"Wanted" is very much a comic book in film form, albeit a bloody, vulgar, ridiculously fun comic book. A nebbishy office worker (James McAvoy) is recruited by Angelina Jolie into a secret society of assassins who have superhuman powers... do we really need to tell you it's best to turn off your brain and just enjoy?
"The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian": The fanciful, Disney-produced versions of the C.S. Lewis fantasy novels continue by taking the youngsters (played again by William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley) from the previous story back to the land of Narnia, where much has changed. It's 13 centuries later than when they first were there, and the nobleman meant to rule the land – Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) – has been targeted for death. He involves the siblings in a revolt against the schemers. Peter Dinklage and Eddie Izzard also star. Liam Neeson (in voice only) and Tilda Swinton also return from the first film. DVD extras: audio commentary by director Andrew Adamson and cast members. *** (PG: V)
"Step Brothers": Previously together in "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly are linked again as forced relatives in this comedy, which will appeal most to those who like seeing grown men act like children. That's the path the two actors take as their characters must live together when their parents (Mary Steenburgen, Richard Jenkins) marry, and it doesn't take long for their rivalry to explode. The tale was directed and co-written by Ferrell's frequent collaborator, Adam McKay. DVD extras: "making-of" documentary; audio commentary by Ferrell, Reilly, McKay and basketball player Baron Davis; extended and alternate scenes; outtakes; music video. ** (R and unrated versions: AS, P)
"The X-Files: I Want to Believe": Ten years after the first movie spinoff of the long-running sci-fi series, Mulder and Scully (David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson) are brought back into the FBI to resume their search for the truth behind paranormal occurrences. An agent has vanished, and it's up to the reunited partners to determine what happened. Series mentor Chris Carter returns as director, and Amanda Peet plays another federal operative. DVD extras: two "making-of" documentaries; audio commentary by Carter and co-producer and co-writer Frank Spotnitz; deleted scenes; outtakes; photo galleries; music video. *** (PG-13: AS, V)
"Wanted": An office drone (James McAvoy) doesn't realize that, like his father, he has secret skills as an assassin in this fast-paced adventure based on a comic-book series. With an enemy (Thomas Kretschmann) hot on his heels, he agrees to submit to training by mentors (Angelina Jolie, again channeling her inner Lara Croft, and Morgan Freeman) who help him perfect the art of killing. Terence Stamp and rapper Common also are featured. DVD extras: eight "making-of" documentaries; extended scene; two featurettes. *** (R: AS, P, GV)
"Fly Me to the Moon": The first animated movie made fully in 3-D makes a real-life event, the flight of Apollo 11, its springboard. The astronauts – including Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, who turns up in the film himself – don't realize they have extra passengers aboard: several houseflies who stow away on the spaceship, then have interesting times in zero gravity. The voice cast includes Christopher Lloyd, Tim Curry, Nicollette Sheridan, Ed Begley, Robert Patrick, Adrienne Barbeau and Kelly Ripa. Two pairs of 3-D glasses are included. *** (G)
"The Longshots": Impressive in "Akeelah and the Bee," Keke Palmer also does fine work as the first-ever female player in the history of Pop Warner football in this true story, directed by Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit musical fame. Ice Cube also stars as the young woman's uncle, a former pro player who decides to stick around and serve as an inspiration to her when he sees how proficient she is on the playing field. *** (PG: AS, P)
"THE DARK KNIGHT" (Dec. 9): Batman ( Christian Bale) squares off with the Joker ( Heath Ledger) in director Christopher Nolan's box-office blockbuster. (PG-13: AS, V)
"HORTON HEARS A WHO!" (Dec. 9): The classic Dr. Seuss story gets fresh animated treatment, with Jim Carrey supplying the voice of the title elephant. (G)
" THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR" (Dec. 16): The son of adventurer Rick ( Brendan Fraser) accidentally unleashes the shape-shifting spirit of a vengeful, ancient emperor ( Jet Li). (PG-13: AS, V)
"THE HOUSE BUNNY" (Dec. 19): After being kicked out of the Playboy Mansion, a bombshell (Anna Faris) lands at the door of a college sorority. (PG-13: AS, N, P)
"BANGKOK DANGEROUS" (Jan. 6): A professional killer ( Nicolas Cage) abandons his "loner" status and risks involvement with others in the Pang brothers' remake of their own Hong Kong thriller. (R: AS, P, V)
"MY BEST FRIEND'S GIRL" (Jan. 13): Enlisted to help win back a friend's ( Jason Biggs) former girlfriend ( Kate Hudson) for him, a fellow (Dane Cook) starts falling for her himself. (R: AS, N, P)
FAMILY VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity;
P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence
"Wanted" is very much a comic book in film form, albeit a bloody, vulgar, ridiculously fun comic book. A nebbishy office worker (James McAvoy) is recruited by Angelina Jolie into a secret society of assassins who have superhuman powers... do we really need to tell you it's best to turn off your brain and just enjoy?
