"Sahara" (Paramount)
Lackluster and, at times, absurdly silly action adventure about a roguish treasure hunter (Matthew McConaughey), who, along with his sidekick (Steve Zahn), helps a U.N. doctor (Penelope Cruz) investigate a mysterious plague outbreak in a war-torn African nation which they think may be somehow linked to their search for a long-lost Civil War battleship. Directed by Breck Eisner and based on the novel by Clive Cussler, the humor-laced film, though intermittently entertaining as escapist fare, is weighed down by vapid performances, a mediocre script, risible dialogue and an overemphasis on tedious action sequences over character and story. Recurring action violence and minimal rude expressions. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Saint of 9/11" (IFC)
Sir Ian McKellen narrates this moving tribute to Franciscan Father Mychal Judge, the New York fire chaplain who was the first official casualty of the World Trade Center terror attack of Sept. 11, 2001. Director Glenn Holsten's sentimental documentary features heartfelt testimonials from those whose lives he touched: firemen, alcoholics, the homeless, gays and AIDS patients, along all too little footage of Father Judge himself. Father Judge's homosexual orientation and status as a recovered alcoholic are not avoided, but there's an unfortunate inference in the film that in ministering to those groups he was being more compassionate than the church itself. Some disturbing images of the World Trade Center, reference to his gay orientation and former alcohol abuse, and remarks offering questionable criticisms of the church. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

"Saint Ralph" (Samuel Goldwyn)
Fanciful but extraordinarily moving film about a 14-year-old boy (Adam Butcher) who believes only a miracle can bring his hospitalized mother out of her coma, so with no prior experience in running he decides his miracle will be winning the Boston Marathon and trains with one of his teachers, former runner Father Hibbert (Campbell Scott), all to the consternation of stern Father Fitzpatrick (Gordon Pinsent), the school's principal who believes talk of miracles is blasphemous. Some of writer-director Michael McGowan's dialogue has a not-quite-natural quality though this is clearly meant to be a fable, while certain elements of the story -- the boy's admitted habits of "self-abuse," a scene of a naked woman in a locker room, a portrayal of church authority as unduly restrictive -- complicate what might otherwise be ideal entertainment for all ages, and limit the film's appropriateness to adults and older adolescents. Profanity, rear nudity, a nonexplicit masturbation scene, underage drinking and smoking. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Saints & Sinners" (Avatar)
A documentary about a gay couple who are Catholic and want to have their union recognized by the Catholic Church. Writer-director Abigail Honor offers a sympathetic portrayal of the two men but the film neglects to coherently and credibly communicate the church's teachings on homosexuality, specifically its teaching on same-sex unions and accepting the homosexual person with respect and sensitivity. Advocacy of same-sex marriage, fleeting rear nudity and an instance of rough language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

"The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause " (Disney)
Lame third go-round in which an overwhelmed Santa (Tim Allen) must balance family responsibilities -- including a pregnant Mrs. C (Elizabeth Mitchell) and visiting in-laws (Ann-Margret and Alan Arkin) -- and his stressful seasonal duties, while a jealous Jack Frost (Martin Short) tries to usurp Santa by sabotaging his North Pole operations and tricking him into giving up the red suit. The movie's sweet message about the importance of family and the power of love, unfortunately, comes wrapped in a slapdash script clumsily directed by Michael Lembeck, who, in rightly criticizing the crass commercialization of Christmas, forwards a secular view of the holiday that ignores its religious underpinning. Brief mildly rude humor and a minor divorce theme. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is G -- general audiences. All ages admitted.

"Saraband" (Sony Pictures Classics)
Somber but intelligent film -- divided into 10 "chapters" -- about a lawyer (Liv Ullmann) who pays a surprise visit to the husband (Erland Josephson) she divorced 32 years ago, becoming embroiled in the tensions between the man and his estranged conductor son (Borje Ahlstedt) and aspiring cellist granddaughter (Julia Dufvenius). Master Ingmar Bergman's austere sequel to his groundbreaking "Scenes from a Marriage" of 1973, and his announced filmmaking swan song, features predictably superb performances from his actors, but even with the serious moral themes at work here, the talky film is heavy going and there's even a vaguely incestuous relationship between father and daughter. Subtitles. Profanity and crude language, brief domestic violence, attempted suicide, brief full-frontal nudity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Saved!" (United Artists)
Tart teen comedy about a senior (Jena Malone) at an evangelical high school, who, after her boyfriend (Chad Faust) tells her that he thinks he is gay, sleeps with him in an attempt to "cure" him and winds up getting pregnant, sending her into a spiritual tailspin and putting her at odds with her sanctimonious best friend (Mandy Moore). Directed by Brian Dannelly, the film uses satire to offer a scalding critique of hypocrisy and puffed-up piety, but its wall-to-wall bashing of conservative Christians, which at times stoops to irreverent lows, displays the same sort of insensitivity which the movie purportedly decries. Religious stereotypes, an implied teen sexual encounter, homosexual references, recurring rough and crude language, profanity and several sacrilegious jokes. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Saw III" (Lionsgate)
Homicidal mastermind Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) -- now on his deathbed and aided by a young apprentice (Shawnee Smith) -- is at it again, devising depraved games for his two latest pawns: a father (Angus Macfadyen) grieving the death of his son, and a melancholy doctor (Bahar Soomekh) who is kidnapped and brought to Jigsaw alive. New players, same sadism, as director Darren Lynn Bousman piles on the gore in inventing more grisly ways to shock audiences increasingly desensitized to brutality. Graphic and gratuitous violence, including cruel scenes of torture and self-mutilation, a bloody surgical procedure, shadowy full frontal nudity, as well as much rough and crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

