Movies: NEW THIS WEEK

“Anita O’Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer”

B+A documentary about the great jazz stylist, who was routinely linked with Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan. The film has priceless archival footage and a cheeky interview near the end of her life. Worth watching just to hear her singing “Sweet Georgia Brown” at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Not rated. At Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema, 1 hour, 32 minutes.

“The Boy in the Striped Pajamas”

A A German 8-year-old may not know what goes on at the “farm” his SS soldier father is running, but that doesn’t stop him from befriending a young boy, wearing “striped pajamas,” who works there. This is the most heartbreaking film about the Holocaust since “Schindler’s List.” (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune) Rated PG-13 (mature thematic material involving the Holocaust). At Regal Tara. 1 hour, 33 minutes.

“House”

Not screened for review. A couple’s car breaks down on the back roads of Alabama, leaving them stranded and battling for their lives against a killer. Rated R (some violence and terror). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 41 minutes.

“Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa”

B Same characters, same challenge: Can wild animals survive in the wild? Our heroes tape together a crashed airplane and try to fly it home, but end up dealing with volcanos and drought. Brighter and funnier than the original. (Robert Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated PG (some mild crude humor). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 28 minutes.

PARENTS GUIDE A brief harrowing prologue shows Alex the lion being kidnapped by poachers. A little old lady tourist clobbers lions with karate, and one character nearly falls into a fiery volcano, which might scare tots. Fine for kids 6 and older.

“Role Models”

B The premise is completely formulaic and potentially cheesy: A couple of buddies get arrested and, for their community service assignment, must serve as big brothers to a pair of misfit kids. But it’s the wildly, hilariously crude way that director David Wain and Co. approach this concept that makes the film so disarming. (Christy Lemire, Associated Press) Rated R (crude and sexual content, strong language and nudity). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 39 minutes.

“Soul Men”

BSamuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac (in one of his last film appearances) star in this buddy comedy as two former members of a ’60s-’70s-era soul group. The talent of the cast and the bittersweet end note override indifferent directing and predictable road-movie pitfalls. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune) Rated R (pervasive language and sexual content, including nudity). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 38 minutes.

PARENTS GUIDE “Soul Men” is a hard R most parents would find inappropriate for under-17s. There is seething profanity, explicit sexual situations and jokes, partial nudity, gunplay, fighting, drinking and drug references.

STILL SHOWING

“Appaloosa”

B+ In his second directing gig (after “Pollock”), Ed Harris stars with Viggo Mortensen as compadres trying to save a town from an evil rancher (Jeremy Irons). Critic Roger Ebert says it reminds him of “Lonesome Dove.” Rated R (some violence and language). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 55 minutes.

“Beverly Hills Chihuahua”

C Because pocket-size dogs with animated mouths speaking with stereotypical barrio accents are hilarious. Yeah, whatever. Roger Moore of McClatchy/Tribune says it’s a too-chatty, too-plot driven chew-toy. Rated PG (some mild thematic elements). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 29 minutes.

“Body of Lies”

B Ridley Scott (“Gladiator,” “Black Hawk Down”) directs Leonardo DiCaprio in the tale of a CIA operative who may not be getting the information he needs from his superior (Russell Crowe). Critic Roger Ebert says the film has some elements you can believe, but too much is implausible. Rated R (strong violence, including some torture and language). At metro theaters. 2 hours, 9 minutes.

“Burn After Reading”

B A dark, violent —- and, in other words, completely typical —- Coen brothers comedy, in which George Clooney and Frances McDormand’s affair is complicated by Russian spies, a dim gym rat, a disgruntled ex-CIA man and a private detective. (Stephen Whitty, Newhouse News Service) Rated R (strong language, violence and sexual situations). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 35 minutes.

“Changeling”

A- Clint Eastwood’s film made me feel sympathy, and then anger, and then back around again. It’s the factual account of a mother whose boy disappeared, and of a corrupt LAPD running wild. Angelina Jolie stars as the mother, John Malkovich as a crusading reformer, and Jason Butler Harner is riveting as the serial killer. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated R (violence, language). At metro theaters. 2 hours, 20 minutes.

PARENTS GUIDE Includes a graphic execution by hanging, occasional profanity, smoking and drinking. The movie is OK fare for most high schoolers, who may be intrigued by such a tale from our relatively recent past, especially the treatment of women.

