Movies

NEW THIS WEEK

“Ashes of Time Redux”

C First released in 1994, now reduxed. I didn’t see the first version, which the director considered unfinished, requiring 14 years of additional thought. This is a murky medieval swordfight and romance epic, gorgeous to look at. Not the equal of Wong Kar Wai’s best work like “In the Mood for Love,” despite his revisions. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated R (some violence). At Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema. 1 hour, 33 minutes.

“Australia”

B An Australian “Gone With the Wind,” a sweeping romantic melodrama and broad family entertainment. With Nicole Kidman as a British society figure, Hugh Jackman as rough-hewn cattle drover, and Brandon Walters wonderful as the young Aborigine who narrates. Gorgeous film, strong performances, exhilarating images, a powerful but sometimes uncertain consideration about Australian racism. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated PG-13 (some violence, a scene of sensuality and brief strong language). At metro theaters. 2 hours, 45 minutes.

PARENTS GUIDE There is drinking, smoking, an implied affair, a hint that aboriginal women are abused by white men, racial slurs and rare profanity.

“Four Christmases”

C Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn lead a stellar cast through four lackluster holiday vignettes, each a visit to the homes of the couple’s divorced parents. There are big enough laughs to make it marginally better than last year’s holiday movie crop, but “A Christmas Story” it’s not. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune) Rated PG-13 (some sexual humor and language). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 30 minutes.

PARENTS GUIDE It’s hard to imagine teen audiences warming to this sour holiday comedy. There is sexual innuendo, crude language, profanity, smoking, drinking, homophobic humor and a marijuana joke.

“Milk”

A Extraordinary performance by Sean Penn as Harvey Milk, the first self-identified gay person to win public office in America. Following him from a personal turning point to the leadership of a powerful political and social movement, the film never objectifies him as a hero, but as an ordinary man: kind, funny, flawed, shrewd, idealistic, yearning for a better world. Deeply involving, emotionally inspiring. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated R (language, some sexual content and brief violence). At Regal Tara. 2 hours, 7 minutes.

PARENTS GUIDE Sexual situations are stylized and less explicit than many heterosexual scenes in R-rated films. There is a suicide victim seen hanging, a murder victim in a body bag, semi-nudity, pot smoking, drinking, profanity and sexual language. Violence is nongraphic but intense. For mature high-schoolers.

“Transporter 3”

C+ A perfectly acceptable brainless action thriller starring the steely eyed, taciturn Jason Statham, who makes his deliveries on time and with no questions asked —- except this time, when he starts caring for his cargo (the delightfully freckled Natalya Rudakova). Two stunt sequences of remarkable complexity and reckless foolishness. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated PG-13 (sequences of intense action and violence, some sexual content and drug material). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 45 minutes.

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 Dawson 400 Stadium and South DeKalb Stadium. 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 Mansell Crossing 14. 2 hours, 9 minutes.

“Bolt”

B+ Bolt (voiced by John Travolta), who doesn’t realize he only plays a superdog on television, gets lost and must travel cross-country to get home. One of his companions on the trip is the hamster Rhino (Mark Walton), a devoted fan of Bolt’s TV show. This may be the best animated movie since “The Incredibles.” (Robert W. Butler,McClatchy/Tribune) Rated PG (some mild action and peril). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 30 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 metro theaters. 1 hour, 33 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 Barrett Commons 24. 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 plays 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.

“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 Picture Show at Merchants Exchange and Venture Value Cinemas. 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 metro theaters. 2 hours, 32 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 Movies 278, Barrett Commons 24 and Regal Georgian Stadium. 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 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 Merchants Exchange. 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.” Starring Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea. Rated PG (thematic material and some peril). At metro theaters. 2 hours, 2 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”

C God 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 Movies Atl and Barrett Commons. 1 hour, 27 minutes.

“High School Musical 3: Senior Year.”

B Zac 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 and Venture Value Cinemas. 1 hour, 29 minutes.

“Kung Fu Panda”

B+ As Po, a panda who yearns to be a kung fu hero, (the voice of) Jack Black is turned loose in this nifty animated comedy that mocks and embraces every martial-arts movie tradition in the book. The violence can be extreme, but this remains quality kid entertainment. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune) Rated PG (sequences of martial arts action). At Riverdale Stadium 13 Discount Theatre, The Great Escape Stadium Cinemas and Venture Value Cinemas. 1 hour, 26 minutes.

“Lakeview Terrace”

A Samuel L. Jackson plays a black cop who makes life hell for an interracial couple who move 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 Syndicate) Rated PG-13 (intense thematic material, violence, sexuality, language and some drug references). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 50 minutes.

“Let the Right One In”

B+ A disturbing story of two lonely and troubled Swedish 12-year-olds, one of whom is a vampire and has been 12 for a very long time. Dark, bloody, despairing, sometimes faintly funny. Takes vampires as seriously as the “Nosferatu” of your choice. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated R (some bloody violence, including disturbing images, brief nudity and language). At Plaza Theatre. 1 hour, 54 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 Riverdale Stadium 13 Discount Theatre, Town Center Value and Venture Value Cinemas. 1 hour, 34 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.

“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 Riverdale Stadium 13 Discount Theatre, Barrett Commons and Roswell Town Center. 1 hour, 35 minutes.

