the buzz log

Among this week's film premieres, a blow-up doll outpaces brotherly rivalry and the former queen of England. However, nothing beats a Tyler Perry-style soap drama, even if Tyler's not in drag.

1. "Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?" (R) The 21st century's answer to "The Big Chill" ups the ante with eight couples whose complicated, interlinked relationships emerge during a retreat. Like Perry's other films, this is a chick flick disguised as an ensemble drama (including Janet Jackson), with more than 8 out of 10 searchers coming from ladies. Expect a high estrogen count for ticket buyers in Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

2. "Lars and the Real Girl" (PG-13, limited release). Ryan Gosling stars as a sensitive male who can see past a woman's facade and love her inner spirit—although his family's concerned that his girlfriend happens to be a blow-up doll. Despite its limited release, searches are up 6,000%, largely fueled by male interest (77%).

3. "We Own the Night" The testosterone overflows in this crime thriller starring Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, and Robert Duvall. Joaquin plays a manager for a Russian mob-owned nightclub, while Mark and Robert star as brother and dad who happen to be cops targeting a Russian gangster. The buzz comes from all over, with New York, Philly, Boston, Dallas, and San Diego in the top five metros from ages 13-44.

Also on the Buzz marquee... Cate Blanchett returns in fine fettle in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age." Apparently anglophiles, history buffs, and admirers of powerful women come in all ages (13-54)... Sean Astin may be digging into his "Rudy" roots with "The Final Season," but this feel-good, small-town, baseball flick draws only Little League-level buzz... Jude Law and Michael Caine make a hot pair in the update of "Sleuth," but only a few fans have been investigating this elusive limited-release mystery.