Not back in "school mode" yet? Looking for a way to avoid the reality of returning to classes? The Tate Student Center Theater shows movies five days a week.

The University Union offers students a variety of movies, ranging from recent to foreign and classic films.

"We’ll have the newer films showing on the weekends," said Willie Banks, Student Affairs Counselor for Student Activities. "During the week we’ll show the smaller, less well-known films."

Predictions on how many tickets will sell are hard to make, Banks said.

"We get packed houses for all types of movies. Last year ‘Six String Samurai’ filled the theater, but so did ‘The Waterboy’ the next week," said Banks, speaking on the attraction of big-name and independent films.

The recently renovated 190-seat-capacity Tate Theater can see as many as 700 visitors in a weekend, but making money is not the primary goal, Banks said.

"We really try to educate people with the movies we bring, as well as entertain," said Banks. "That’s why the students (on the selection committee) try to bring such a wide variety."

Ultimately, the Union wants to enrich the University community by exposing people to movies they might not regularly see.

"I’m really looking forward to ‘Three Kings,’ ‘The Limey,’ and ‘Fight Club,’ " said Banks. "In fact, I think everyone should come out and see every movie, because they’re all great."

The Tate Theater also occasionally screens advance previews of soon-to-be-released movies — none, however, have yet been scheduled.

Tickets cost $2 for students, $3 for non-students and can be purchased at the Theater box office. Posters with a schedule of the semester’s films should be available today at Tate.

Upcoming Films:

"Three Kings"

One of the more underrated films of 1999, this film involves US soldiers in post-Desert Storm Iraq and their search for stolen gold bullion. Tying in elements of action films, dark humor, and sharp political criticism, "Three Kings" stars George Clooney, Ice Cube and Spike Jonze. The film was directed by David O. Russell. "Three Kings" is playing Jan. 14, 15 and 16.

"The Big Lebowski"

The latest film from Joel and Ethan Coen, of "Fargo" fame, "The Big Lebowski" is a tale of mistaken identity gone as wrong as possible. From burned-out stoners to nihilistic Germans, from landlords performing interpretative dances to pederast bowlers, this film’s cast includes Jeff Bridges and the prolific Julianne Moore, as well as Coen-mainstays John Goodman, Steve Buscemi and John Turturro. The movie features cameos by Sam Elliot and Flea. Very nearly a perfect film, "The Big Lebowski" is playing Jan. 24.

"Watermelon Woman"

Critics called this 1996 mockumentary a landmark in feminist film. Written and directed by and starring Cheryl Dunye, "Watermelon Woman" tells the story of a 1930′s black actress who plays "mammies" in Hollywood films. Dealing with lesbian, African-American and feminist issues, "Watermelon Woman" also features Camille Paglia playing, appropriately, herself. "Watermelon Woman" is playing Feb. 7.

"12 Monkeys"

Terry Gilliam’s 1995 film based on a 1962 French short stars Bruce Willis and, in an Oscar-nominated role, Brad Pitt. Dealing with issues of time-travel, apocalyptic visions and self-identity, "12 Monkeys" showcases Gilliam’s stunning direction and unique visual style. "12 Monkeys" is playing Feb. 24.