Capsule reviews of feature films

The Philadelphia Inquirer (MCT) - AN AMERICAN CAROL 1 star. A Red State riposte that parodies Oscar-winning documentarian Michael Moore and his perceived lack of patriotism, from (formerly) funny parodist David Zucker. Jaw-droppingly lame reworking of Dickens' "Christmas Carol." 1 hr. 23 PG-13 (crude humor, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

ANOTHER GAY SEQUEL: GAYS GONE WILD 1 ˝ stars. The guys from "Another Gay Movie" are back, and they're out for action on spring break in Florida. 1 hr. 35 No MPAA rating (nudity, explicit sexuality, profanity, adult themes, Perez Hilton cameo) _ Tirdad Derakhshani.

APPALOOSA 3 stars. A Western quarried from the same glowing sandstone as director/star Ed Harris, as a hired gun who cleans up a New Mexico town with the help of his trusted lieutenant, Viggo Mortenson. Renee Zellweger is the mysterious woman who comes between the men, and also between the men and the task at hand. With Jeremy Irons. 1 hr. 47 R (discreet nudity, indiscreet profanity, gun violence) _ Carrie Rickey

BABYLON A.D. 3 stars. Vin Diesel returns to action mode in this gripping futuristic thriller as a mercenary smuggling a mysterious girl into Manhattan. Not for the faint of heart. 1 hr. 30 PG _ David Hiltbrand

BANGKOK DANGEROUS 1 star. Run for your lives. Nicolas Cage stars as an assassin for hire on his final assigment in Thailand in this horrid shoot-'em-up. 1 hr. 39 R (intense violence, profanity, adult themes, nudity) _ David Hiltbrand

BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA 3 stars. In this live-action film, Drew Barrymore and George Lopez, both hilarious, are the voices of a pampered Chihuahua and a proletarian one, who share an adventure in Mexico when she is dognapped. 1 hr. 27 PG (mildly scary dogfight sequence, appropriate for children four and older) _ Carrie Rickey

BLINDNESS 2 stars. Fernando Meirelles' hopelessly arty apocalyptic parable stars Julianne Moore as a nameless wife in a city where thousands _ among them her husband (Mark Ruffalo) _ have suddenly, inexplicably gone blind. Panic and ignoble behavior ensues. 2 hrs. R (violence, sex, nudity, profanity, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

BOTTLE SHOCK 2 stars. A great story _ and true, more or less _ about a blind taste testing that brought then-obscure California labels to the forefront of the wine world in the mid-'70s. Wants to be "Sideways," but isn't. With Bill Pullman and Alan Rickman. 1 hr. 50 PG-13 (sex, profanity, drugs, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

BRIDESHEAD REVISITED 3 stars. Evelyn Waugh's novel, plushly and passionately adapted to the screen, is graced with excellent performances. Emma Thompson, Matthew Goode, Ben Whishaw and Hayley Atwell star in the costume drama where a romantic triangle is complicated by the religious trinity. 2 hrs. 15 PG-13 (brief nudity, sex) _ Carrie Rickey

BURN AFTER READING 3 stars. George Clooney, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt and Tilda Swinton star in the Coen Brothers' ricocheting spy spoof/sex farce/midlife crisis comedy, set in Washington's cloak and dagger world _ and also in a fitness club, where a top secret CIA document turns up. Extortion, and Internet dating, ensues. 1 hr. 36 R (violence, sex, profanity, adult themes) _ Steven Rea.

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CHOKE 2 ˝ stars. Nimble indie actor Sam Rockwell never quite finds the right pitch in this too low-key adaptation of the Chuck Palahnuik cult novel about a sex addict, his life and loves. With Kelly Macdonald and Anjelica Huston. 1 hr. 32 R (sex, profanity, nudity, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

THE DARK KNIGHT 3 stars. This sequel to 2005's "Batman Begins" has the caped crusader (Christian Bale) teaming up with police Lt. Gordon (Gary Oldman) and a new D.A. (Aaron Eckhart) to take on the Joker (Heath Ledger in his final film). 2 hrs. 32 PG-13 (intense violence, sadism, threats to children) _ Carrie Rickey

DEATH RACE 2 stars. In this nose-to-the-grindstone action film, Jason Statham is pitted against other prisoners in heavily armed vehicles. The movie, like the convicts, has nowhere to go. 1 hr. 29 R (Strong violence and language) _ David Hiltbrand

THE DUCHESS 3 stars. Ravishing as a Gainsborough painting, this highlt-varnished portrait of Georgiana, the 18th-century fashionplate, political hostess and ancestor of Princess Diana, stars a glittering Keira Knightley as the wife of glum nobleman Ralph Fiennes, who prefers the company of loyal dogs and submissive mistress to that of his celebrity wife. For the most part excellent, but feels unfinished. 1 hr. 50 PG-13 (sexual content, discreet sexual violence, brief nudity) _ Carrie Rickey

