NEW FILMS FRIDAY
DOWN IN THE VALLEY — ** — Star Edward Norton has to take at least some of the blame for this ludicrous, would-be Western hybrid, since he helped produce the film. Complete review on Page W5. Running time: 117 minutes. R (violence, profanity, sex, vulgarity, brief drugs, brief gore).
LITTLE MAN — * — This moronic comedy from the Wayans brothers stretches out crude gags and repeats them endlessly. Complete review on Page W4. Running time: 95 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, violence, profanity, brief sex, brief drugs).
THE LOST CITY — ** — While its soundtrack of Cuban dance music is superb, Andy Garcia's leaden historical drama is too long-winded for its own good. Complete review on Page W6. Running time: 143 minutes. R (violence, brief gore).
A SCANNER DARKLY — ** 1/2 — Those who have read the book will find much to like in this animated science-fiction thriller. But others will find it talky and muddled. Keanu Reeves stars. Complete review on Page W4. Running time: 100 minutes. R (drugs, profanity, violence, nudity, sex, vulgarity, brief gore, ethnic slurs).
WASSUP ROCKERS — ** — In its final third, this initially realistic drama about Hispanic teens becomes grotesque, nearly unwatchable and cartoonish. Complete review on Page W6. Running time: 99 minutes. R (profanity, violence, vulgarity, sex, racial epithets, brief nudity).
YOU, ME AND DUPREE — ** — This crass, crude buddy/romantic comedy does what no movie has been unable to do so far — it makes Owen Wilson unlikable. Complete review on Page W3. Running time: 108 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, violence, sex, brief nudity, brief drugs).
SNEAK PREVIEW
MONSTER HOUSE — "Polar Express" filmmaker Robert Zemeckis produced this digitally animated comedy about a supposedly evil home preying on neighborhood kids. To be reviewed when it opens next week. PG (violence, vulgarity, mild profanity). (Saturday: Century Sandy, Century South Salt Lake, Megaplex 12, Megaplex 17, Megaplex 20)
MIDNIGHT MOVIES
TAXI DRIVER — *** — Martin Scorsese's 1976 thriller has lost some of its ability to shock but Robert De Niro still stands out as the unhinged title character. Running time: 113 minutes. R (violence, profanity, gore, vulgarity, drug use). (Tonight and Saturday, Tower)
KIDS MATINEES
CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN 2 — * 1/2 —Steve Martin stars in this half-hearted obligatory sequel. Running time: 94 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, vulgarity, mild profanity). (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Tinseltown Layton)
ICE AGE — *** — Fox Animation's Oscar winner is a familiar, but still fun comedy. Running time: 81 minutes. PG (animated violence, vulgarity). (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Sugar House)
LASSIE — ** — The scene-stealing canine lead character is the best part of this lackluster 1994 family adventure based on the popular television series. Running time: 94 minutes. PG (violence). (Sunday, 2 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.: 5-Star, Gateway, Showcase, Spanish 8, Spanish Fork)
MAD HOT BALLROOM — *** — This documentary tries to tell a few too many stories about children in a ballroom dancing program in New York, though the kids' enthusiasm buoys the material. Running time: 105 minutes. PG (mild vulgarity). (Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m., SCERA, Orem)
MADAGASCAR — ** 1/2 — Heavy on jokes and light on story, DreamWorks' latest computer-animated comedy about zoo animals who escape does fly by quickly. Running time: 86 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, vulgarity, brief drugs, mild profanity). (Monday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., SCERA, Orem)
ROBOTS — ** — This thinly scripted but brilliantly animated comedy feels as mechanical as its characters. Running time: 91 minutes. PG (vulgarity, slapstick violence). (Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m., Jordan Landing)
SHREK — *** — You'll have fun with this irreverent, animated fairy tale. Running time: 87 minutes. PG (vulgarity, animated violence, brief profanity). (Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m., Cinemark American Fork)
SPIRIT: STALLION OF THE CIMARRON — ** — This animated adventure takes some risks, and several of them backfire. Running time: 84 minutes. PG (animated violence, mild vulgarity). (Today and Saturday, 11 a.m., Towne Cinema, American Fork)
THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE — *** — Some inspired moments make up for slow spots in this cartoon adventure. Running time: 88 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, mild profanity, brief partial animated nudity). (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Tinseltown Ogden)
STUART LITTLE — *** — This live-action adventure-comedy is miles better than its inferior sequel. Running time: 84 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, mild profanity). (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Sandy 9)
STUART LITTLE 2 — ** — This cashing-it-in sequel lacks the charm of its predecessor. Running time: 83 minutes. PG (violence, mild vulgarity, mild profanity). (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Cinemark 16 Provo)
