This week is a mixed bag of movie openings from an animated childrens movie to a slasher flick, and a couple that fall somewhere in between. 
First up is Barnyard, starring the voices of Kevin James, Courteney Cox, and Danny Glover. This animated children's film follows the adventures of Otis, a carefree, fun-loving party cow who loves nothing more than singing, dancing, telling jokes and playing pranks on the farmer. He and his fellow animals keep their distinctly human talents to themselves, but when their secret looks like it might be revealed, Otis must take responsibility and protect his barnyard pals. (PG)
On the other end of the spectrum is The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning. Set years before the original film, the story follows four teenagers who, after an accident on a road trip, have a terrifying experience in a house where a killer is being nurtured. This film contains strong bloody violence.(18)
Also out this week is The History Boys. Based on the hugely popular Alan Bennett play, 'The History Boys' is set in 1983 and follows the efforts of eight students to pass the Oxbridge exams. Their hugely ambitious headmaster employs a new teacher with very modern ideas about education to coach them for the tests. However, the boys are suspicious of his methods, and find themselves torn between his modern approach to history and that of Hector, their beloved and very eccentric English master. The film stars Samuel Anderson, Jack Bagley, and Samuel Barnett, and contains strong sex references and very strong language. (15)
Last but not least, at the end of the week (Thursday) is the opening of The Guardian, starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher. This action adventure follows the exploits of America's extraordinary Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers, the only branch of the military whose mandate is to save lives, not take them. Ben Randall is an ageing member of the Guard who suffers a crisis of confidence when he loses his team during a particularly dangerous rescue. Sent to the 'A' School to train new recruits against his will, he then faces his biggest challenge yet – teaching cocky young recruit Jake Fisher. (12A)
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Oxford Contemporary Music
The Oxford Lieder festival is in full swing this week with performances happening daily at various venues in Oxford, including the Holywell Music Room, St. Aldate's Church, and the Jacqueline Du Pre Music Building,
The Oxford Playhouse is running Thatcher the Musical, The Goldilocks Enigma, HMS Pinafore, and The Glenn Miller Orchestra; The Old Fire Station has The Oxford Review in Boy Meets Girl and The Barber of Seville; The Burton Taylor Theatre has 
