"Elektra" (20th Century Fox)
Low-wattage action movie based on the titular Marvel Comics character (played by a buff Jennifer Garner in hellcat mode), a blade-wielding femme fatale who runs afoul of a super-powered crime syndicate when she decides to turn from her assassin ways and protect the two targets -- a young girl (newcomer Kirsten Prout) and her father (Goran Visnjic) -- whom she has been contracted to kill. Directed by Rob Bowman, this slick but stale "Daredevil" spinoff is little more than a series of frenetic death duels sloppily strung together in a hackneyed attempt to distract viewers from the lame dialogue and muddled plot, resulting in a viewing experience which is anything but "Elektra-fying." Recurring strong stylized violence, including several impalings and an implied decapitation, thematic moral ambiguities, a gratuitously erotic same-sex kiss, sporadic crude language and an instance of profanity. 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.

"Elf" (New Line)
Warmhearted yuletide comedy about a foundling (Will Ferrell) raised by elves in Santa's workshop who travels from the North Pole to New York City in order to reconnect with his long-lost father (James Caan), a workaholic scrooge bereft of Christmas cheer. Full of goofy candy-cane humor, director Jon Favreau's holiday film imparts a strong family-friendly message, but uses a secular sieve to filter out any religious references about the true meaning of Christmas. Minimal mildly crude language and 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.

"Elizabeth: The Golden Age" (Universal)
Sweeping, but historically slipshod biography in which England's "Virgin Queen" (Cate Blanchett), with the help of a wise counselor (Geoffrey Rush), prepares to fend off the Armada, sent against her by King Philip of Spain (Jordi Molla), and defeat the intrigues of the captive Mary, Queen of Scots (Samantha Morton), while also contending with one of her ladies-in-waiting (Abbie Cornish) for the affections of Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen). The film, as directed by Shekhar Kapur, is rich in spectacle, yet it whitewashes its subject, even as it darkly caricatures the cause of Spain and of Catholicism. Rear and partial upper female nudity, scenes of torture, blood with gore and occasional 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.

"Ella Enchanted" (Miramax)
Comic romantic fantasy about a plucky peasant (Anne Hathaway) who, in trying to rid herself of a curse to obey every order she hears, winds up falling in love with a handsome prince (Hugh Dancy) and saving the kingdom from his crown-coveting uncle (Cary Elwes). Based on the popular children's book by Gail Carson Levine and directed by Tommy O'Haver, the cleverly conceived film whimsically welds contemporary pop sensibilities onto a traditional storybook formula, resulting in a fairy tale with a postmodern twist which, though encouraging a positive sense of self-empowerment, also questions the value of unquestioned obedience. Some mild crude language and 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.

"Employee of the Month" (Lionsgate)
Lightweight comedy about a slacker stock clerk (Dane Cook) at a Costco-style superstore where he tries to dethrone a cocky rival co-worker (Dax Shepard) -- who's nabbed "employee of the month" honors for 17 months straight -- in order to win the affections of a pretty new cashier (Jessica Simpson), sparking a madcap competition. Director Greg Coolidge blends slapstick, broad comedy and satire to uneven effect, and while the gamesmanship is intermittently amusing, the general vulgarity undermines the story's sweet center. Much crude and sexual humor, gay innuendo, a racial joke, a use of the f-word, as well as recurring crude language and profanity. 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 strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Enchanted" (Disney)
Delightful musical romance follows a maiden (the sparkling Amy Adams) from the world of animated fairy tales into contemporary, live-action Manhattan where she falls in love with a lawyer (Patrick Dempsey), despite the entreaties of her princely suitor (James Marsden) and the meddling of an evil queen (Susan Sarandon). With affection and wit, director Kevin Lima and his team gently spoof the cartoon fairy-tale genre on which Disney built its reputation, never losing sight of its traditional values and perennial charms. A few scary images, some sexual innuendo and a brief instance of scatological 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. Some material may not be suitable for children.

"Enduring Love" (Paramount Classics)
Superbly acted and crafted but ultimately disappointing story about a university professor increasingly racked by guilt that he might have saved a man involved in a freak accident, while another participant in the failed rescue attempt stalks him and seems to offer to provide the key to what really happened. Roger Michell directed this adaptation of Ian McEwan's acclaimed 1998 novel, which keeps you absorbed with its tense moral ambiguity even as it turns into a more prosaic tale of a stalker. Adult themes, some implied sexuality, some rough language and violence with associated blood. 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.

"Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room" (Magnolia)
Absorbing documentary chronicling the rise and fall of the now-infamous energy giant, Enron, analyzing the Darwinian mind-set that dominated its upper echelons and created a moral vacuum which precipitated one of the greatest corporate corruption scandals in U.S. history. Directed by Alex Gibney and based on the best-selling expose of the same name, the film combines standard interviews with journalists, former employees and Wall Street insiders, archival news footage and re-enactments to craft a sobering portrait of hubris and blind greed. Strip-club images involving nudity, a dramatized suicide and sporadic rough and crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

"Envy" (Dreamworks)
Relentlessly unfunny comedy about a pragmatic working stiff (Ben Stiller) who, after passing up the opportunity to invest in the harebrained invention which nets his best buddy (Jack Black) a fortune, becomes consumed with envy, costing him his job and perhaps his friendship, not to mention his sanity. Though one would expect more from a director of Barry Levinson's caliber and the talented tag team of Stiller and Black, there is not much to covet in this stale study of jealousy; in fact, viewers may find themselves tempted toward another of the deadly sins -- anger -- for having paid money to sit through 90 minutes of uninterrupted forced humor. An instance of rough language and recurring crude sexual language and potty 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.

"Epic Movie" (Fox)
Tired spinoff of the "Scary Movie" franchise which here spoofs blockbusters such as "The Chronicles of Narnia," "X-Men," "The Da Vinci Code" and "Pirates of the Caribbean," while it follows four orphans (Kal Penn, Adam Campbell, Jayma Mays and Faune A. Chambers) battling to free a Narnia-like realm from an evil witch (Jennifer Coolidge). Directors Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer elicit few chuckles amid a mostly witless slog of sophomoric slapstick and lowbrow humor, amounting to an epic waste of time. Pervasive crass and sexual humor, lewd and irreverent sight gags, innuendo, comic violence, an instance of rough language and recurring crude language, as well as some profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" (Focus)
Cleverly conceived and executed love story about an introverted loner (Jim Carrey) who has all his memories of his former girlfriend (Kate Winslet) erased from his brain after learning that she had recently undergone the same procedure, only to discover midway through the operation that he still loves her and ends up fighting to retain precious recollections of their relationship. Despite an intentionally convoluted script, director Michel Gondry crafts an ingenious and emotionally resonant film -- buttressed by a subdued, against-type performance by Carrey -- about regret and the value of memories in defining our personality. Implied sexual encounters, fleeting rear nudity, some drug content and recurring rough and crude sexual 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.

"Eulogy" (Lions Gate)
Uneven comedy about feuding family members (including Ray Romano, Debra Winger, Hank Azaria and Kelly Preston) brought together to mourn the death of their patriarch (Rip Torn), who must survive the days leading up to the funeral without killing each other. First-time director Michael Clancy has assembled a solid cast and displays some sharp wit but the mean-spirited tone of the humor and overall cynical view of family life are more than a bit off-putting. Gay and straight sexual encounters, drug content, two attempted suicides, as well as recurring 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.

"Eurotrip" (Dreamworks)
Sleazy teen comedy about a high school senior (Scott Mechlowicz), who travels to Europe with three classmates to track down his cyber-pen pal with whom he has severed ties, thinking it was a guy coming on to him, only to discover that she is, in fact, a gorgeous German girl (Jessica Boehrs). If you are scratching your head, don't worry; the premise is little more than an excuse by director Jeff Schaffer to get the oversexed kids across the pond, where they embark on a hedonistic tour of European capitals, including a sacrilegious stopover at the Vatican. Several raunchy sexual encounters, including a sacrilegious sequence, recurring full and partial nudity, drug content, as well as much crude language and humor. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Evan Almighty" (Universal/Spyglass)
Delightful contemporary spin on the Noah story, as a TV anchorman turned congressman (Steve Carell) is instructed by God (Morgan Freeman) to build an ark in light of an impending flood, much to the skeptical consternation of his colleagues on Capitol Hill (John Michael Higgins, Wanda Sykes and John Goodman), his wife (Lauren Graham) and three young sons. Imparting an overall message about how one act of random kindness can change the world, director Tom Shadyac and screenwriter Steve Oedekerk skillfully combine slapstick, sentiment and surprising reverence -- these elements beautifully embodied in Carell's seriocomic central performance -- while the paired animals and the flood effects are wonderfully done. A smattering of mildly crass language, humor, irreverence and innuendo. 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.