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
AL OTRO LADO — Natalia Almada's documentary feature examines the lives of Mexican "corrido" musicians. Spanish with subtitles. Running time: 70 minutes. This film may feature some PG-rated content. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Salt Lake City Library, free)
COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER — **** — The cast — especially Oscar-winner Sissy Spacek — shines in director Michael Apted's biographical drama about country music legend Loretta Lynn. Running time: 125 minutes. PG (violence, profanity). (Tonight, 9 p.m., Park City Park, free)
FINDING NEVERLAND — *** 1/2 — This gentle drama, which stars Johnny Depp as "Peter Pan" creator J.M. Barrie, will probably wring a few tears from even the most cynical moviegoer. Running time: 106 minutes. PG (violence, mild vulgarity, profanity). (Monday, 9 p.m., Gallivan Center; Wednesday, 9 p.m., Sundance Village, free)
PRIDE & PREJUDICE — *** — Put in terms that Jane Austen might have used, the latest big-screen version of her beloved novel, starring Keira Knightley, is perfectly serviceable. Running time: 128 minutes. PG (mild profanity, vulgarity, nude artwork). (Monday, 7 p.m., Salt Lake City Library, free)
LARGE-FORMAT FILMS
ADRENALINE RUSH: THE SCIENCE OF RISK — ** 1/2 —This adventure can't decide if it's a documentary or an extreme-sports travelog. Running time: 40 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive). — Ivan M. Lincoln
DEEP SEA 3D — *** — This entertaining documentary minifeature is an up-close look at various forms of aquatic life. Running time: 40 minutes. G (animal violence).
JOURNEY INTO AMAZING CAVES — *** 1/2 — The makers of "Everest" manage to scale new heights in their latest documentary. Running time: 40 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive) — Margaret McGurk, The Cincinnati Enquirer
SHARKS 3D — ** 1/2 — This documentary doesn't offer much depth. Running time: 40 minutes. G (animal violence). — Jim Carnes, Sacramento Bee
SUPERMAN RETURNS 3D — Select theaters are showing the new film in the large-screen format, with a handful of 3-D sequences. (Megaplex 17)
THE SUPER SUMMER ADVENTURE FILM SERIES — The Clark Planetarium continues its summer-long kids programming with screenings of the documentary short "Space Station 3-D." Running time: 47 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive).
T-REX: BACK TO THE CRETACEOUS — *** — This minifeature about dinosaurs is a trip. Running time: 45 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive). — John Anderson, Los Angeles Times
WILD SAFARI 3D: A SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURE — *** — This cinematic safari's simple pleasures will be best experienced by the littlest ticket-holders. Running time: 45 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive). — Ned Martel, New York Times News Service
CONTINUING FILMS
AKEELAH AND THE BEE — *** — This low-key, charming drama about spelling bees has something to say about reaping the benefits of an education. Running time: 112 minutes. PG (profanity, vulgarity, racial epithets).
AN AMERICAN HAUNTING — ** 1/2 — A supernatural tale whose overbearing clamor is redeemed by engaging performances. Running time: 82 minutes. PG-13 (violence).— David Germain, Associated Press
THE BREAK-UP — ** 1/2 — Your enjoyment of this "un-romantic comedy" will depend on your tolerance for the fast-talking Vince Vaughn and his quip-filled dialogue. Running time: 105 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, violence, brief nudity, brief sex, ethnic slurs).
BRICK — *** — A noirish mystery-thriller set in high school that isn't nearly as precious as its premise would suggest. Running time: 110 minutes. R (violence, drugs, vulgarity, profanity, brief gore).
CARS — *** — This comedy about talking cars is the least of Pixar's animated features but still better than 90 percent of the big-screen cartoons out there. Running time: 116 minutes. G (vulgarity, violence).
CLICK — * 1/2 — This fantasy-flavored comedy is full of lowbrow humor. Running time: 108 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, sex, violence, drugs).
THE DA VINCI CODE — ** — Ron Howard's adaptation of the best-selling theological thriller is an over-plotted, long-winded mess. Running time: 149 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, profanity, nudity, vulgarity, drugs, brief sex).
DEAD MAN'S SHOES — * 1/2 — One of the more cruel films in recent memory, this revenge-thriller leaves a bad taste. Running time: 86 minutes. Not rated, probable R (profanity, violence, drugs, vulgarity, gore, brief sex, rape, brief partial nudity).
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA — *** — Meryl Streep's fiercely funny performance as a fashion-magazine editor is the highlight of this catty but predictable comedy. Running time: 106 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, violence).
DISTRICT B13 — *** — It has a few silly science-fiction elements, but this martial-arts thriller is still fun. French with subtitles. Running time: 85 minutes. R (violence, profanity, vulgarity, brief drugs, brief gore).
