New films in theaters this week:
-- "Adam" (rated PG-13), the 2009 Sundance Film Festival hit, a romantic drama about a man with Asperger syndrome.
-- "The Final Destination" (rated R), the latest installment in the hit horror series.
-- "Halloween II" (rated R), Rob Zombie's sequel to his horror remake.
-- "Taking Woodstock" (rated R), a fictionalized re-telling of efforts to put on the now-legendary music festival.
Neither of the horror films -- which were not widely pre-screened for critics -- are very good. In fact, the repellant "H2" is a disastrous step backwards for musician-turned-filmmaker Zombie.
At least the supposed "Final Destination" doesn't take itself too seriously. But it doesn't take full advantage of the 3D format. (The film is being shown in both 2D and 3D versions.)
And like the actual event, "Taking Woodstock" is messy. Comedian Demetri Martin is unconvincing in the more dramatic moments, though at least it's more watchable than the two aforementioned movies.
Poster art courtesy Fox Searchlight Pictures
By default, the sweeter-natured "Adam" is the week's best film. Hugh Dancy is good as the title character, and the romance between him and Rose Byrne has some appeals.
It's unfortunate that the film takes an unexpected turn, however. A subplot involving a character played by Peter Gallagher is much too reminiscent of one in the infinitely better comedy-drama "Say Anything" (1989).
Which, if any, of these movies fit into your weekend viewing plans?