“17 Again” from Warner Bros. Pictures contends for the top spot at this weekend’s box office and is Zac Efron frontlines the film with Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann, Sterling Knight and Michelle Trachtenberg also thrown in the mix. The comedy opens in 3,255 venues and is helmed by Burr Steers (“Igby Goes Down”).  The film review scored an average 2.5/5 from Movie Jungle.

Universal sends out their Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman and Jeff Daniels-powered drama/thriller “State of Play” which Kevin Macdonald (“The Last King of Scotland”) helms. Film hits 2,803 venues.  We highly recommend this release with an almost perfect 4.5/5 review score.

Jason Statham returns in the wacky “Crank: High Voltage.” The Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor-directed high-octane actioner unspools in 2,223 locations. The first film opened on September 1^st, 2006 and grossed over $27.8 million domestically and $16.9 million overseas.

Indie-wise, there’s a buffet of quality films making their way into the market this weekend. They include:

Every Little Step – The Sony Pictures Classics’ documentary plays in two New York and Los Angeles theatres.  James D. Stern and Adam Del Deo direct.

Lymelife – Showing in four theatres. The Derick Martini-directed film stars Alec Baldwin, Kieran Kulkin, Rory Culkin, Jill Hennessy, Timothy Hutton, Cynthia Nixon and Emma Roberts.

American Violet– Gets a sixty one theatre run with a talented Alfre Woodard, Nicole Beharie, Tim Blake Nelson, Michael O'Keefe and Charles S. Dutton in the cast. Samuel Goldwyn Films releases the drama.

Is Anybody There?– Sir Michael Caine returns to the screen in the John Crowley film distributed by Big Beach. There are six theatres which show this one.