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT — * 1/2 — This film is a very expensive cinematic equivalent of foolhardy boys playing rough with their Hot Wheels cars. Running time: 104 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, sex). — David Germain, Associated Press
FRIENDS WITH MONEY —** 1/2 — Each of the women among this so-so comedy-drama's first-rate cast has her moments. Running time: 88 minutes. R (profanity, sex, drugs, vulgarity).
GARFIELD: A TAIL OF TWO KITTIES — * 1/2 — Despite his droll delivery, Bill Murray (who voices the title character) can't wring many laughs out of this lame sequel. Running time: 80 minutes. PG (vulgarity). — Christy Lemire, Associated Press
HOOT — ** — This silly family comedy features some of the dumbest slapstick this side of the Disney Channel. Running time: 90 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, mild profanity).
ICE AGE: THE MELTDOWN —** 1/2 — Where the first "Ice Age" was low-key, this less-funny sequel is more frantic. Running time: 90 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, mild profanity).
AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH — *** 1/2 — This global-warming documentary is well-crafted, compelling cinematic food for thought. Running time: 100 minutes. PG (violence, nude artwork, brief drugs).
THE LAKE HOUSE — ** — "Speed" stars Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves reunite for this slow-moving, contrived romantic fantasy. Running time: 105 minutes. PG (profanity, violence).
LOOK BOTH WAYS — *** — This Australian meditation on loss and love has some modest charms. Running time: 100 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, nude artwork, brief gore, brief sex).
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III — *** — This exciting, more character-involved sequel is easily the best of the three films. Tom Cruise stars. Running time: 126 minutes. PG-13 (violence, torture, profanity, brief drugs, vulgarity, nude artwork).
NACHO LIBRE — ** 1/2 — Director Jared Hess' comedy about a priest-turned-wrestler is pretty silly. Running time: 91 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity).
THE OMEN — ** — You can file this remake of the 1976 hit supernatural thriller under "Unnecessary." With a cross-reference to "Uninspired." Running time: 110 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, brief drugs, nude artwork).
OVER THE HEDGE — *** — The voice cast for this animated comedy clearly had a good time making it. And audiences will have a good time watching it. Running time: 87 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity).
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST — *** 1/2 — A considerable improvement over the first "Pirates" movie in the story department, though it is dark, intense and scary in some parts. Johnny Depp stars. Running time: 151 minutes. PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, brief gore, profanity, brief drugs, torture).
POSEIDON — * 1/2 — As far as disaster movies are concerned, this remake starring Kurt Russell is, well, a disaster. Running time: 98 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, brief gore, vulgarity).
A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION — *** — An ambling, rambling, folksy yarn that nicely captures the spirit of Garrison Keillor's music-and-comedy radio revue. Running time: 105 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity). — David Germain, Associated Press
RV —** — Star Robin Williams and director Barry Sonnenfeld get more mileage out of this silly road comedy than you'd expect. Running time: 98 minutes. PG (vulgarity, violence, profanity, brief drugs).
SCARY MOVIE 4 —* 1/2 — The latest in this scattershot series is just as crass as its predecessors. Running time: 83 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, violence, profanity, brief sex, brief drugs, brief nudity, ethnic slurs).
SEE NO EVIL — * — If only audiences could be spared from having to watch this sickeningly violent nonsense. WWE wrestler Kane stars. Running time: 84 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, drugs, brief sex, brief nudity).
STICK IT —** — There's a curious lack of energy in this gymnastics comedy's performances and direction. Jeff Bridges stars. Running time: 105 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, violence, vulgarity, racial epithets, brief drugs, nude artwork).
SUPERMAN RETURNS — *** — Bryan Singer's continuation of the Superman saga is the first of this summer's movies to actually deliver the goods, with more than a few "gee-whiz" moments. Running time: 154 minutes. PG-13 (violence, mild profanity, vulgarity, brief drugs)
THANK YOU FOR SMOKING —*** 1/2 — The movie adaptation of Christopher Buckley's best-selling satirical novel is a smart, funny and often perceptive work. Aaron Eckhart stars. Running time: 91 minutes. R (profanity, sex, drugs, vulgarity, violence).
THE WILD — * 1/2 — More crude and more violent than "Madagascar," which it resembles, this animated feature is rather questionable for a G-rated film. Running time: 85 minutes. G (violence, vulgarity).
WORDPLAY — *** — It's not as rewarding as filling out a challenging puzzle, but this documentary feature about the New York Times Crossword Puzzle is fun. Running time: 84 minutes. PG (profanity, vulgarity).
X-MEN: THE LAST STAND — ** — It doesn't stack up favorably with the first two movies, but the third cinematic X-adventure is certainly not the worst superhero film ever made. Running time: 104 minutes. PG-13 (violence, drugs, profanity, brief sex, brief gore, vulgarity, brief partial nudity).
Past movie reviews are available online; search for MOVIES at deseretnews.com.