EAGLE EYE 2 ˝ stars. Shia LeBeouf and Michelle Monaghan are strangers on the run in a high-tech action thriller with a post-9/11 terrorism conspiracy plot that makes no sense whatsoever. With Billy Bob Thornton, Rosario Dawson and the disembodied voice of Julianne Moore. 1 hr. 58 PG-13 (violence, profanity, action, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

THE EDGE OF HEAVEN 3 ˝ stars. A near-perfect, heart-breaking, suspenseful story about the connections between strangers, families and cultures. German-Turkish filmmaker Fatih Akin explores big themes _ and even gets in some taut political thriller elements _ in this beautifully shot, beautifully acted pic, set in Bremen, Hamburg and Istanbul. No MPAA rating (sex, nudity, violence, profanity, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

ELEGY 3 stars. In Isabel Coixet's adaptation of the Philip Roth novella "The Dying Animal," Ben Kingsley is superb as an intellectual in lust, likewise Penelope Cruz as his graduate student who inflames the professor's belated love. With Patricia Clarkson, Dennis Hopper and Peter Sarsgaard. 1 hr. 53 R (nudity, sex, profanity ) _ Carrie Rickey

EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE ITALIAN 2 stars. A Boston fishmonger and a cute veternarian meet at an Italian singles night in this indie romantic comedy _ steeped in ethnic stereotypes and saucy humor _ that wants desperately to be "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." Good luck. 1 hr. 45 R (sex, profanity, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

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FLASH OF GENIUS 3 stars. All-around regular guy Greg Kinnear stars as all-around regular guy and real-life inventor Robert Kearns in this surprisingly engaging tale of _ hold onto your hat _ patent infringement! The little man fights the system, and Ford Motor Company, in this sometimes dark, Capraesque tale. 1 hr. 58 PG-13 (profanity, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

FROZEN RIVER 4 stars. Melissa Leo and Misty Upham co-star in this urgent and incomparably moving first feature from Courtney Hunt about the survival, fortitude and unexpected deliverance of two single mothers. 1 hr. 37 R (language) _ Carrie Rickey

GHOST TOWN 2 stars. Ricky Gervais stars as a cranky New York dentist who suddenly has the ability to see dead people _ one of whom (Greg Kinnear) wants him to romance his widow (Tea Leoni). It's ostensibly a comedy, but one in which the (normally) brilliantly funny Gervais is more dull than he is droll. 1 hr. 42 PG-13 (profanity, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

A GIRL CUT IN TWO 3 ˝ stars. A cool study of erotic longing, misguided love and class warfare in the civilized spheres of French society, from the nimble master of suspense, director Claude Chabrol. 1 hr. 54 No MPAA rating (sex, violence, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

GREETINGS FROM THE SHORE 2 ˝ stars. Newcomer Jenny Shaw stars in this sweet, small romance as a girl who spends the summer working in a New Jersey beach town. With Paul Sorvino and David Fumero. 1 hr. 56 R (profanity) _ David Hiltbrand

THE GROCER'S SON 3 stars. Not the touristy Provence of Peter Mayle, but this small, seductive movie set in the south of France offers its own simple pleasures. The story of an adrift young man (Nicolas Cazale) reluctantly returned to his childhood home is unpretentious, charming. 1 hr. 36 No MPAA rating (sex, nudity, profanity, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

HAMLET 2. 2 stars. A no-talent actor (Steve Coogan) turned high school drama teacher salvages his career by staging a multi-media, multi-culti, multi-untalented musical sequel to the Bard's tragedy in which everyone dies. With Catherine Keener, Elisabeth Shue and Amy Poehler. 1 hr. 34 R (profanity, brief nudity) _ Carrie Rickey

HANCOCK 3 ˝ stars. Will Smith stars as a problem-plagued, screw-up superhero in this dark, funny, rollicking tale of rehabilitation, redemption and really cool special effects. With Jason Bateman and an awesome Charlize Theron. 1 hr. 33 PG-13 (profanity, violence, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

HOUNDDOG 3 stars. In this disturbing and bleak film, a young waif (Dakota Fanning) in rural Alabama struggles with the aftermath of her rape. 1 hr. 33 R (disturbing sexual assault of a young girl, and brief sexuality) _ David Hiltbrand

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THE HOUSE BUNNY 2 stars. The "Legally Blonde" screenwriters' half-funny tale of a Playboy playmate (Anna Faris) who becomes house mother to a college sorority of misfit girls. She teaches them how to be sexy, they smarten her up. Starring the divine Anna Faris. PG-13 (sexual innuendo, profanity, coarse humor) _ Carrie Rickey