"Everyone's Hero" (20th Century Fox)
 Charming Depression-era animated tale about a young boy (voiced by Jake T. Austin) who sets out -- with the help of a magical talking baseball (Rob Reiner) -- to recover the stolen lucky bat (Whoopi Goldberg) of his idol Babe Ruth (Brian Dennehy) during the 1932 World Series. Directors Daniel St. Pierre and Colin Brady -- building on work started by Christopher Reeve before his 2004 death -- hit a home run with this visually delightful fable that has heart and a simple but winning message about familial love and perseverance. A mildly gross sight gag. 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. 

"The Exorcism of Emily Rose" (Screen Gems)
Sober, theologically oriented thriller based, in part, on true events surrounding a Catholic priest (Tom Wilkinson) on trial for negligent homicide in connection with an exorcism he performed on a young woman (Jennifer Carpenter) believed to be possessed that resulted in her death. Thoughtfully directed by Scott Derrickson and with a solid performance by Laura Linney as the priest's skeptical attorney, the film eschews horror-movie cliches (though not entirely) in favor of serious reflection on faith and the mystery of evil. Disturbing scenes of demonic possession, a brief but violent vehicular homicide, a grisly death image, as well as minimal crude 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.

"Exorcist: The Beginning" (Warner Bros.)
Underwhelming prequel to the 1973 horror classic set in 1949 Africa where the eponymous priest (Stellan Skarsgard), having lost his faith after witnessing Nazi atrocities, battles satanic forces released by the discovery of a mysterious Byzantine Christian church unearthed after centuries. While not without some cheap chills, director Renny Harlin has exorcised any real eeriness out the film, substituting more-silly-than-scary supernatural special-effects for genuine suspense. Grisly scenes of demonic possession, two graphic suicides, some battlefield violence and associated gore, strong sexual references and rough language, and some instances of defiled religious symbols. 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 Eye" (Palm)
Well-crafted supernatural thriller about a blind woman (Lee Sin-Je) who becomes tormented by visions of dead people after undergoing a corneal transplant operation to restore her sight. Wisely forgoing cheap special-effects in favor of muted chills, Thai filmmakers Oxide and Danny Pang offer audiences an intelligent ghost tale with a distinct Asian flavoring and some inspired, spine-tingling moments. Subtitles. Scary scenes and some violence, as well as a suicide. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

"The Eye" (Lionsgate/Paramount Vantage)
Reasonably effective suspense yarn about a blind concert violinist (a believable Jessica Alba) who, after receiving corneal transplants, begins to envision harrowing scenes of devastation and spectral spirits for reasons she connects with her anonymous eye donor, while she tries to convince her doctor (Alessandro Nivola), sister (Parker Posey) and conductor (Rade Serbedzija) that she's not hallucinating. Co-directors David Moreau and Xavier Palud's remake of a 2002 Taiwanese film delivers the requisite scary jolts, despite plot improbabilities, and is devoid of sex and language concerns. Some brief and nongraphic but disturbing violent images, including fires and explosions, and a suicide flashback. Acceptable for older teens. 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.

"Facing the Giants" (Samuel Goldwyn)
Evangelical sports drama about a losing football coach (Alex Kendrick, who also directs) at a Christian high school in Georgia, who, experiencing personal and professional adversity, revives his team's season by turning to his faith. The earnest performances from the nonprofessional cast are surprisingly competent and the movie's look is reasonably polished, but while the film's heart is in the right place, its positive message about putting one's trust in God is undermined by a prosaic script that tends toward the preachy. Some mature thematic elements, including discussions about infertility. 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.