"Scary Movie 3" (Dimension)
Lame-brained comedy about a TV reporter (Anna Faris) who uncovers a convergence of cosmic calamities, including a set of mysterious crop circles (on a farm owned by Charlie Sheen), an imminent alien invasion and a sinister videotape. As now directed by David Zucker, this third spoof of current fright flicks and pop culture is still fueled by a lowest-common-denominator gutter mentality in which jokey punch-lines often involve a bodily fluid or sexual innuendo, plummeting from lighthearted lampoon to distasteful irreverence when it makes priestly pedophilia an occasion for laughter. Pervasive crude and sexual humor, some comic violence, scattered drug references, recurring crass expressions, as well as an instance of rough language and profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"School of Rock" (Paramount)
A failed cash-hungry rocker (Jack Black) poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious elementary school where he introduces rock 'n' roll into the academy's stodgy reading, writing and arithmetic curriculum, encouraging them to explore sides of themselves their parents and the school's by-the-book principal (Joan Cusack) discourage. Despite some humorous riffs, the film's upbeat and amped-up message about pursuing one's dreams -- think Jimi Hendrix meets "Dead Poets Society" -- is undermined by a problematic bass rhythm through which director Richard Linklater pokes fun at parental authority and the value of any subject that can't be learned on an electric guitar. Some crude humor and language, as well as several drug references. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed" (Warner Bros.)
Stale sequel which finds Fred (Freddie Prinze Jr.), Daphne (Sarah Michelle Gellar), Velma (Linda Cardellini), Shaggy (Matthew Lillard) and Scooby (voiced by Neil Fanning) having to thwart a masked madman who is threatening to use a monster-making machine to turn their home town of Coolsville into Ghoulsville. Like his 2002 predecessor, director Raja Gosnell's intentionally campy film stays true to its cartoon roots, with spot-on characterizations of the groovy ghost-busters; however, it rarely progresses past the same sort of self-conscious parody of the first flick, resulting in a movie full of forced, retread humor and bloated special-effects sequences, lacking freshness -- not to mention a coherent plot. Some mild crude language and puerile humor, as well as some scary action sequences. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

"Seabiscuit" (Universal)
Fact-based, Depression-era tale chronicling how Seabiscuit, a temperamental, bargain-basement racehorse, was transformed with the support of his patient owner (Jeff Bridges), resourceful trainer (Chris Cooper) and scrappy, hard-luck jockey (Tobey Maguire) from an ungainly loser to a racetrack record-setter whose hard-won triumphs lifted the spirits of the struggling American populace. Based on Laura Hillenbrand's same-titled best seller, writer-director Gary Ross' film condenses the story into a feel-good winning style marred by some heavy-handedness but buoyed by classy period visuals and deft performances. An implied sexual encounter, brief racetrack and boxing ring violence and some profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"The Sea Is Watching" (TriStar)
Tender tale set in 19th-century Japan about a young, forlorn Japanese woman yearning to escape her emotionally barren life as a geisha, who ultimately finds true romance when the tides bring in a mysterious man, himself in need of healing. Despite protracted pacing and moments of melodrama, the richly textured film, directed by Kei Kumai from a screenplay by legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, is full of enchanting, skillfully crafted visuals, and offers a poetic, bittersweet message about the transforming power of love and the inherent dignity of the human person. Subtitles. Sexual encounters with partial nudity, a rape and some violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Secondhand Lions" (New Line)
Exceptional coming-of-age heartwarmer about an introverted boy (Haley Joel Osment) who grows up during a summer spent on the Texas farm of his two eccentric uncles (Robert Duvall and Michael Caine) after being abandoned by his mother. Directed by Tim McCanlies, the film hits all the right emotional notes, resulting in an enchanting yarn about family and the transmission of values as generations change hands. Some thematic elements, sporadic mildly crude language and some action violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

"Secret Lives: Hidden Children and Their Rescuers During WWII" (Cinema Guild)
Uplifting documentary about Jewish children saved from the Nazis by non-Jewish families who, at great personal risk, took them into their own homes. Academy-Award winning filmmaker Aviva Slesin, herself a former hidden child in Lithuania, weaves together haunting archival footage, personal photographs, and interviews with both fellow survivors and the families who harbored them to create a portrait of luminous courage in the face of unfathomable darkness. Some fleeting, violent archival images, as well as some emotionally disturbing content. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

"The Secret Lives of Dentists" (Manhattan)
Domestic drama about a dispassionate suburban dentist (Campbell Scott) whose life unravels when he suspects his wife (Hope Davis), also a dentist, of infidelity. Peppered with pitch-black humor and bolstered by fine performances, director Alan Rudolph's at times off-kilter study of marital dysfunction ultimately stresses the importance of spousal communication in maintaining a loving and committed marriage. Brief sexual encounter, sensual fantasy sequences, an instance of same-sex kissing, as well as recurring rough language and profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Secret Window" (Columbia)
Absorbing psychological thriller set in an isolated lakefront cabin about a successful novelist (Johnny Depp) who is terrorized by a stranger (John Turturro) claiming that the author plagiarized one of his short stories and demanding restitution, threatening the scribe with a brand of backwater justice that includes cold-blooded murder. Based on a novella by Stephen King and buttressed by top-notch performances, writer-director David Koepp avoids buckets of blood in favor of more muted chills, crafting a suspenseful exploration of isolation and madness. Recurring gory violence, a discreet fleeting sexual encounter, some crude language and profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Seducing Doctor Lewis" (WellSpring Media)
Charming Canadian comedy about residents of a fallen-on-hard-times fishing community (led by Raymond Bouchard) who must lure a young physician (David Boutin) from the big city and persuade him to stay on in their tiny town as its full-time resident doctor to convince a company to build on their island a factory which would supply the unemployed locals with much-needed jobs. French-Canadian director Jean-Francois Pouliot combines a sweet story with solid across-the-board performances from his ensemble cast to craft a simple but exceptionally well-told tale full of hope which celebrates the importance of tradition in the life of a community and the role work plays in enhancing human dignity. Subtitles. Some minor crude language and sexual humor and an instance of drug abuse. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

"Seed of Chucky" (Rogue Pictures)
Schlocky fifth installment of the "Child's Play" campy horror franchise, in which foulmouthed, killer doll Chucky (voiced by Brad Dourif) and his bloodthirsty bride (voiced by Jennifer Tilly) are resurrected by their gender-confused offspring (voiced by Billy Boyd), setting the stage for another murderous rampage. Directed by Don Mancini, the formulaic gorefest sinks to new lows by saddling this go-round's mindless mayhem with an irreverent subplot involving the virgin birth. Gratuitous gore and violence, sacrilegious and sexual humor, including a masturbation scene, brief shower nudity and rough and crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Seraphim Falls" (Samuel Goldwyn/Destination)
Downbeat, post-Civil War chase film with surrealistic flourishes, as bedraggled ex-soldier (Pierce Brosnan in an impressively gritty change of pace) flees relentless pursuer (Liam Neeson) and posse, while enduring bitter cold, raging waterfalls, gunshot wounds and other vicissitudes before the film climaxes with a redemptive confrontation in the desert. Director and co-writer David Von Ancken pays homage to iconic Westerns of the past, but his script is disappointingly routine, and much of what's here feels merely like an uninspired retread. Though the leads are solid, there's an enjoyable cameo by Angelica Huston, and the resolution is admirably moral, there's a tiresomely contrived air to the whole enterprise. Sporadic brutal if reasonably restrained violence, a mercy killing, a gruesome bullet removal and some crude language and profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