“Choke”

C+ Stars Sam Rockwell as a sex addict and con artist who learns how to earn people’s sympathy (and money) by pretending to choke in restaurants. Roger Moore of McClatchy/Tribune says “Choke” works as a sordid sex satire but fails to rise above that. Rated R (strong sexual content, nudity and language). At Plaza. 1 hour, 29 minutes.

“City of Ember”

B+ The tale of an underground city, and the two kids who try to save it when its power grid starts to falter. Critic Roger Moore says “City of Ember” is good enough to turn on a new generation of sci-fi fans to the glories of movie dystopias. Rated PG (mild peril and some thematic elements). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 32 minutes

“The Dark Knight”

A Batman isn’t a comic book anymore. Director Christopher Nolan’s haunted film leaps beyond its origins and becomes an engrossing tragedy. The key performance in the movie is by the late Heath Ledger, as the Joker. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated PG-13 (intense sequences of violence and some menace). At Barrett Commons 24. 2 hours, 32 minutes.

“The Duchess”

B Keira Knightley plays Georgiana, duchess of Devonshire. Princess Diana’s 18th-century ancestor, Georgie-girl was a fashion icon and public figure in her own day. Critic Roger Ebert says it is about hard realists, constrained in a stifling system. Rated PG-13 (sexual content, brief nudity and thematic material). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 49 minutes.

“Eagle Eye”

C+ Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan play strangers forced to follow the commands of a mysterious woman, only to realize they’re being framed as terrorists. Roger Moore of McClatchy/Tribune says the overloaded thriller is cluttered and derivative. Rated PG-13 (intense sequences of action and violence, and for language). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 48 minutes.

“The Express”

B Rob Brown plays Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. With Dennis Quaid and Charles S. Dutton. Critic Roger Ebert says the film’s focus on the deepening relationship between Davis and his coach against a background of racism when the team plays in the South makes the film special. Rated PG-13 (thematic content, violence and language involving racism and brief sensuality). At Regal Town Center Stadium 16, Riverdale Stadium 13, Venture Value Cinemas. 2 hours, 9 minutes.

“Fireproof”

Not screened for review. On the verge of a divorce, a firefighter and his wife are challenged by his father to try a 40-day experiment called “the Love Dare.” With Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea. Rated PG (thematic material and some peril). At metro theaters. 2 hours, 2 minutes.

“Flash of Genius”

C In this fact-based drama, Greg Kinnear plays Bob Kearns, a Midwestern Everyman who invented the intermittent windshield wiper and wound up having to take automakers to court for using his invention without paying a dime. Roger Moore of McClatchy/Tribune says the sedate pace bogs down a compelling story. Rated PG-13 (brief strong language). At Town Center Value, Venture Value Cinemas. 1 hour, 51 minutes.

“Happy-Go-Lucky”

B Director Mike Leigh uses his collaborative improvisational technique to create a warm, comfortable vibe around his characters. It’s a technique you’ll come to appreciate while following Poppy, our perpetually sunny heroine, through trying experiences. (Christy Lemire, Associated Press) Rated R (language). At Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema, 1 hour, 58 minutes.

“The Haunting of Molly Hartley”

CGod and Satan duke it out for the soul of a troubled girl in this unexpectedly cynical addition to the teen-scream genre. Tame and inoffensive (unless you’re on the Lord’s side), the film is no more than a big-screen lasso for the “Gossip Girl” and “Supernatural” demographic. (Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times) Rated PG-13 (strong thematic material, violence and terror and, brief strong language, and some teen drinking). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 27 minutes.

“High School Musical 3: Senior Year.”

BZac Efron, Vanessa Anne Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale demand that your children spend their allowance on this. Resistance is futile. Critic Roger Moore says the Disney musical is wholesome and chaste to a fault, with forgettably catchy tunes and crackerjack choreography. Rated G. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 40 minutes.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth”

B- Old-fashioned family-friendly B-movie cheese, served up in a Brendan Fraser-Jules Verne action epic for kids. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune) Rated PG (intense action and some scary moments). At Town Center Value, Venture Value Cinemas, Picture Show at Merchant’s Exchange. 1 hour, 29 minutes.

“Lakeview Terrace”

A Samuel L. Jackson plays a black cop who makes life hell for an interracial couple who moves in next door. Director Neil LaBute once again makes a film that challenges audiences to make moral decisions about the characters. (Robert Ebert, Universal Press) Rated PG-13 (intense thematic material, violence, sexuality, language and some drug references). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 50 minutes.