"Fahrenheit 9/11" (Lions Gate)
Scathing indictment of President Bush's domestic and international policies leading up to and following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, which attempts to link his family with prominent Saudi moneymen, including members of the bin Laden clan, and which contends that his administration capitalized on the climate of fear following the World Trade Center tragedy to hoodwink the American public into an immoral war with Iraq. Director Michael Moore walks a perilous line between documentary filmmaking and partisan propaganda, which, though by turns compellingly sobering and engagingly entertaining, presents an unfairly one-sided blame-Bush-for-everything case that fails to take into account wider geopolitical realities, resulting in a manipulative and at times misleading interpretation of facts. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" (Fox)
The wedding of Mister Fantastic (Ioan Gruffudd) and Invisible Woman (Jessica Alba) is interrupted by a cosmic force set to destroy the planet, and the pair must join with the Human Torch (Chris Evans) and the Thing (Michael Chiklis) to avert disaster, trying to dissuade the evil force's emissary, a silver man (voice of Laurence Fishburne) on a flying surf board, from his dastardly mission, while contending with an overbearing army general (Andre Braugher) and duplicitous Dr. Doom (Julian McMahon). Apart from the elements listed below, director Tim Story's superior sequel -- with its personable leads, above-average special effects, and not-taking-itself-too-seriously tone -- makes for an engaging B-level adventure with a commendable message about making the right choices in life. Some mild innuendo and crass expressions, moderate action violence and implied nudity. 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.

"Fast Food Nation" (Fox Searchlight)
Absorbing albeit bleak multiplotted expose excoriating the fast food industry for its dangerous, unsanitary and exploitative working conditions, from the perspective of a fictitious burger franchise's marketing executive (Greg Kinnear) who goes to Colorado to investigate conditions at their plant; a young cashier (Ashley Johnson) whose uncle (Ethan Hawke) urges her to improve her life, despite the complacency of her unmotivated mother (Patricia Arquette); and a young Mexican immigrant couple (Catalina Sandino Moreno and Wilmer Valderrama) struggling to build a better life. Director Richard Linklater's skillful dramatization of Eric Schlosser's nonfiction book (they co-wrote the script) is sometimes preachy and the ending intentionally inconclusive, but the issues raised are timely ones, while the cast (including Bruce Willis, Bobby Cannavale and Kris Kristofferson) offers solid, selfless performances. Partly subtitled. Rough and crude language, a couple of briefly intense, if nongraphic, sexual encounters, fleeting partial nudity, innuendo, some gruesome slaughterhouse shots and drug references. 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.

"Fat Albert" (20th Century Fox)
Flat live-action comedy based on the characters of the long-running animated series created by Bill Cosby, in which the heavyset hero (Kenan Thompson) and his junkyard gang step out of their cartoon world in order to help a troubled teen (Kyla Pratt) believe in herself. While imparting the same sort of positive, family-value life lessons, director Joel Zwick's film lacks the intelligence, originality and fun of the groundbreaking Saturday morning show. Brief 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.

"Feast of Love" (MGM)
Moving but excessively graphic examination of romantic love as experienced by a college professor (Morgan Freeman), his wife (Jane Alexander), the owner of a local cafe (Greg Kinnear), the two women for whom he sequentially falls (Selma Blair and Radha Mitchell), a hardened businessman (Billy Burke) and a young, Romeo and Juliet-like couple (Alexa Davalos and Toby Hemingway). The film, as directed by Robert Benton, is beautifully atmospheric and features some excellent performances, yet its script offers the audience a set of false choices, making an idol of erotic love and portraying that love with an intrusive frankness. Extensive frontal, rear and upper female nudity, sexual encounters, some of them graphic and adulterous, same-sex coupling, some rough language, occasional profanity, drug use and pornography. 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.

"Fever Pitch" (20th Century Fox)
Sweet and funny romantic comedy set in Boston about a 30-year-old workaholic (Drew Barrymore) whose relationship with a goofy but charming high school math teacher (Jimmy Fallon) is strained when she discovers that underneath his "normal" exterior is a rabid Red Sox fan who is torn between his commitent to her and the boys from Beantown. Directed by Bob and Peter Farrelly and loosely based on a novel by Nick Hornby, the film -- which plays out against the improbable 2004 Red Sox season -- features pitch-perfect performances from Fallon and Barrymore and imparts a feel-good message about how love ultimately demands both acceptance and sacrifice. Implied premarital sex, some comic violence and crude humor, as well as scattered crass 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.