"Shall We Dance?" (Miramax)
Delightful remake of 1996 Japanese film, now set in Chicago, about a lawyer (Richard Gere) in a rut with his loving but preoccupied wife (Susan Sarandon) and two teenage kids, whose life is transformed when he secretly enrolls in a ballroom dancing school, after he observes a beautiful and sad woman (Jennifer Lopez) looking out of the school's window. Director Peter Chelsom directs Gere in one of his best roles, Sarandon is appealing as the wife wondering at her husband's late nights, and Lopez has an ideal part as the emotionally damaged dance instructor with whom the husband bonds, with the dancing scenes a special treat. Wonderful feeling of uplift in terms of following one's dreams, and strong affirmation of family. A few instances of rough and crass language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"The Shape of Things" (Focus)
Thought-provoking drama about an iconoclastic graduate art student (Rachel Weisz) who uses the manipulating palette knife of suggestion to transform the appearance and personality of her boyfriend (Paul Rudd), proving that seduction is an art. Director Neil LaBute subverts the Pygmalion story, employing cerebral dialogue, pitch-black wit and a disturbingly manipulative narrative to explore the subjectivity of perception and society's fascination with surface appearances. Harrowing depiction of deceitful activities, implied sexual situations and much rough language and vulgarities. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Shattered Glass" (Lions Gate)
Fact-based drama about a hotshot Washington journalist (Hayden Christensen) whose rising star is shot down when his editor (Peter Sarsgaard) discovers that many of the stories he wrote were total fabrications. While director Billy Ray's intelligent biopic takes a strong ethical stance, raising important questions concerning public trust issues, the film offers little insight into why its flawed protagonist indulged in such deception, resulting in a less-than-satisfying defense of journalistic integrity. Some rough and sexually crude language, sporadic profanity, as well as an instance of drug abuse. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Shaun of the Dead" (Rogue)
Mordantly funny but extremely bloody British import inspired by George Romero's "Dawn of the Dead" about a twenty-something slacker (Simon Pegg) who -- along with his oafish flatmate (Nick Frost) and former girlfriend (Kate Ashfield) -- try to hold off swarms of flesh-eating zombies while holed up in their favorite London pub. Part gorefest, part laughfest, part apocalyptic love story, director Edgar Wright's subversively humorous film cleverly combines black comedy and horror conventions, but its witty social satire is drowned out by its over-the-top carnage. Excessive graphic and gory violence, recurring rough and crude language, and much vulgar humor. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"She Hate Me" (Sony Classics)
Disjointed and didactic drama about a Harvard-educated vice president (Anthony Mackie) of a large pharmaceutical company on the verge of unveiling an AIDS vaccine who, after being fired and having his bank accounts frozen for blowing the whistle on his corporate higher-ups for Enron-like financial malfeasance, is persuaded by his entrepreneurial, lesbian ex-fiancee (Kerry Washington) to impregnate her and other maternally desperate lesbians at $10,000 a head. Working off a discursive script, director Spike Lee never really decides which story he wants to tell, cramming his potluck plot with a logjam of hot-button topics -- including white-collar crime, corporate greed, sexual politics, Watergate and racism -- while suggesting a radically unconventional redefining of family and sexual identity. Several explicit sexual encounters with nudity, same-sex kissing, a graphic suicide, strong sexual language and humor, as well as racial and ethnic stereotypes. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Shrek the Third" (DreamWorks)

The saga of the lovable ogre continues in the same high quality vein of the first two films, as Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) -- aided by a potential heir to Far Far Away's throne (Justin Timberlake) -- must rescue his wife, Fiona (Cameron Diaz), and the kingdom's other residents who have been captured by the evil Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) and an assortment of fairy-tale villains. Writer and co-director (with Raman Hui) Chris Miller's latest installment has a somewhat darker edge, though still plenty of laughs with Shrek's sidekicks, Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) in fine form, while the script's careful emphasis on good values such as believing in yourself, sacrificing for others, eschewing violence, and trusting in mankind's innate goodness override the occasional crude and mildly suggestive gags. Implied ogre nudity, some mildly off-color humor and innuendo, and the death of the king. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents . The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.


"Shrek 2" (Dreamworks)
Whimsical and welcome sequel to the 2001 smash storybook send-up about a green ogre (voiced by Mike Myers) who, this time around, must face something far more imposing than a fire-breathing dragon -- his in-laws -- when he travels with his new bride (voiced by Cameron Diaz) to her parents' kingdom, where they find out that their chances of living happily ever after are threatened by a scheming fairy godmother. With its blend of captivating animation and clever parody, the fairy tale farce, directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon, is a worthy follow-up act, whose message of self-acceptance, though somewhat recycled, is one well worth repeating. Some mildly crude and suggestive humor. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

"Shrek" (DreamWorks)
Captivating animated film in which a cynical ogre (voiced by Mike Myers) and his smart-alecky donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy) agree to save the princess bride (voiced by Cameron Diaz) of a nasty lord (voiced by John Lithgow) in exchange for the return of the ogre's swamp home. As directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, the sweet but conventional story of self-acceptance reaches new levels of excellence in its animation, and a fine cast of voices further bolsters the film's appeal. Mild crass language and some crude humor. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

"Shoot 'Em Up" (New Line)
Ultraviolent action film about a mysterious sharpshooter (Clive Owen) and a prostitute (Monica Bellucci) with a baby in tow, on the run from a deadly assassin (Paul Giamatti). Writer-director Michael Davis' film is played tongue-in-cheek and with flashes of genuine wit, the two leads make charismatic adversaries with Giamatti relishing his villain's role, and there's even an anti-gun subtext, but the film is fast-paced to the point of exhaustion, and the intensity of the violence and myriad sordid elements preclude endorsement. Intense visceral violence with numberless killings, torture, a graphic sexual encounter and others less explicit, partial nudity, pervasive rough language and profanity, crude expressions, innuendo and an irreverent sight gag. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