“The Longshots”

B Based on the true story of 11-year-old Jasmine Plummer, who in 2003 became the first female to play quarterback in the Pop Warner football tournament. Starring Keke Palmer (“Akeelah and the Bee”) and Ice Cube as her uncle. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated PG (thematic elements, mild language and brief rude humor). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 34 minutes.

“Mamma Mia!”

C+ Exuberantly goofy, sloppily crafted fun. Plus all those ABBA tunes. Based on the Broadway musical, it’s an enjoyable mess with Meryl Streep shining as the former rock chick whose three ex-flames are invited to her daughter’s wedding. (Christy Lemire, Associated Press) Rated PG-13 (some sex-related comments). At Barrett Commons 24. 1 hour, 48 minutes.

“Max Payne”

D Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis play a cop and an assassin who join forces to solve a series of murders. Based on the video game. Critic Roger Moore says the story is a loose collection of cliches that do little to disguise the obvious direction things are headed. Rated PG-13 (violence, including intense shooting sequences, drug content, some sexuality and brief strong language). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 35 minutes.

PARENTS GUIDE The movie’s not for preteens and iffy for middle schoolers. The mayhem features head-banging fights, shootouts, the implication that an alley is littered with body parts, implied torture, a suicide, sexual innuendo, profanity, smoking and drinking.

“Miracle at St. Anna”

B Spike Lee directed this drama about four black American soldiers trapped behind enemy lines in a Tuscan village during World War II. Critic Roger Ebert says it has much anger, history, sentiment, fantasy, reality, violence and life. Rated R (strong war violence, language and some sexual content/nudity). At Magic Johnson Greenbriar Mall. 2 hours, 40 minutes.

“The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor”

C- Third time around for this franchise and it feels like more of the same, except dumber, more violent and really cheesy. Rachel Weisz decided not to return for this grudge match against the bandaged undead, but Brendan Fraser comes back for another paycheck. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune) Rated PG-13 (adventure action and violence). At Town Center Value and Venture Value Cinemas. 1 hour, 53 minutes.

“Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist”

B+ Michael Cera and Kat Dennings play high schoolers who spend the night wandering through New York’s East Village, listening to bands and falling in love. Roger Moore of McClatchy/Tribune says it is a near-perfect youth romance. Rated PG-13 (mature thematic material including teen drinking, sexuality, language and crude behavior). At Carmike 12 Snellville. 1 hour, 30 minutes.

PARENTS GUIDE It is not for middle schoolers. Some teens in the film get drunk and an active sex life is a given. There is a strongly implied sexual situation, other sexual innuendo, a religious spoof, an ethnic slur, midrange profanity and gross toilet humor.

“Nights in Rodanthe”

B Based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel, this romance stars Diane Lane and Richard Gere as strangers dealing with personal crises who find themselves together at a North Carolina coastal inn with a big storm approaching. Carrie Rickey of McClatchy/Tribune says it’s a reliably steamy, stormy, sultry story and a potent weeper. Rated PG-13 (sensuality). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 37 minutes.

“Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom”

C The cast of TV channel Logo’s gay African-American series heads to Martha’s Vineyard for a weekend wedding. And all the characters’ relationships go through some changes. Critic Michael O’Sullivan says it’s like a young, gay version of “The Golden Girls.” Rated R (sexual content and language). At Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema. 1 hour, 41 minutes.

“The Other End of the Line”

Not screened for review. A beautiful phone operator for an American credit card company fields calls with an expert American accent from her native India. But when sparks fly with one of her clients, she travels to the States to meet the man who intrigued her over the phone. Rated PG-13 (some suggestive material). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 46 minutes.

“Pride and Glory”

CEdward Norton plays a New York cop assigned to investigate a corruption scandal that may involve brother-in-law Colin Farrell, also a cop. Critic Roger Ebert says it relentlessly follows the formulas of countless police dramas before it. Rated R (strong violence, pervasive language and brief drug content). At metro theaters. 2 hours, 5 minutes.

“Quarantine”

Not screened for review. Jennifer Carpenter (the sister on “Dexter”) plays a TV reporter who accidentally stumbles into an apartment building chock-full of zombielike people. A remake of the 2007 Spanish film “[Rec].” Rated R (bloody violent and disturbing content, terror and language). At Regal Hollywood Stadium 24, Barrett Commons 24 and Carmike 10. 1 hour, 29 minutes.

“Religulous”

B In this documentary, directed by Larry Charles (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Bill Maher goes around the globe interviewing people about their faith —- from Christianity to Scientology to Islam. Christopher Kelly of McClatchy/Tribune says the movie comes across as a minor, but nonetheless valuable, contribution to our national debate. Rated R (drug use, brief nudity and strong language). At Regal Tara. 1 hour, 41 minutes.