"The Fighting Temptations" (Paramount)
An unemployed ad executive (Cuba Gooding Jr.) receives an unexpected inheritance, but can only collect it by organizing a gospel choir in his home town where the lone talent is a sultry jazz singer (Beyonce Knowles). Despite a predictable story line and some canned humor, director Rick Famuyiwa's film has some surprisingly endearing charm peppered with lessons of forgiveness, redemption and a nudge toward looking beyond appearances. A few sexual references with sporadic crass language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"The Final Cut" (Lions Gate)
Gloomy sci-fi thriller set in a future where humans can have memory chips implanted at birth which record their entire lives and which are edited into sanitized memorial films to be shown at their funerals. The story centers on the best editor -- or "cutter" -- in the business (Robin Williams), who becomes entangled in a dangerous game with a former associate (Jim Caviezel) over the implant of a corrupt corporate bigwig. Directed by Omar Naim, the film raises some intriguing ethical questions but is weighed down by its cheerless performances and slumberous pacing. Brief violence, an implied sexual encounter 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 PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Finding Nemo" (Disney)
Delightful aquatic adventure about a timid tropical fish (voice of Albert Brooks) who journeys across vast stretches of treacherous ocean in order to rescue his son Nemo (voice of Alexander Gould), who has been captured by scuba divers and placed in a dentist's fish tank. With beautiful computer animation and memorable characters, director Andrew Stanton creates an enchanting fish fable about friendship, heroism and the love between a father and son. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is G -- general audiences.

"Finding Neverland" (Miramax)
Beautifully crafted and affecting -- if occasionally somber -- fictionalized story about the fondness of playwright J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp) for a widow (Kate Winslet) and her four young sons who inspire him to write his greatest success, "Peter Pan." Marc Forster deftly captures the 1903 period ambience, and has drawn fine performances from Depp (in one of his finest roles), Winslet, Julie Christie and Freddie Highmore as the boy who became the inspiration for Peter Pan. Some thematic material -- marital discord and the mother's tragic illness -- and some mildly coarse 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.

"Firehouse Dog" (Fox)
A pampered Hollywood pooch rescues an inner-city station house from closure and helps a father and son (Bruce Greenwood and Josh Hutcherson) bond in this catch-all family comedy, which tries to be parody, mystery, and action-adventure rolled into one. Director Todd Holland's too-long-for-the-kids movie has too many plot strands and some cruder than expected language, toilet humor and innuendo, although mostly in reference to canines. Mild crass language and gags, scenes of action peril and one brief instance of physical 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. Some material may not be suitable for children.

"The First Daughter" (20th Century Fox)
Fluffy and formulaic romantic comedy about a presidential daughter (Katie Holmes) trying to fit in when she goes away to college, whose attempts at a "normal" student life are complicated by a knotty campus romance. Though targeting 'tweeners, this lightweight love story, directed by Forest Whitaker, contains some behavior inappropriate for a PG-rated movie. Underaged drinking and implied sexual situations, as well as 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 -- parental guidance suggested.

"Fish Without a Bicycle" (Newmark/Echelon)
Mostly unappealing story of L.A.-based actress (Jenna Mattison, who also wrote and produced) and her all-important quest to "find herself," as she dumps her fireman boyfriend for a self-absorbed director (Bryan Callen), ignoring her decent-guy acting partner (Brian A. Green, who also directed), who seems the ideal mate for her, while her sardonic best friend (Jennifer Blanc) suddenly reveals a lesbian attraction to her. Occasional flashes of wit and some good supporting performances fail to balance the low-budget production values, gratuitously frank sex talk and implied activity that tries to outdo "Sex and the City," and a leading lady with a fatal case of the cutes, relegating the film squarely to the category of a sappy vanity production. Much rough and profane language, sexual situations, vulgarity and a questionable world view. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Flags of Our Fathers" (Paramount)
Compelling World War II drama that tells the story behind the iconic photograph of six U.S. servicemen raising of the flag on Iwo Jima, recounting both the battle to capture the Pacific island from the Japanese and the home-front experiences of the three surviving flag-raisers (Jesse Bradford, Adam Beach and Ryan Phillippe) recruited into using their new celebrity to help sell war bonds and boost national morale. In adapting James Bradley (the son of one of the men in the photo) and Ron Powers' book, director Clint Eastwood combines intense battle re-enactments -- horrifying in their realism -- with outstanding performances to explore themes of heroism and the power of images to exploit and inspire. Graphic images of combat violence and gore, as well as recurring rough and 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.