HOW TO LOSE FRIENDS AND ALIENATE PEOPLE 1 ˝ stars. Simon Pegg stars as an obnoxious Brit hired to write for a Manhattan mag in this desperately unfunny adaptation of Toby Young's memoir about his stint at Vanity Fair. Kirsten Dunst is onboard as his boss/Love Interest, with Jeff Bridges and Megan Fox. Pomposity and foolishness abound, but the laughs do not. 1 hr. 50 R (sex, nudity, profanity, drugs, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

I.O.U.S.A. 3 ˝ stars. A salient, scary documentary about America's current financial crisis and what it means for our future. It's not easy making economics sexy or exciting, and Patrick Creadon's doc has its pie charts and bar graphs, but it delivers its dark, doom-laden message with more than a little humor, too. 1 hr. 25 PG (adult themes) _ Steven Rea

I SERVED THE KING OF ENGLAND 3 stars. As Hitler ravishes Europe through intimidation and murder, a modest Czech waiter named Jan (Ivan Barnev) ravishes European women with a boyish smile and floral tributes. Director Jiri Menzel's portrait of a simpleton is at once a tribute to the resilience of the Czech character and a condemnation of a Nazi collaborator. 2 hrs. No MPAA rating (nudity, sex, profanity) _ Carrie Rickey

LAKEVIEW TERRACE 2 stars. Samuel L. Jackson stars as a bigot cop who can't abide the interracial couple that've moved in next door in this neighbor-from-Hell thriller painted over with Crash-like social commentary. 1 hr. 50 PG-13 (violence, sex, profanity, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

THE LUCKY ONES 3 stars. Rachel McAdams, Michael Pena and Tim Robbins are three soldiers _ and strangers _ returned from Iraq and sharing a rented minivan as they drive from New York to Las Vegas. A funny, sad, deftly made road movie that deserves to be seen. 1 hr. 53 R (sex, profanity, violence, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA 3 stars. If Spike Lee's "Miracle at St. Anna," about African-American soldiers separated from their unit in Italy during World War II, were a symphony, you'd think, three sublime movements, a fourth turgid as hell, and what's with the wacky coda? Passionate and powerful in passages, diffuse and confusing in others. 2 hrs. 40 R (war violence, nudity, sexuality) _ Carrie Rickey

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MISTER FOE 3 ˝ stars. Jamie Bell stars in this pervy, poignant tale of a boy on the brink of manhood, still reeling from the death of his mother, and stalking a beautiful young doppelganger (Sophia Myles) through the streets of Edinburgh. 1 hr. 35 R (sex, nudity, profanity, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR 2 stars. Brendan Fraser is back (but Rachel Weisz isn't) in the second sequel to the ersatz "Indiana Jones" hit. The cliche-laden hodgepodge of period-piece chopsocky takes place in 1947 China, where an evil 2000-year-old emperor has returned to life, requiring everyone to run around, shout and fight. With Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh _ and Maria Bello as Weisz replacement. 1 hr. 53 PG-13 (violence, action, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST 3 stars. The appealing Michael Cera and Kat Dennings, respectively skinny as a dumstick and shapely as a Fender stratocaster, co-star in this all-nighter about high-school seniors who find love while looking for an alusive indie band. 1 hr. 30 PG-13 (underage drinking, sexuality, profanity) _ Carrie Rickey

NIGHTS IN RODANTHE 3 stars. Inner change at the Outer Banks as an emotionally detached doctor (Richard Gere) creative unlocks a thwarted artist (Diane Lane) who shows him how to attach. From the Nicholas Sparks novel, which is to tear duct what the milking machine is to cow udder. 1 hr. 37 PG-13 (sensuality) _ Carrie Rickey

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS 2 ˝ stars. A stoner comedy with a "Superbad" template and a penchant for jokey violence by way of Tarantino, this latest low-brow, screwball, Judd Apatow-overseen romp teams an inspired James Franco with Seth Rogen _ they're like Abbott and Costello soaked in THC. 1 hr. 51 R (violence, profanity, drugs, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

RELIGULOUS 2 ˝ stars. Irreverent Bill Maher, controversialist and host of HBO's "Real Time," is the host of this pageant of irreverence, impiously demandis believers to deliver proof of why they believe. Initially quite funny, but by film's end the sceptical Maher sounds as absolutely certain as the true believers he mocks. 1 hr. 41 R (blasphemous humor) _ Carrie Rickey

RIGHTEOUS KILL 2 stars. Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, titans of American acting, together again (after "Heat") as NYPD cops who may be vigilante killers. With 50 Cent, Carla Gugino and Brian Dennehy. 1 hr. 40 R (violence, profanity, sex, drugs) _ Carrie Rickey

