New This Week

“Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs”

B+ The best of the three “Ice Age” films, involving the best use of 3-D I’ve seen in an animated feature. It also introduces a master stroke that essentially allows the series to take place anywhere: There is a land beneath the surface of the Earth, you see … There we meet Buck the hermit weasel, while the squirrel Scrat encounters a sexy sabre-toothed squirrel named Scratte. With the voices of Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Simon Pegg and Chris Wedge as the squeak of Scrat. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate). Rated PG (for some mild rude humor and peril). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 33 minutes.

PARENTS GUIDE Besides a scary T. rex, there’s a skeleton graveyard that’s a bit creepy. The movie has occasional semi-crude humor, toilet humor and mild sexual humor.

“Moon”

A It seems familiar and derivative, yet upends your expectations about science fiction and surprises you over and over. Sam Rockwell stars as an astronaut about to wrap up his three-year contract mining helium. As his health starts to deteriorate, another version of himself arrives. Directed by Duncan Jones —- David Bowie’s son. (Christy Lemire, Associated Press). Rated R (for language). At Landmark’s Midtown. 1 hour, 37 minutes.

“Public Enemies”

B+ Shrugs off the way we depend on myth to sentimentalize our outlaws. Well-researched, many actual locations; Johnny Depp plays John Dillinger as efficient, violent and hard as steel. Marion Cotillard is effective as Billie Frechette, his girlfriend at the end, who masks her vulnerability with sweetness. Christian Bale is all business as FBI agent Melvin Purvis. Billy Crudup plays J. Edgar Hoover as a dreamer unfamiliar with the brass tacks of law enforcement. Directed by Michael Mann (“Heat”) with precision, sidestepping cliches and sweeteners. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate). Rated: R (for gangster violence and some language). At metro theaters. 2 hours, 20 minutes.

PARENTS GUIDE In addition to loud, darkly bloody shootouts, the film contains a nongraphic sexual situation, verbal sexual innuendo, implied nudity, rare profanity, drinking and smoking.

“Whatever Works”

C A lazy story told lazily. Larry David stars as a misanthrope who manages to get a young Southern runaway (Evan Rachel Wood) to fall for him. A gimmicky and uninspired contrivance. Directed by Woody Allen. (David Germain, Associated Press). Rated PG-13 (for sexual situations including dialogue, brief nude images and thematic material). At metro theaters.1 hour, 32 minutes.

PARENTS GUIDE Includes midrange profanity, implied sexual trysts, including a menage-a-trois, discussion of sex, a tasteless line about an abortion clinic, a scene that implies drug use, and drinking.

“Angels and Demons”

C Positioned as a sequel to “The Da Vinci Code,” director Ron Howard has made a better thriller out of the first book in Dan Brown’s saga about symbols expert Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) and his research into skullduggery entangling the Catholic Church. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune). Rated PG-13 (for sequences of violence, disturbing images and thematic material). At metro theaters. 2 hours, 18 minutes.

“Away We Go”

B+ A movie about pregnancy that rejects the usual cliches and instead takes an honest and humorous look at the prospect of a family growing from two members to three. John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph are lovely together as Burt and Verona, a couple who travel North America searching for the best place to settle down. Directed by Sam Mendes. (Christy Lemire, Associated Press). Rated: R (for language and some sexual content). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 30 minutes.

“The Brothers Bloom”

C+ Brothers named Stephen (Mark Ruffalo) and Bloom (Adrien Brody) are con men from childhood, until Bloom tires of the game when they meet the millionaire Penelope (Rachel Weisz). An ingenious plot and persuasive actors, but a little too pleased with itself. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated PG-13 (for violence, some sensuality and brief strong language). At Barrett Commons, Plaza Theatre and Carmike 10. 1 hour, 49 minutes.

“Cheri”

C Based on a novel by the French writer Colette, “Cheri” is a sumptuous but only rarely romantic romance set in France just before World War I. Michelle Pfeiffer plays Lea, a fading beauty in all her self-aware glory. Director Stephen Frears (“Dangerous Liaisons”) loses himself in the dazzling dresses and misses the sting of a failed romance. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune). Rated R (for some sexual content and brief drug use). At Regal Tara. 1 hour, 33 minutes.

“Dance Flick”

D This second-generation Wayans family film is roughly twice as funny as the spoofs spun off of the Wayanses’ “Scary Movie” franchise. “Step Up,” “High School Musical,” “Stomp the Yard,” “You Got Served” —- they’re all sent up in this pastiche of the recent dance movie craze. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune) Rated PG-13 (for crude and sexual content throughout and language). At Magic Johnson Greenbriar Mall. 1 hour, 20 minutes.