"Shooter" (Paramount)
Satisfying conspiracy thriller that plays like a Tom Clancy "Rambo," with Mark Wahlberg as an ex-U.S. Army sniper framed by government bigwig Danny Glover for an attempted presidential assassination that killed a foreign bishop instead. Director Antoine Fuqua, who knows his way around guns 'n' ammo from "Training Day" and "Tears of the Sun," keeps the grimly photographed action brisk and believable, and the plot twists mostly convincing. Some rough and crude language, much military violence with bloodshed, a scene of anonymous soldiers immolated by napalm, two scenes of torture aftermath, and a woman in partial states of undress, though no nudity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

"Sideways" (Fox Searchlight)
Bittersweet comedy about a depressed novelist and wine aficionado (Paul Giamatti), who, in lieu of a bachelor party, treats his womanizing, though soon-to-be-married best friend (Thomas Haden Church) to a last-hurrah tour of Northern California wineries that becomes a midlife journey of self-discovery. Based on a novel by Rex Pickett, director Alexander Payne's odd-couple road movie serves as a poignant meditation on love, loneliness, fellowship and failed ambition, but is unfortunately stained by some graphic scenes. Several explicit sexual encounters, including one scene with full frontal nudity, a few implied sexual encounters, brief drug content, and much rough and crude language and humor. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Silver City" (New Market)
Smartly crafted but overstuffed drama set in Colorado centering on a reporter-turned-private-detective (Danny Huston) hired by the campaign manager (Richard Dreyfuss) of a verbally challenged gubernatorial candidate (Chris Cooper) to investigate the appearance of a corpse during the taping of a campaign commercial. Though well acted, the film, written and directed by John Sayles, tries to keep too many plates spinning -- including subplots involving corporate corruption, government collusion with big business, environmentalism and illegal immigration -- resulting in a somewhat jumbled narrative which never really decides what kind of a movie it wants to be: a sharp political satire or a neo-noir murder mystery a la "Chinatown." Brief violence, an implied sexual encounter and drug content, as well as some rough and crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"The Simpsons Movie" (Fox)
Full-length, glossier version of long-running TV series with many clever gags has doltish Homer Simpson (voice of Dan Castellaneta) running afoul of the EPA head (Albert Brooks) after he dumps his pet pig's droppings in Springfield's pollution-free lake, resulting in the town being quarantined under a giant dome, which incites the townspeople to rise against Homer who flees with his family -- Marge (Julie Kavner), Bart (Nancy Cartwright) and Lisa (Yeardley Smith) -- to Alaska. Director David Silverman generates plenty of chuckles, but for all the foolery and family dysfunction, there's an underlying pro-family agenda, and the satiric jibes are generally not malicious. The content is slightly more permissive than the TV series, so parents will have to decide whether the film is acceptable for their youngsters. Fleeting frontal male nudity, an instance of profanity, irreverent worldview, some innuendo, a couple of vulgar gestures, crude expressions, brief sight gags ranging from a same-sex kiss to bigamy to underage drinking, and light cartoon violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Sin City" (Dimension)
Visually bold but ultraviolent movie based on Frank Miller's hard-edged graphic novels which weaves together pulp-crime stories from the popular comic book series, including the tale of an honest cop (Bruce Willis) trying to protect a girl from a politically connected sadistic killer, and a street brawler (Mickey Rourke) who goes on a killing spree to avenge the murder of a prostitute. Directed by Robert Rodriguez, the movie is a hard-boiled fever dream of excessive brutality, morbid humor and sexual imagery which -- though highly stylized and intentionally over-the-top -- pushes the envelope of even its restrictive R rating. Gratuitous graphic violence, including dismemberment and decapitation, sexual situations with nudity, a suicide, an execution, as well as rough and crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas" (DreamWorks)
Animated adventure about the legendary Arabian swashbuckler (voiced by Brad Pitt) who, along with a spunky princess (Catherine Zeta-Jones), must battle fantastical creatures and steal a magic book from a treacherous goddess (Michelle Pfeiffer) in order to save his friend, Proteus (Joseph Fiennes). Despite polished animation which draws from various mythologies, directors Tim Johnson and Patrick Gilmore's lukewarm tale lacks both narrative zip and engaging characters, yet does impart a strong message about the moral value of friendship and selfless courage. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

"The Singing Detective" (Paramount Classics)
Quirky hardboiled musical about a pulp novelist (Robert Downey Jr.) hospitalized for a severe skin disorder who imagines himself the title character of his dime-store detective stories -- a crooning 1950s-era gumshoe -- in order to exorcise the personal demons that have plagued him since childhood, aided along the way by an eccentric psychiatrist (Mel Gibson). Based on the offbeat British TV miniseries, director Keith Gordon's genre-bending potboiler combines black comedy, expressionist film noir and vintage rock 'n' roll, resulting in an unevenly engaging portrait of a man trying to reclaim his soul. Several raw sexual encounters with partial nudity, some violence, much rough and crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Sister Helen" (R&R)
Poignant documentary about Sister Helen Travis, a tough 69-year-old Benedictine Oblate who runs a halfway house for recovering addicts in a poor section of the Bronx. Filmmakers Ron Fruchtman and Rebecca Cammisa show the harsh reality of the sister's life and the courage she has in following Jesus' example, but repeated scenes of Sister Helen's hard-nosed interactions with the addicts are wearing. Drug content and sporadic rough language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is
A-III -- adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

"The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" (Paramount)
Tender, if at times overly sentimental, teen drama about four lifelong friends (Alexis Bledel, Blake Lively, America Ferrera and Amber Tamblyn) who spend their first summer apart, during which they experience life-changing adolescent ordeals, but remain linked by a shared pair of magical denim jeans. Directed by Ken Kwapis from the bestseller by Ann Brashares and with spirited performances by the quartet of young actresses, the film, despite its bubblegum title and breezy Judy Blume veneer, tackles heavy issues like divorce, death and teen sexuality (which may be inappropriate for younger teens) and ultimately imparts a life-affirming message about friendship and family. An implied sexual encounter and sexual innuendo, some mature thematic elements, including one character's loss of virginity, as well as sporadic mildly crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

