Finally we have some interesting October offerings. The “Jackass” franchise returns with a third and three-dimensional installment and a bunch of our favorite actors above the age of 55 team up for an action comedy. If you’re not a horror fan, this is about it as far as what’s to see in October.

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Now Playing

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RED

Directed by Robert Schwentke
Written by Jon and Erich Hoebner, Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner (comic)
Starring: Bruce Willis, Mary-Louise Parker, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren

The Word: Who says actors over 55 can’t kick ass? That’s what Summit hopes is the draw for its most promising non-“Twilight” film in awhile. Bruce Willis stars as a retired (and extremely dangerous) CIA operative who finds out about a conspiracy that has led to him and other retired agents to be hunted down.

Rotten Tomatoes: 74% (very good)

My Thoughts: What I love here is that you have an action film inclusive of an older demographic, which I think bodes well. Director Robert Schwentke has been hotly pursued since buzz began to build for “RED,” and the fall has deprived us of any summer-like fare thus far.

Recommendation: Might be one of the more entertaining films until Thanksgiving, so I’d go if I were you.

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Jackass 3-D

Directed by Jeff Tremaine
Written by Preston Lacy
Starring: Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O, Chris Pontius

The Word: After a four-year hiatus, the boys are back for more senseless shenanigans that makes you shake your head in disgust with a cheeky grin on your face. Highlights include a port-a-potty launching and human Duck Hunt.

Rotten Tomatoes: 53% (mixed)

My Thoughts: I watched the first film and while these guys get you every time through their stupidity, I find no valid reason to go to the movie theater and pay $10 to see it.

Recommendation: If “Jackass” is your guilty pleasure, who am I to stop you even if there’s better ways to spend your money?

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Box Office Predictions

The box office will definitely get its boost this weekend with a proven sequel and a wide-appeal film, but the question is, which will come out on top?

You really can’t argue against Jackass 3-D. The second film, Jackass Two, opened to nearly $30 million in 2006 and while that was four years ago, trends like that tend to stick. I’m going to more modestly say $25 to $28 million is in order.

RED will be a bit harder to predict. The basement is easily $15 million, however, for this film so second will come with easy. However, the star power should give it a boost as will a PG-13 rating. I’m thinking $20 million and maybe even more should be attainable.

The Social Network is a given for third place and $10 million despite a close finish last week with Life As We Know It. “Network” has held up well and I can’t imagine “Life” will do the same let alone better. Secretariat should easily round off the top five with $6-7 million. It might even threaten to jump “Life.”

1. Jackass 3-D
2. RED
3. The Social Network
4. Life As We Know It
5. Secretariat