“Departures”

A A loving tribute to the Japanese way of death. A cellist (Masahiro Motoki) is forced to find work and winds up preparing bodies for Japanese funeral rites. A Far Eastern “Sunshine Cleaning” with somber ritual sprinkled with moments of embarrassment. Winner of the 2009 Oscar for foreign language film. In Japanese with English subtitles. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune). Rated R (for strong sexual content, nudity, drug use, pervasive language and some disturbing images). At Regal Tara. 2 hours, 6 minutes.

“Drag Me to Hell”

B Director Sam Raimi, who got his start with the “Evil Dead” movies, sure-handedly blends thrills with giggles in this over-the-top hair-raiser. Cursed by a Gypsy, Alison Lohman’s banker becomes a victim who fights back. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune). Rated PG-13 (for sequences of horror violence, terror, disturbing images and language). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 39 minutes.

“Easy Virtue”

B A young Brit (Ben Barnes) brings his dashing American love (Jessica Biel) home to meet his parents (Kristen Scott Thomas and Colin Firth) with unsettling results. The early Noel Coward play is adapted with wit and style. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated PG-13 (for sexual content, brief partial nudity, and smoking throughout). At Lefont Sandy Springs, Regal Tara Cinema, Barrett Commons. 1 hour, 36 minutes.

“Fast & Furious”

D This fourth film in the “Fast/Furious” franchise is a tepid, repetitive and digitally augmented hot cars-hot women thriller. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune) Rated PG-13 (intense sequences of violence and action, sexual content, language and drug references). At Venture Value and Town Center Value. 1 hour, 45 minutes.

“Food, Inc.”

A- The informative, often infuriating documentary takes on the big business of the food industry and what it’s doing to us. Some portions of the film —- follow the commercial food chain —- are disgusting, and it’s one of the scariest movies of the year. The only shortcoming is that the film is too abbreviated. (Manohla Dargis, New York Times) Not rated. At Lefont Sandy Springs and Landmark’s Midtown. 1 hour, 34 minutes.

“Ghosts of Girlfriends Past”

D Matthew McConaughey portrays a womanizer who finally realizes that love matters —- thanks to the guidance of ghosts of girlfriends past, present and future —- in this variation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” (Christy Lemire, Associated Press) Rated PG-13 (sexual content, language, a drug reference). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 40 minutes.

“The Hangover”

C Bachelor-party/road trip-to-Vegas comedy where the idea is to see how far is too far when you’re trying to be funny. It’s hilarious in spurts, but the movie doesn’t have enough momentum to carry it through the dead spots. Starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Heather Graham and Zach Galifianakis. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune). Rated R (for pervasive language, sexual content including nudity, and some drug material). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 40 minutes.

“Imagine That”

B- Eddie Murphy portrays a financial executive who barely has time for his daughter until she and her imaginary friends advance his career by correctly picking stocks. A solid family comedy that makes good use of Murphy’s comic strengths without letting him go overboard. With newcomer Yara Shahidi and Nicole Ari Parker. Directed by Karey Kirkpatrick. (Christy Lemire, Associated Press). Rated PG (for some mild language and brief questionable behavior). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 47 minutes.

“Land of the Lost”

B Will Ferrell plays a scientist with a scheme for importing fossil fuels from a parallel dimension and lands in one himself, with Anna Friel, Danny McBride and Jorma Taccone (as a Missing Link). Preposterously goofy. Either you’re in the mood, or you aren’t. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate). Rated PG-13 (for crude and sexual content, and for language including a drug reference). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 33 minutes.

“Little Ashes”

B In Madrid, 1922, three of the great Spanish artists of the century are young men finding themselves: the poet Federico Garcia Lorca, the artist Salvador Dali, the filmmaker Luis Bunuel. Garcia Lorca and Dali are attracted romantically, but don’t fulfill their feelings, and in a few years set course on widely different paths in life. An absorbing film, but not compelling. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate). Rated R (for sexual content, language and a brief disturbing image). At Plaza Theatre. 1 hour, 52 minutes.

“Monsters vs. Aliens”

C+ Monsters from the 1950s are released from a secret federal prison to join Ginormica (voice by Reese Witherspoon) in saving Earth from hostile aliens. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated PG (sci-fi action, some crude humor and mild language). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 35 minutes.

