Once again there are more films opening this weekend than any one person could possibly have time to see—seven new wide releases will be clogging theaters. Some of those films, like Rachel Getting Married, are second tier Oscar hopefuls—the studios are going to see how they play with audiences before they decide whether or not to launch expensive awards campaigns for the actors. Others, like Beverly Hills Chihuahua, are just throwing family audiences a tasty bone. If you’re one of the lucky few who can still afford to go to the movies during the current economic crisis, you’ll have plenty of choices.

Flash of Genius: Based on the true story of ecentric inventor Robert Kearn (Greg Kinnear) the story revolves around his 12-year battle with the U.S. automobile industry to get recognition and compensation for inventing the intermittent windshield wiper. He ended up sacrificing millions of dollars and family life as he knew it, for his cause. If it sounds like an odd topic for a film, it is, but it’s being build as an inspiring story for any little guy who ever took on corporate America. Rated PG-13

Beverly Hills Chihuahua: Poor little Chloe! A much pampered and petted, mansion-living Chihuahua gets lost, dog napped and dragged through Mexico, and her hunky gardener’s scrappy little Chihuahua sets out to save her. Although the trailers may appear a little silly, it features talking dogs, Mexican beaches, and Beverly Hills swimming pools. What’s not to like? Drew Barrymore and George Lopez are the voice leads, while Piper Perabo, Manolo Cardona, and Jamie Lee Curtis are the real life leads. Since the film is opening in more than 3,000 theaters, more than any other, expect it to be the number one grosser this weekend. Rated PG

An American Carol: This comedy is also a film about the American spirit, but of a very different nature. Directed by David Zucker, (Airplane!, The Naked Gun, Scary Movie 3 and 4), it focuses on a cynical, Anti-American Hollywood filmmaker who stages a crusade to abolish the 4th of July holiday. Like Scrooge, he is visited by three spirits, who take him on a journey in the hopes of his finding the true meaning of America. You’d think this might have been released in early July or closer to Christmas. Trace Adkins makes a rare screen appearance as The Angel of Death, and Kelsey Grammar, James Woods, Leslie Nielson, Kevin Sorbo, Dennis Hopper and John Voight, among others, also pop up. Rated PG-13

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist: Destined to become a high school classic, the mostly teenage characters lead by title rollers Michael Cera (Juno, Superbad) and Kat Dennings (The House Bunny, Charlie Bartlett) follows an impromptu couple on a night in Manhattan that includes everything from strange exes to stripping nuns. Described as a sweet, teenage romantic comedy, it features music as a universal teenage bond. Rated PG-13

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People: Based on Toby Young's memoir of the same name, Simon Pegg stars as a British writer who both adores and disdains celebrity glitz, glamour, and just about anything else that involves high profile American culture. Surprisingly enough, when offered a job at a high-profile New York magazine he bites, and as he struggles to fit in, he finds he adapts a little too well. Rated R

Rachel Getting Married: Anne Hathaway stars as Kym, a recovering drug addict who goes on leave from rehab to attend her sister Rachel’s wedding. Kym creates drama and makes herself the focus of every situation, even though this is supposed to be her sister’s big event. Hathaway is emerging as an early Oscar contender for her role in this film, directed by Jonathan Demme (The Silence of the Lambs, The Manchurian Candidate). Be forewarned that this is definitely drama, not a romantic comedy—the entertainment factor provided by skillful acting and directing. Rated R