. at Eau Claire Market.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reRRAEVHq8E

I have faith in the hands that bring these films to our city, so no doubt you can pick any random film and be impressed, but these are the ones I will make every effort to see (despite the obvious time conflict).