THE ROCKER 2 ˝ stars. "The Office's" Rainn Wilson stars as a Cleveland loser who almost became a rock star 20 years ago. Now he gets a second chance _ playing drums in his nephew's group at the high school prom. A Jack Black comedy minus Jack Black, slight and silly, with a few Spinal Tap-ish moments. 1 hr. 42 PG-13 (profanity, drugs, nudity, adolescent and adult themes) _ Steven Rea

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THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2 3 stars. Second time around, the jeans are an even better fit. During summer after freshman year in college, each of the the Fab Four (Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera, Blake Lively and Amber Tamblyn) wrestle with their primal fear. Director Sanaa Hamri elicits nuanced performances in this charmer. 1 hr. 57 PG-13 (discreet discussions of oregnancy and mental illness, discreet pans across the male form) _ Carrie Rickey

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS 2 stars. PG-rated animation squarely aimed at younger audiences who presumably won't mind that the plot is endless light-saber duels and dogfights. 1 hr. 38 PG (cartoon violence) _ Carrie Rickey

STEALING AMERICA: VOTE BY VOTE 3 stars. A persuasive, troubling documentary detailing rampant voter fraud and voting machine tampering in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections, and other state and local elections nationwide. No MPAA rating (adult themes) _ Steven Rea

TOWELHEAD 3 ˝ stars. A 13-year-old Arab American girl (Summer Bishil) copes with raging hormones and new surroundings when her mother sends her to live with her strict, traditional father in Texas. 1 hr. 56 R (for strong disturbing sexual content and abuse involving a young teen, and profanity) _ Carrie Rickey

TRAITOR 2 ˝ stars. Don Cheadle, wiry and wired, delivers an elctrifying performance as an apparent Muslim terrorist. His efforts are defused by Jeffrey Nachmanoff's diffuse direction. With Guy Pearce, Said Taghmaoui and Jeff Daniels. 1 hr. 54 PG-13 (action, violence, profanity) _ Carrie Rickey

TRANSSIBERIAN 3 stars. Emily Mortimer and Woody Harrelson are an American couple hopping the train from Beijing to Moscow in this morally complex, if plot-wobbly thriller, featuring drug-smuggling backpackers and nightmare tales of travel abroad. With Ben Kingsley as a Russian detective. 1 hr. 51 R (violence, sex, profanity, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

TROPIC THUNDER 3 stars. Ben Stiller's raunchy, raucous and riotously funny parody of outsized Hollywood war movies and outsized Hollywood egos is so acutely self-conscious that it produces the effect of a comedian delivering color commentary on his jokes. Robert Downey Jr. is sidesplitting as an actor who chemically darkens his skin to play a black sergeant, ditto Matthew McConaughey and Tom Cruise as an agent and a producer. 1 hr. 47 R (violence, carnage, drugs, profanity, sexual references) _ Carrie Rickey

TROUBLE THE WATER 2 ˝ stars. This documentary, by turns disturbing and inspirational, follows a poor but brave couple who survive the ravages of Katrina and their ordeals in the wake of the storm. 1 hr. 36 No MPAA rating (profanity) _ David Hiltbrand

VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA 3 ˝ stars. Woody Allen's rectangular tale of love and longing, friendship and art, stars Javier Bardem as a Spanish artist intent on seducing a pair of young Americans _ played by Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson _ and dealing with his crazy, explosive ex (Penelope Cruz) in the process. It's a rich romantic reverie. 1 hr. 37 PG-13 (sex, profanity, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

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THE WACKNESS 3 stars. A smart comedy that serves as both bittersweet coming-of-age tale and '90s nostalgia piece, with Josh Peck as a dope-dealing New Yorker in the summer between high school and college, falling in love with his pot-smoking shrink's beautiful, aloof step-daughter (Olivia Thirlby). Ben Kingsley and Famke Janssen co-star. 1 hr. 35 R (sex, nudity, profanity, drugs, adult themes) _ Steven Rea

THE WOMEN 2 ˝ stars. Intermittently amusing update of the '30s classic about Park Avenue matrons who behave like a kennel of female dogs. Meg Ryan is the wronged wife whose friends Annette Bening, Jada Pinkett Smith and Debra Messing rally around her while secretly pleased that in her misery she is mortal, just like them. With Eva Mendes and Candice Bergen. Adapted and directed by Diane English. 1 hr. 54 PG-13 (sexual innuendo, brief drug use) _ Carrie Rickey

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RATINGS:

4 stars: Excellent; 3 stars: Good; 2 stars: Fair; 1 star: Poor

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© 2008, The Philadelphia Inquirer.