Exams are starting next week which means the mandatory procrastinating schedule needs to be formed.  Anyone near Regal in Abingdon or AMC Loews in White Marsh will have an easier time making this schedule as there will be a few movies premiering this week.

The films, which consist of different genres, are perfect for someone trying to slack off on memorizing their AP Chemistry equations or studying for their English exam.  The movies premiering are “Joyful Noise,” “Beauty and the Beast 3D,” and “Contraband.”

“Joyful Noise”

“Joyful Noise” features the talent of stars like Keke Palmer, Queen Latifah, and Dolly Parton.  Although there appears to be a lot going on: forbidden love, competition, a low-budget music department, and “Glee” type mashups, the movie looks like it will be entertaining and easy to follow.  Of course with actors like Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton this movie is going to be funny, the trailer alone spurs laughter.

“Beauty and the Beast 3D”

Disney is following up “Lion King 3D” with “Beauty and the Beast 3D.”  Everyone loves watching hairy beasts and talking furniture on the big screen but not everyone feels like paying an extra $5 to see this Disney film in 3D.   It’s a great film but it’s not worth getting off the couch for.  There aren’t many scenes that will make a huge difference in 3D so stick to the DVD and a huge bowl of popcorn at home.

“Contraband” 

Mark Wahlberg and Kate Beckinsale star in the action thriller “Contraband” which is premiering this weekend.  Wahlberg plays an ex-criminal who gets forced back into his old ways after his brother-in-law makes a mistake on a crime job and he has to settle his mistakes.  Mark Wahlberg is a pretty great actor and the trailer looks like he will be delivering wit filled comments while blowing stuff up.   All the shooting and adrenaline pumping car chases will form a huge contrast to depressing atmosphere that is exam week.

Chioma Iheoma is an A&E editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com