"The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" (Warner Bros.)
Overcrowded but mostly enjoyable romance sequel updating the lives of four friends (Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively and Alexis Bledel) as they pursue disparate adventures during the summer after their first year in college. While director Sanaa Hamri's lightweight adaptation of Ann Brashares' novels promotes youthful self-confidence, it also takes a somewhat permissive view of teen sexuality. Implied nonmarital sexual activity, condom use, suicide theme, a couple of profanities, and one crude and a few crass words; acceptable for older adolescents. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow" (Paramount)
Visually striking but essentially empty-headed and unrelievedly loud action-adventure film that attempts to pay homage to film noir and the serials of the '30s such as "Flash Gordon" in a tale of an intrepid reporter (Gwyneth Paltrow) and pilot (Jude Law) setting out to find a dastardly villain (a posthumous appearance by Laurence Olivier) who plans to take over the world. Kerry Conran's feature-film debut demonstrates great visual flair, though the digital effects are ultimately wearying, and performances by stars Law and Paltrow are, even within the comic-book constraints of the story, not among the best of their careers, though Angelina Jolie provides some spark as a no-nonsense captain who comes to their rescue. Action violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

"Sleepover" (MGM)
Bubblegum comedy about four 13-year-old girls (including Alexa Vega) whose summer slumber party becomes a high-stakes adventure when they agree to sneak out of the house and enter an all-night scavenger hunt against their "popular" schoolyard rivals. Director Joe Nussbaum does some scavenging of his own, swiping freely from past teen flicks, resulting in a coming-of-age comedy which, despite an appealing young cast, is more formulaic than fun, and includes tasks on the scavenger list that may raise the eyebrows of some parents. Some mildly crude language and humor and thematic elements involving teen dating. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

"Slow Burn" (Lionsgate)
This modern-day film noir about a big-city district attorney (Ray Liotta) running for mayor, a beautiful assistant district attorney (Jolene Blaylock) who says she killed an amorous store clerk in self-defense, and a faceless criminal kingpin is told in a series of flashbacks and half-baked sociological musings. Director-screenwriter Wayne Beach is far better in the former capacity, and the film looks stylish, but ultimately fizzles in a sea of posturing and implausibilities. The film contains rough, crude and crass language and frank talk of rape; a sexual groping and a handful of brief sexual encounters, mostly in unrevealing close-ups except for one flash of frontal nudity; some possible rear and implied shower nudity; some nongraphic gunfire killings; and one scene of a dead body with blood. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

"Smart People" (Miramax/Groundswell)
Well-acted, edgy, but only so-so comedy-drama about a self-absorbed, arrogant college professor-widower (a fine Dennis Quaid) in midlife crisis who improbably falls in love with a former student, now a doctor (Sarah Jessica Parker), while coping with a freeloading brother (Thomas Haden Church), a precocious, overachieving daughter (Ellen Page) and a distant son (Ashton Holmes). Mark Jude Poirier's intelligent screenplay -- well paced by first-time feature director Noam Munro -- is perceptive of human nature in many ways, but strong language and unconventional plot elements may bother viewers despite the morally sound wrap-up. Nongraphic premarital sex, condom use, frank sexual remarks, rough language, brief rear nudity, brief teenage drinking and drug use. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

"Smokin' Aces" (Universal)
Violent dark action comedy about a mob-connected Las Vegas conjuror, Buddy "Aces" Israel (Jeremy Piven), who, having cut a deal to turn witness against his underworld associates, holes up in a Lake Tahoe, Nev., casino penthouse waiting to be taken into protective custody by FBI agents (Ryan Reynolds and Ray Liotta), while a colorful collection of assassins arrives at the hotel competing for the million-dollar payday supposedly offered to eliminate Aces before he can testify. With nods to everyone from Sam Peckinpah to Quentin Tarantino and John Woo, writer-director Joe Carnahan's film, though intended as camp, is nevertheless just videogame-style brutality surrounded by an absurd, convoluted plot and, troublingly, presented with a hip veneer: popcorn entertainment for the "Grand Theft Auto" generation. Excessive bloody violence, brief images of torture, partial nudity, drug content, objectifying of women, some lesbian innuendo, pervasive rough and sexually crude language, and some profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

"Something's Gotta Give" (Columbia)
Sprightly if predictable romantic comedy in which an aging Lothario (Jack Nicholson) falls for his latest girlfriend's (Amanda Peet) mother (Diane Keaton) while she is being courted by a much younger doctor (Keanu Reeves). Although implied affairs are a given, lovely visuals and engaging performances allow writer-director Nancy Meyers to tickle the funny bone with this middle-aged take on the battle of the sexes. Benign treatment of promiscuity, a sexual encounter, fleeting full nudity and an instance of rough language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Son of the Mask" (New Line)
Daffy but disappointingly derivative special-effects-laden comedy directed by Lawrence Guterman about an aspiring cartoonist (Jamie Kennedy) whose life is thrown for a loop when he stumbles upon an ancient Norse mischief-making mask that transforms its wearer into a grimacing, green-skinned demigod, only to discover that by donning the mask he somehow passed on its powers to his newborn son. Emphasizing visual gimmickry over storytelling, the film tries to be a more family-friendly sequel-of-sorts to the 1994 Jim Carrey film with its positive pro-family message about the importance of parenting, but still contains unnecessary potty humor and innuendo that some parents may find off-putting. Recurring comic and cartoon violence, some crude bathroom and sexually suggestive humor, an instance of fleeting partial rear nudity, as well as minimal crass language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

"Spartan" (Warner Bros.)
Dense and dark thriller about a brutally efficient commando (Val Kilmer) who, along with his wet-behind-the-ears protege (Derek Luke), is recruited by a shadowy task force to rescue the president's kidnapped daughter (Kristen Bell), only to become entangled in a deadly network of conspiracies that reach up to the highest corridors of power. Grafting his highly stylized dialogue onto a conventional search-and-rescue thriller, writer-director David Mamet crafts a curious, if not wholly satisfying, hybrid -- part commercial potboiler, part cerebral character study -- resulting in a highbrow action-adventure picture about duty and the dangers of blind obedience. Much rough and sexually crude language and recurring graphic violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Spellbound" (Thinkfilm)
Uplifting Oscar-nominated documentary about eight students from across the country competing for all the marbles at the National Spelling Bee in Washington. While effectively capturing the nail-biting pressure-cooker atmosphere of the grueling two-day event, director Jeff Blitz interweaves disparate stories creating an engaging tapestry which celebrates the kaleidoscope of the American experience. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is G -- general audiences.

