Friends don't let friends miss these stellar new flicks:
TOWELHEAD
Alan Ball, the mind behind Six Feet Under, brings us this twisted coming-of-age flick about 13-year-old Jasira, who is sent to live in Houston with her rigid Lebanese father (a hilarious Peter Macdissi). As she adjusts to the cul-de-sac and her changing body ("Would you describe your situation as light, medium, or heavy?" her father asks during her first period), the pretty teen attracts more neighborly attention than she can handle (nosy Toni Collette; creepy Aaron Eckhart). Early-'90s pegged jeans aren't the only reason you'll squirm. —Jessica Henderson
PINEAPPLE EXPRESS
Another loser-makes-good pic from the king of the genre, producer Judd Apatow. This one stars, yep, schlubby Seth Rogen as process server Dale Denton, a pothead on the lam with his pajama-clad dealer (and fellow Freaks and Geeks alum) James Franco after he witnesses a murder. Cue the bromance and enough punchy one-liners to keep freshmen occupied till next semester. ("It's like killing a unicorn," moans Rogen about smoking the Pineapple Express, a rare strain of weed.) A surefire dudefest, so order a tub-size popcorn and just go with it. —Sarah Z. Wexler
IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS
It's been a rough year for Wilson (Scoot McNairy), an aspiring screenwriter. Unemployed and painfully single, he's busted by his friend while whacking off to a picture of the guy's girlfriend. Ouch. Wilson posts an ad on Craigslist to nab a New Year's Eve date, but he gets more than he bargained for when a baggage-laden aspiring actress (Sara Simmonds) responds. Shot in black and white, this casually charming rom-com is a fresh take on how we all get kicked around by love, then volunteer for seconds. —Jihan Thompson
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