“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 Venture Value Cinemas. 1 hour, 53 minutes.

“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 potent weeper. Rated PG-13 (sensuality). At Mansell Crossing 14 and Regal Town Center Stadium 16. 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.

“Pride and Glory”

C Edward 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 Barrett Commons 24. 2 hours, 5 minutes.

“Quantum of Solace”

C A disappointment. No Q, no Miss Moneypenny, no suave and seductive James Bond, and a Bond girl under-named … Camille. The evil villain’s globe-threatening scheme is to control the water supply in Bolivia. Daniel Craig is handsome, agile, muscular, dangerous. Everything but Bond, who has been replaced by an identikit action hero mixed in with incomprehensible CGI. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated PG-13 (intense sequences of violence and action and some sexual content) At metro theaters. 1 hour, 45 minutes.

“Rachel Getting Married”

A Jonathan 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.

“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 Plaza Theatre. 1 hour, 41 minutes.

“Repo! The Genetic Opera”

C- Paul Sorvino and Paris Hilton show up in this film that aims for Midnight Movie cult status on very wobbly coolness credentials. A post-apocalyptic world has been decimated by mass organ failures. But one man’s crisis is another’s opportunity, and spleen merchant GeneCo rises to the occasion. You thought “Sweeney Todd” was bloody? It’s a skinned knee compared with this. (Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune) Rated R (strong bloody violence and gore, language and some drug and sexual content). At Plaza Theatre. 1 hour, 38 minutes.

“RocknRolla”

B Set in the greasy streets and smoky pubs of London, Guy Ritchie’s latest film remains loyal to Ritchie’s distinctive way of capturing criminals and the English underworld with style and humor. Forget the plot. Highs come from the energetic characters, dialogue and dark humor (Rafer Guzman, Newsday). Rated R (pervasive language, violence, drug use and brief sexuality). At Barrett Commons 24 and Plaza Theatre. 1 hour, 57 minutes.

“Role Models”

B The premise is completely formulaic and potentially cheesy: A couple of buddies get arrested and, for their community service, must serve as big brothers to a pair of misfit kids. You know from the beginning that many necessary life lessons will be learned and that all parties ultimately will be better off for the unlikely friendships they’ve formed. But it’s the hilariously crude way that director David Wain approaches 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.

“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.

“Sex Drive”

D Josh Zuckerman plays the virginal high-schooler who drives cross-country to hook up with the babe he met online. He could save gas and watch a DVD of 1985’s “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 Town Center Value and Venture Value Cinemas. 1 hour, 41 minutes.

“Soul Men”

B Samuel 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.

“Synecdoche, New York”

A The great screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, in his first film as a director, uses a theater director (Philip Seymour Hoffman) to show the ebb and flow of a human life, its attempts to control others, its negotiations with reality, dream, hallucination and madness. I needed to see it twice to begin to absorb its greatness. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated R. At Lefont Sandy Springs and Regal Tara. 2 hours, 4 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). At Riverdale Stadium 13. 1 hour, 53 minutes.

“Tyler Perry’s the Family That Preys”

C Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard star as friends and matriarchs of two families strained by greed. It doesn’t worry about how it gets from A to Z. There is no problem that a miraculous plot development can’t resolve in two minutes. (Stephen Holden, New York Times) Rated PG-13 (thematic material, sexual references and brief violence). At Metro theaters. 1 hour, 51 minutes.

“Twilight”

C+ A teenage romance between fresh-faced Kristen Stewart and the distant, aloof, handsome, dangerous Robert Pattinson, who plays a vampire. Lush, beautiful, preposterous, based on the runaway best-seller. Primary audience: 16-year-old girls. They’ll love it. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated PG-13 (some violence and a scene of sexuality). At metro theaters. 2 hours, 2 minutes.

“Zack and Miri Make a Porno”

B- Set writer-director Kevin Smith’s signature characters in the pornographic film industry, and much dirtiness will ensue. But as 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 Regal Hollywood 24, Barrett Commons 24 and Mansell Crossing 14. 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.

COMING ATTRACTIONS AT THE PLAZA

The Plaza Theatre (1039 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta) hosts several monthly movie events.

Picks for the next couple of weeks include the Silver Scream Spookshow on Nov. 29. Billed as a combination of “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” and “The Munsters,” it’s an oddball variety show of scary costumes, burlesque dancers, comedy and magic tricks that includes a screening of the ostentatiously unfashionable 1958 creature feature “The Crawling Eye.” $10 for the 10 p.m. late show, plus a kiddie show at 1 p.m. $7 for adults, children younger than 13 admitted free.

On Dec. 2, Spookshow host Professor Morte, who doubles as artist Shane Morton, presents his classic monster movie-themed work in an art show at 8 p.m., followed by a screening of the Ed Wood classic “Glen or Glenda” at 9:30 p.m.

At 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, catch the Atlanta premiere of “Nerdcore Rising,” a dork documentary that follows MC Frontalot, a white kid in his 30s who used to be a Web designer, on a tour to promote the burgeoning Nerdcore genre that uses hip-hop-inspired sounds to rhyme about “Star Wars” conventions, Dungeons & Dragons and other socially awkward subjects. The film features Weird Al Yankovic and Jello Biafra.