"Spider-Man" (Columbia)
Enjoyable fantasy action tale about a nerdy high school senior (Tobey Maguire) who, bitten by a genetically altered spider, gains superhuman strength and uses his amazing new abilities to fight crime, ultimately facing his evil nemesis, the Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe). Director Sam Raimi's fun adaptation of the Marvel Comics superhero doesn't have much of a story line, but is buoyed by colorful personalities played with heart by the cast, an energetic pace and lively visual effects that come together for a diverting good time. Sporadic stylized action violence and menace with fleeting crass language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Spider-Man 2" (Columbia)
Satisfying sequel which finds the masked web-slinger (Tobey Maguire) struggling to choose between his lifelong love (Kirsten Dunst) and his superpowered destiny, while battling a new menace -- Dr. Octopus (Alfred Molina), a mad genius whose indestructible titanium tentacles give new meaning to the term armed and dangerous. Director Sam Raimi once again spins popcorn magic, buttressing a more emotionally layered story with thrill-ride effects, making it twice as much fun as the original. Much comic book violence and a few scary scenes. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Spider-Man 3" (Columbia)
Excellent second sequel has Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire), on the verge of proposing marriage to girlfriend Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) while Peter's friend-turned-nemesis Harry (James Franco) recovers from an amnesia-inducing accident which temporarily erases their enmity, though Peter's increasingly prideful behavior and two formidable villains, Sandman (Thomas Haden Church) and Venom (Topher Grace), set the stage for trouble. Director and co-writer Sam Raimi mixes the expected action sequences (impressive digital effects) with a well-acted, very human story imbued with a strong moral focus resulting in a fine and surprisingly moving -- if somewhat overlong -- action film, with solid themes of good versus evil, forgiveness and redemption. Acceptable for older teens. Intense action violence, a couple of crass words, suicide reference, mild innuendo and a suggestive dance. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie" (Paramount)
Wacky animated comedy-adventure about a yellow sea sponge (voiced by Tom Kenny) who, along with his starfish best friend (voiced by Bill Fagerbakke) must recover King Neptune's crown in order to save their underwater home from the diabolical plans of an evil amoeba (voiced by Doug Lawrence). Based on the hugely popular TV cartoon and directed by "SpongeBob" creator Stephen Hillenburg, the whimsical feature-length film plays like an extended episode of the television show, staying true to the series' kid-friendly tone and imparting a positive believe-in-yourself message that celebrates childhood innocence. A few scenes of menace and some mildly crude humor. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

"Springtime in a Small Town" (Palm)
Bittersweet post-World War II tale set in rural China where a young doctor (Baiqing Xin) comes to stay with his sickly childhood friend (Jun Wu) only to find him married to the girl (Jingfan Hu) he reluctantly left behind years earlier, which threatens to change the dynamics of their friendship and the couple's marriage. As delicately unfolded by director Tian Zhuangzhuang, the virtues of duty and honor are painfully upheld as each of the three characters and the husband's impressionable teen sister cope with observing tradition and commitment in the face of personal desire. Subtitles. An attempted suicide. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

"Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over" (Dimension)
Flat kiddie-actioner which finds junior agent Juni Cortez (Daryl Sabara) entering a 3-D video game in order to save his sister, Carmen (Alexa Vega), from a diabolical menace known as the Toymaker (Sylvester Stallone) bent on taking over the world's youth through a video game that controls their minds. Despite a positive message about family and forgiveness and some inventive visuals, the movie is 3-D -- as in dull, dumb and disappointing. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is
A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