“My Sister’s Keeper”

B A girl seeks medical emancipation from her parents who have relied on her to keep their leukemia-stricken daughter alive. Adapted from the Jodi Picoult novel and directed with a sure hand by Nick Cassavetes (“The Notebook”), it is an actors’ showcase built on a moral dilemma. But at its most basic, it’s just a good cry. Starring Cameron Diaz and Abigail Breslin. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune). Rated PG-13 (for mature thematic content, some disturbing images, sensuality, language and brief teen drinking). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 39 minutes.

“Night at the Museum: Battle at the Smithsonian”

C The warm moments rise from the sample of real history and the kid-friendly thrills come from the special effects. It’s a clunky, stumbling film. But it’s funny to see Ben Stiller pushed toward something like his old A-game. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune). Rated PG (for mild action and brief language). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 45 minutes.

“Obsessed”

D A low-rent imitation of “Fatal Attraction.” Derek Charles (Idris Elba) is stalked by Lisa (Ali Larter). Enter Derek’s wife, Sharon (Beyonce Knowles), and the showdown begins. (Stephen Holden, New York Times). Rated PG-13 (sexual material including some suggestive dialogue, some violence and thematic content.) At Picture Show, Town Center Value and Venture Value. 1 hour, 50 minutes.

“The Proposal”

C Sandra Bullock is perfectly paired with her comic equal, Ryan Reynolds, in a film about a much-disliked book publisher who coerces her assistant into a fake marriage to avoid being deported to Canada. The finale founders after the fun that came before. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune) Rated PG-13 (for sexual content, nudity and language). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 48 minutes.

“The Soloist”

C Robert Downey Jr. stars as Steve Lopez, a journalist who stumbles across Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a homeless, schizophrenic man with Julliard-trained cellist skills. It’s an awkward mix of gritty visuals and mawkish sentiments in which even Downey and Foxx have difficulty finding nuance. (Christy Lemire, Associated Press) Rated PG-13. At Picture Show. 1 hour, 56 minutes.

“Star Trek”

B Director J.J. Abrams brings the franchise back to basics, and back to life, with a rousing prequel about how the intrepid crew of the Enterprise became shipmates. He delivers a not-too-reverent space opera that follows the Trek canon even as it reinvents what made generations fall in love with this saga. Starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana and Eric Bana. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune) Rated PG-13 (for sci-fi action and violence, and brief sexual content). At metro theaters. 2 hours, 6 minutes.

“The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3”

C This reimagining of a 1970s action classic earns an efficient if not riveting treatment from director Tony Scott. A madman (John Travolta) has hijacked the Pelham 1 2 3 for ransom. Denzel Washington portrays the dispatcher trying to save the day. A typical cellphone thriller. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune). Rated R (for violence and pervasive language). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 46 minutes.

“Terminator: Salvation”

C Roughly 90 percent of the running time is occupied by action sequences. It gives the pleasure of a video game without the bother of having to play it. With Christian Bale and Moon Bloodgood. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated PG-13 (for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and language). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 55 minutes.

“Transformers”

D Shia LaBeouf stars in this sequel with an incomprehensible plot and bewildering battle scenes. A horrible experience of unbearable length, briefly punctuated by three or four amusing moments. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate). Rated PG-13 (for intense sequences of sci-fi action violence, language, some crude and sexual material, and brief drug material). At metro theaters. 2 hours, 29 minutes.

“Up”

B A feather-light farce with a delicious dose of the sentimental, it’s a film in which most every oddball element of an odd yet familiar story works. An aging balloon vendor (Ed Asner), with a neighbor boy tagging along, flies his house to South America and finds adventure. (Roger Moore, McClatchy/Tribune). Rated PG (for some peril and action) At metro theaters. 1 hour, 30 minutes.

“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”

C Since the modern Wolverine has amnesia and at the end of this film he forgets everything in it, who cares about his origins? (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated PG-13 (intense sequences of action and violence, and some partial nudity). At Picture Show, Town Center Value and Venture Value. 1 hour, 47 minutes.

“Year One”

D Jack Black and Michael Cera playing themselves, as tribal hunter-gatherers who advance all the way to royal security guards. Dreary and cheerless slapshtick. (Roger Ebert, Universal Press Syndicate) Rated PG-13 (for crude and sexual content throughout, brief strong language and comic violence). At metro theaters. 1 hour, 40 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.