Run Fatboy Run posterThe Festival of the Arts has been soaking up almost every spare minute of my working day so this is going to be a bare bones update.My highlight: Simon “Shaun of the Dead” Pegg back on screen in Run Fatboy Run about a marriage-shy waster who tries to win the love of his life (Thandie Newton) back by running the London Marathon. Readings, Empire, Regent-on-Manners, Lighthouse Petone, Penthouse.

For the kids who like those dance-as-a-substitute-for-gang-warfare movies we have Step Up 2 The Streets, sequel to the massive 2006 hit that launched Channing Tatum on an unsuspecting world. He returns for the sequel. Readings only.

[The rest of this week’s new releases after the jump]

Vantage Point is a Rashomon-like thriller with a good cast including Sigourney Weaver, Forest Whitaker, Dennis Quaid and, em, Bruce McGill. Readings, Empire, Regent-on-Manners and the neutered Embassy.

Finally, the Paramount‘s Steve Buscemi season continues with Interview. This time Buscemi is also the director and if you’ve ever seen his film Trees Lounge you will be encouraged to give this one a go. Paramount exclusive.

All these films will be reviewed at Funerals & Snakes on Wednesday (and in the Capital Times on the same day). Tickets for the World Cinema Showcase are on sale. Check out the programme before it opens next Thursday.