"Stander" (Newmarket)
True-life drama set in 1970s South Africa about white police captain Andre Stander (Thomas Lane), deeply disillusioned by the dehumanizing injustices of apartheid, who, along with two accomplices, bucks the racist system he had spent his life enforcing by pulling off a series of increasingly audacious bank robberies, which he rationalizes as a form of civil disobedience. In spite of a dynamic performance by Lane, director Bronwen Hughes walks a dangerous line between painting a complex portrait of moral outrage and romanticizing Stander's criminal spree as a legitimate form of political protest. Recurring violence, including an intense riot sequence, a few sexual encounters, some nudity, as well as rough and crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Stardust" (Paramount)
Eventful fairy tale based on a popular book by Neil Gaiman about a star that falls to earth in human form (Claire Danes), and how she's pursued by a witch (Michelle Pfeiffer) who hopes to acquire eternal youth, a murderous prince (Mark Strong) trying to secure his late father's (Peter O'Toole) throne, and a young man (Charlie Cox) who promises the maiden (Sienna Miller) he loves that he'll bring her the star to prove his love. Matthew Vaughn directs the multistrand narrative with conviction, and there's a good deal of welcome humor and an interesting cast (also including Robert De Niro, Rupert Everett and Ricky Gervais) but some of the story elements veer more toward adults -- or older teens -- than the youngsters who might most enjoy this sort of yarn. Intense action violence, implied premarital sex, a flamboyantly gay character, another born out of wedlock, some innuendo and brief crass language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Starsky & Hutch" (Warner Bros.)
Lame comedy based on the 1970s' buddy-cop TV drama about two maverick cops (Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson) on the trail of a kingpin who has perfected a process of making cocaine undetectable to drug-sniffing dogs. Full of forced humor and canned camp, director Todd Phillips' ode to disco detective work vacillates between outright parody and homage, and, in terms of comedy, is stuck in a holding pattern of silly sight gags that never advance past spoofing '70s clothes and haircuts. Sexual situations involving partial nudity and same-sex kissing, recurring drug content, some violence and much crude language and humor. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating, PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"The Statement" (Sony Classics)
Tautly paced but ideologically skewed cat-and-mouse thriller about a French former Nazi collaborator (Michael Caine) who is shielded from being brought to trial by a shadowy network of high-ranking members of the French government and the Catholic Church. Norman Jewison's loosely fact-based tale derails from its serious subject matter into commercial melodrama, while portraying the Catholic hierarchy as more concerned with the church's self-interest than exposing injustice. Sporadic violence and anti-clerical characterizations. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"The Station Agent" (Miramax)
Tender drama about a reclusive dwarf (Peter Dinklage) who inherits an abandoned train depot, which becomes an oasis of emotional healing for him, as well as an artist (Patricia Clarkson) mourning the loss of her child and a chatty snack vendor (Bobby Cannavale) who just needs a friend. Writer-director Tom McCarthy rides the rails of the human heart in this poignant, well-written and well-acted meditation on loneliness and our underlying need for community. An implied sexual encounter, an instance of drug abuse, sporadic rough and crude language, as well as profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Stay" (20th Century Fox) 
Cinematically dazzling mood piece about a psychiatrist (Ewan McGregor) helping a guilt-racked, suicidal youth (Ryan Gosling) who blames himself for his role in the car accident that killed his parents, while the therapist copes with his own mental turmoil and that of his girlfriend (Naomi Watts) with latent emotional problems of her own. The performances are fine, and director Marc Forster maintains a taut, creepy, fever-dream atmosphere throughout, though the suspense level drops somewhat when the film reveals itself as more stylish exploration of truth and reality than traditional mystery. A car crash, scattered rough and crude language and profanity, a suicide theme, brief sexual innuendo including some gyrating in a strip club, horror effects involving blood and a dog attack. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Stealth" (Columbia)
Turbo-paced but vacuous action movie directed by Rob Cohen about a trio of elite Navy pilots (Josh Lucas, Jessica Biel and Jamie Foxx) who must stop a highly advanced unmanned warplane, whose artificial intelligence has run amok, from triggering a world war. Combining elements of "Top Gun" and "2001: A Space Odyssey," the film's criticism of using technology to sanitize warfare sounds disingenuous given its video game-style violence and, despite some spectacular, if dizzying, dogfights, amounts to little more than an empty exercise in adrenaline overdrive. Action violence, a suicide, an implied sexual situation, some crude language, humor and gestures, a few instances of rough language and profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"The Stepford Wives" (Paramount)
Uneven remake of author Ira Levin's thriller about a hyper-driven TV executive (Nicole Kidman) who, after being axed from the network, relocates with her husband (Matthew Broderick) and children to the suburban Shangri-La of Stepford, Conn., where the men have replaced their wives with remote-controlled replicas who doltishly wait on them hand and foot. Director Frank Oz polishes the original story's dark horror surfaces with a buffing of black comedy, touching on questions of gender roles and conformity, but many of the issues raised are now politically passe and don't pack the same cultural punch they did 30 years ago. Some crude language and sexual humor, several instances of profanity, homosexual references and fleeting violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Stomp the Yard" (Screen Gems)
After his brother's tragic death, a Los Angeles street dancer (Columbus Short) relocates to Atlanta to attend a prestigious black university, where he is recruited by members of a fraternity impressed by his hip-hop moves to help them dethrone their campus rivals as reigning national champs of "stepping," a traditional style of synchronized dance popular among African-American fraternities. He falls for the girlfriend (Meagan Good) of his cocky competition (Darrin Henson) and, complicating the romance further, her protective father (Allan Louis) is the school's president. Directed by Sylvain White, the athleticism of the choreography and Short's charisma energize a flimsy and formulaic script. Some brief violence including a shooting and brawling, sexually suggestive dance moves, a condom reference, sexual innuendo, some crude language and a few instances of profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"The Story of the Weeping Camel" (ThinkFilm)
Captivating docudrama set against spectacular expanses of the Gobi desert about a family of nomadic Mongolian herders who summon a musician from a far-off village to perform an ancient ritual, which they hope will coax a mother camel into nursing the newborn calf which she rejected at birth. Though it doesn't sound like much of a plot, directors Byambasuren Davaa and Luigi Falorni, using a cast of all nonprofessional actors, have crafted a tender tale -- beautiful both cinematically and narratively -- whose message of family bonds, the importance of tradition and the centrality of love for survival is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Subtitles. Thematic content. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

"Stranger Than Fiction" (Columbia)
Quirky dramatic comedy about a lonely and neurotic IRS auditor (Will Ferrell) who wakes to find his life being narrated by a seemingly omniscient voice only he can hear, which turns out to belong to a famous reclusive author (Emma Thompson) working on a new novel in which he is the protagonist and that predicts what will happen to him, including his death. By turns sentimental, funny and, in the end, modestly profound, director Marc Forster's existential farce touches on issues of fate and free will, while imparting a wonderful message that the little moments -- the smiles, hugs and small acts of kindness -- we often relegate to footnote status in the narrative of our daily living are what give life its meaning. An implied sexual encounter, brief locker-room rear nudity, a jarring traffic accident and one use of the f-word, as well as a couple of crude expressions and an instance of profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America
rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Stuck On You" (20th Century Fox)
Surprisingly tender screwball comedy about a pair of small-town conjoined twins (Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear) who leave their insular home in Massachusetts for the bright lights of Hollywood so that one of the brothers can pursue his dream of being an actor. Conjoined in their creativity, sibling directors Peter and Bobby Farrelly rein in their frat-house impulses toward crass scatological jokes, grafting positive messages about filial fealty and self-esteem onto the film's sometimes tasteless Siamese slapstick silliness. Recurring sexually crude humor and language, an off-screen sexual encounter and brief alcohol abuse. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Superbad" (Columbia)
Two nerdy high school friends (Jonah Hill and Michael Cera), who are about to graduate and go to different colleges, team up with their more dweebish sidekick (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) to pursue the girls of their dreams (Emma Stone, Martha MacIsaac and Aviva), elude the local police (Bill Hader and Seth Rogen) and have a series of outlandish adventures as they fight for their right to party. A jaded "American Graffiti" for the new century, director Greg Mottola's film is unremittingly low-minded and vulgar, though in the end the main protagonists' plans of sexual conquest come to naught, in the case of at least one, as the result of a reasonably respectable moral choice. Unceasing rough, crude and crass language; premarital sexual activity; some gross-out humor; much sexual humor and innuendo, much of it coarse; porn imagery; underage drinking; drug use; and a scene with disturbing violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