“Rachel Getting Married”

AJonathan Demme directs this comedy-drama about a dysfunctional wedding. Anne Hathaway plays an abrasive young woman sprung from rehab to attend her sister’s nuptials. Roger Ebert says the film is like theme music for an evolving new age. Rated R (language and brief sexuality). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 51 minutes.

“RocknRolla”

B Set in the greasy streets and smoky pubs of London, Guy Ritchie’s latest film remains loyal to the director’s distinctive way of capturing criminals and the English underworld with style and humor. Forget this film’s plot, though. Highs come from the energetic characters, dialogue and dark humor (Rafer Guzman, Newsday). Rated R (pervasive language, violence, drug use and brief sexuality). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 57 minutes.

“Saw V”

Not screened for review. In case the blood bath on Wall Street wasn’t gory enough for you. Rated R (sequences of grisly bloody violence and torture, language and brief nudity). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 28 minutes.

“The Secret Life of Bees”

B+ Sue Monk Kidd’s popular novel comes to the screen. Dakota Fanning plays a motherless teenager in the 1960s South who goes to live with a caretaker (Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson) and her bee-keeping sisters. Critic Roger Ebert says the parable defies harsh reality, but in a good way. Rated PG-13 (thematic material and some violence). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 50 minutes.

PARENTS GUIDE The film is fine for teens, but includes brief violence, fears about a possible lynching, a drowning/suicide, racial epithets, grief over a dead parent, profanity, sexual innuendo and drinking.

“Sex Drive”

D Josh Zuckerman plays the virginal high schooler who drives cross-country to hook up with the sure-thing babe he met online. He could just save gas and watch a DVD of 1985’s suspiciously similar- sounding John Cusack comedy “The Sure Thing.” Roger Ebert says director Sean Anders should be ashamed of himself. Rated R (strong crude and sexual content, nudity, language, some drug and alcohol use, all involving teens). At Regal Town Center Stadium 16 and Roswell Town Center 10. 1 hour, 41 minutes.

“Traitor”

B+ Ripped-from-the-headlines realism, top-drawer performances by Don Cheadle and Guy Pearce, a dandy “ticking clock” story structure and a vast catalog of terrorist modus operandi make this as harrowing as it is timely. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune) Rated PG-13 (intense violent sequences, thematic material and brief language). Riverdale Stadium 13, Town Center Value, Venture Value Cinemas. 1 hour, 53 minutes.

“Tropic Thunder”

B+ A troupe of actors, thinking they’re making a Vietnam War movie, gets lost in the jungle and is captured by drug lords who think the actors are narcs. Very funny, with a terrific performance by Robert Downey Jr. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated R (pervasive language including sexual references, violent content and drug material). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 46 minutes.

“Tyler Perry’s the Family That Preys”

Not screened for review. Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard star as friends and matriarchs of two families strained by greed in Perry’s sixth major film. Rated PG-13 (thematic material, sexual references and brief violence). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 51 minutes.

“W.”

A Josh Brolin plays President Bush, alongside Elizabeth Banks (wife Laura). Roger Ebert says Brolin is a persuasive Bush in Oliver Stone’s “fascinating” biography. Rated PG-13 (language, including sexual references, some alcohol abuse, smoking and brief disturbing war images). At metro theaters. 2 hours, 11 minutes.

“What Just Happened”

C- Barry Levinson directs and Robert De Niro stars as a middle-aged producer in this skewering of the movie business. The satire treads on some well-trampled territory but may leave you wishing these veterans had come up with something that has more freshness and bite. (Christy Lemire, Associated Press) Rated R (language, some violent images, sexual content and some drug material). At Plaza Theatre. 1 hour, 50 minutes

“Zack and Miri Make a Porno”

B- Set writer-director Kevin Smith’s signature raunchy dialogue and unapologetically brazen characters in the pornographic film industry, and much dirtiness will ensue. But as leading characters, Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks)discover their feelings for each other, a touch of reverence at the end is a welcome relief. (Christy Lemire, Associated Press) Rated R (strong crude sexual content including dialogue, graphic nudity and pervasive language). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 41 minutes.

ABOUT PARENTS GUIDE

The AJC wants to help parents make the best choices for their children’s entertainment. PARENTS GUIDE generally highlights popular PG-13 and R-rated movies your kids may be interested in seeing and is collected from columns by Jane Horwitz of the Washington Post Writers Group.