the buzz log

How do you counter-program against the Olympics? Open two days early, for one thing, as "Pineapple Express" and "Bottle Shock" did. Two films in wide release and a smattering of limited releases will vie for audiences. In the interests of friendly competition, how about seeing which castmate in each film represents the biggest draw? Play along and see which stars reap the Search popularity in movies opening this week...

Castmate Buzz Face-Off

1. " Pineapple Express" (R). Which dopey star smoked in searches, Seth Rogen or James Franco?

2. "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" (PG-13). Which of the four actresses who shared a pair of jeans stole the buzz: Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera, Blake Lively, or Amber Tamblyn?

3. "Beer for My Horses" (PG-13, limited release). Singer Toby Keith leads the look-ups in this comedy, but who wins the country singer-turned-actor popularity prize, Ted Nugent or Kris Kristofferson?

4. "Fly Me to the Moon." (PG, limited release). The animation features the voice of real-life astronaut Buzz Aldrin, but which of the following actresses does better in cyberspace: Adrienne Barbeau, Kelly Ripa or Nicollette Sheridan?

4. "Bottle Shock" (PG-13, limited release). Based on the true story of the Judgment of Paris (no, not Paris Hilton, but a blind taste test in which a California wine company triumphed), the film showcases three well-aged vets. Who gives off the most impudent flavor in Search: Dennis Farina, Bill Pullman, or Alan Rickman?

5. "Hell Ride" (R, limited release). Critics aren't excited to see biker outlaws roar out of their exploitation flick past. Among the testosterone-infused cast, is it young man Eric Balfour or old guy Dennis Hopper who looks coolest in leather... or at least gets the most queries?

6. "Elegy" (R, limited release). The grades average in the B range for this Philip Roth-inspired film about an aging professor (Ben Kingsley) who aims for yet another student conquest (Penelope Cruz), but another unlikely couple is played by Dennis Hopper and Deborah Harry. Of those two, who proves the better Search half?

And the Buzz Goes to...

1. "Pineapple Express:" James Franco. The actor has been thrust in leading man roles and as Spidey's pal-turned-nemesis, but he may have found his comic calling.

2. "Sisterhood:" Blake Lively. The "Gossip Girls" star has nearly twice the look-ups of her cast combined.

3. "Fly:" Kelly Ripa.

4. "Bottle Shock:" Alan Rickman. The buzz crush though goes to castmate Eliza Dushku in a small role as a comely bartender.

5. "Hell Ride:" Eric Balfour, but he only gets a teeny edge over the old-timer.

6. "Elegy:" Dennis Hopper. With three movies out (including "Swing Vote"), the man gets around.