"Surf's Up" (Columbia)
Animated action-comedy about a teenage penguin surfer (Shia LaBeouf) is a warm-weather diversion with a relaxed summer vibe that earns low scores for originality but higher marks for execution and its winning-isn't-everything message. Aware that moviegoers may have had their fill of screen penguins, some minor objectionable elements notwithstanding, directors Ash Brannon and Chris Buck set a swift pace and don't overwhelm with a surfeit of barely distinguishable characters; families will be headed back outdoors in what seems like a flash. A fair amount of mildly rude language and toilet humor. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

"Surviving Christmas" (DreamWorks)
Uneven comedy about a successful Chicago ad man (Ben Affleck) who, tired of spending Christmas alone, pays the family living in his childhood house (headed by James Gandolfini) a small fortune to "adopt" him for the holiday season, so he can relive the idyllic Christmases of his youth. Directed by Mike Mitchell, the film's screwball humor is a mixed bag of "naughty" and "nice," making this yuletide yukfest hardly the kind of family-friendly entertainment it could have been. Fleeting erotic images on a computer screen, brief comic violence, a drug reference and some crude language and humor. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Suspect Zero" (Paramount)
Relentlessly dreary thriller set in New Mexico about a demon-haunted FBI agent (Aaron Eckhart) on the trail of a government-trained telepath (Ben Kingsley) who may or may not be responsible for the gruesome string of homicides he is investigating. Following a generic cat-and-mouse formula, the stylish film is weighed down by a muddled script, but director E. Elias Merhige exercises relative restraint in his depiction of its lurid subject matter. Some violence, recurring grisly crime scene images of mutilated bodies, a graphic rape with frontal nudity, as well as recurring rough and crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"S.W.A.T." (Columbia)
Loud and lackluster police actioner about an elite Los Angeles anti-crime unit (including Colin Farrell and Samuel L. Jackson) assigned to guard an international drug kingpin en route to a federal penitentiary. Based on the popular 1970s TV series, the film, directed by Clark Johnson, is an adolescent boys' playground, which, while drawing a distinction between "good" and "bad" guys, treats violence as entertainment, eliciting its thrills through tedious shoot 'em ups and mind-numbing crash-and-smash sequences. Much violence, some profanity and crude sexual language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-IV -- adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Sweet Sixteen" (Lions Gate)
Bleak drama about a resourceful, working-class Scottish teen (Martin Compston) who becomes entangled with a vicious drug dealer in order to raise enough money to buy a home for him and his recovering-addict mother (Michelle Coulter). Director Ken Loach elicits a nuanced performance out of his adolescent lead to create an engaging portrait of a boy on the cusp of adulthood, struggling to make sense out of life's sometimes harsh realities. Subtitles. Much rough language, as well as profanities, recurring drug abuse and some instances of violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Swimming Pool" (Focus)
Problematic mystery melodrama about a dowdy British crime novelist (Charlotte Rampling) holed up at her publisher's chalet in southern France and, fascinated by his sexually prolific daughter (Ludivine Sagnier), uses episodes of the girl's life as fodder for her new book until matters turn deadly. Despite an intriguing plot and nuanced performances elicited by director Francois Ozon, the film's effectiveness is dampened by an ambiguous ending and its distorted contention that promiscuity is conducive to creativity. Some subtitles. Several sexual encounters with nudity, some violence and substance abuse, as well as rough language and profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Swimming Upstream" (MGM)
Alternately inspiring and sordid true story of Australian swimming champion Tony Fingleton, who grew up with a brutish, alcoholic father (Geoffrey Rush), and a loving, supportive mother (Judy Davis). Russell Mulcahy's film, with a script by Fingleton himself (based on a book written with his sister, Diane), features superb performances by Rush and Davis, but the former's character is so unpleasantly -- if realistically -- drawn that the steady pattern of drunken violence, unaccountable malice toward his son, and abuse toward the wife seriously compromise the uplifting aspects of the story. Many scenes of domestic violence, heavy drinking, a smattering of rough and crude language, a suicide attempt and some sexual references. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Swing Vote" (Touchstone)
Smartly made if unabashedly formulaic comedy about a beer-chugging, slovenly single father (Kevin Costner) whose civically minded child (Madeline Carroll) surreptitiously tries to vote on his behalf, leading to an anomaly where his vote will determine the U.S. presidential race between the incumbent Republican (Kelsey Grammer) and his Democratic rival (Dennis Hopper). Costner and Carroll have good chemistry, though his character's predictable reformation takes annoyingly long, but the important messages of director and co-writer Joshua Michael Stern's film -- the importance of every vote and the integrity of the political process -- are entertainingly conveyed, and the script wisely takes a nonpartisan position. Much crude language, profanity and crass expressions; heavy drinking; brief irreverence; and some domestic discord. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Sydney White" (Universal)
Quirky campus comedy in which an irrepressible tomboy (Amanda Bynes) leaves her home and widowed father (John Schneider) for college, pledges her late mother's sorority with the support of a fellow initiate (Crystal Hunt) and despite the hostility of its snooty president (Sara Paxton), but ultimately finds her true role as housemother and guiding spirit of "the Vortex," a ramshackle dorm occupied by seven of her school's most marginalized students -- including an endearing panallergic student (Jack Carpenter) and a socially inept genius (Jeremy Howard) -- and as the girlfriend of a surprisingly generous fraternity brother (Matt Long). The clever re-imagining of a venerable fairy tale (the title is a hint), director Joe Nussbaum's film is for the most part an appealingly innocent romance that also possesses a commendable set of moral values. Some crass language, some innuendo, implied nudity, alcohol use, brief gay references and a transvestite poet. Such elements may make the film unsuitable for younger teens. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Syriana" (Warner Bros.)
Intermittently engaging but mostly confusing political thriller which explores corruption in the international oil industry through a mosaic of interlocking stories involving: a veteran CIA operative (George Clooney); a reform-minded Arab sheik (Alexander Siddig); an energy analyst (Matt Damon) grieving the death of his son, and a Washington lawyer (Jeffrey Wright), hired to facilitate a shady merger between two Texas oil giants. Directed with unvarnished realism by Stephen Gaghan, the well-acted film touches on important moral questions about the global pursuit of wealth, but strains for narrative coherence under the weight of its convoluted multiple plots. Strong violence, including a graphic scene of torture, and some rough language and profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.