"Flicka" (20th Century Fox)
Warmhearted story set in contemporary Wyoming about a strong-willed teen (Alison Lohman) who, defying her tough but loving dad (Tim McGraw), determines to tame a spirited wild mustang, ultimately bringing father and daughter closer together, even as the former contemplates selling the financially strapped family ranch. In adapting Mary O'Hara's book, director Michael Mayer makes some changes but remains faithful in spirit, imparting a sentimental message about family bonds, youthful ambition, and the passing of the American West. Minimal mildly crass expressions and some minor peril involving a marauding mountain lion which may upset very young viewers. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

"The Flight of the Phoenix" (20th Century Fox)
Underwhelming remake of the 1966 James Stewart action-adventure involving a cargo plane full of oil-rig workers which crashes off-course in a remote region of the Gobi desert, leaving the survivors -- including the gruff pilot (Dennis Quaid, in the Stewart role) and an enigmatic, last-minute passenger (Giovanni Ribisi) -- without a radio and with dwindling rations. With hope of rescue fading, the castaways decide to build a makeshift plane from the wreckage, while battling killer sandstorms, hostile marauding nomads and internecine frictions. Directed by John Moore, the film boasts some nice desert photography and manages to take off in the final half-hour, but most of this flight is grounded by bland performances (Ribisi excluded), corny dialogue and an undernourished script. Some violence, including a murder and an intense plane crash, an anti-religious comment and intermittent crude 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 Flower of Evil" (Palm)
Stylish French psychodrama in which the past sins of a prosperous, multigenerational French family come to the forefront with a deadly outcome when the matriarch (Nathalie Baye) runs for political office against her husband's (Bernard Le Coq) wishes. With disciplined finesse, director Claude Chabrol peels away the secrets of the seemingly classy Bordeaux family although the script falters with a weakly constructed ending. Subtitles. Acceptance of premarital sex, fleeting violence, some crass references and an instance of rough language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

"Flushed Away" (DreamWorks)
Frolicsome computer-animated tale about an urbane pet mouse (voiced by Hugh Jackman) whose cushy lifestyle is turned topsy-turvy when he's flushed down a toilet and into the bustling underground world of London's sewer system where he teams with a spunky rat (Kate Winslet) to foil the doomsday plot of a frog kingpin (Ian McKellen) who wants to exterminate the sewers' rodent population. Co-directors David Bowers and Sam Fell combine zippy animation, a simple but smartly entertaining script and topnotch voice talent to delightfully zany effect, while imparting a warm message about the importance of friendship and family. Some mildly rude humor and language and cartoon 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. Some material may not be suitable for children.

"Flyboys" (MGM)
 Truth-inspired World War I action drama about a disparate group of young Americans (James Franco, Abdul Salis, Philip Winchester and Tyler Labine) who, before the United States' entry in the war, volunteer for various reasons with a French air squadron -- the Lafayette Escadrille -- during the pioneer days of aviation combat and whose idealism is chilled by their experiences. Directed by Tony Bill, the film's appealing young cast and impressive aerial dogfight sequences are wasted on an episodic and overly long script that never takes off dramatically and lacks well-developed characters. Recurring wartime violence, a scene in a brothel, a suicide, some sexual innuendo, scattered mildly crude expressions, profanity and racial slurs. 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 Fog of War" (Sony Classics)
Riveting documentary in which Robert McNamara, secretary of defense under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, opines on, discusses and explains his actions and those of the U.S. government during a turbulent time in American history. With precise editing, visually alluring period footage and an utterly synergetic score, director Errol Morris not only transports the viewer back in time, but creates a fascinating portrait of a distinct man who, at 85, is still full of life, energy and strong opinions. Some frightful scenes of war and a few instances of profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Fool's Gold" (Warner Bros.)
Sparring treasure hunter (Matthew McConaughey and ex-spouse (Kate Hudson) join forces with a billionaire (Donald Sutherland) and his pampered daughter (Alexis Dziena) to seek ancient treasure in the waters off a Caribbean island before a gangster (Kevin Hart) and the hunter's former mentor (Ray Winstone) get to it first. The amiable stars, eye-filling location shooting and moral wrap-up are pluses, but the routine script co-authored by director Andy Tennant is generally witless and is bogged down by exposition, while the action sequences are lively but unexciting. Some uses of the s-word and brief profanity, a few crass expressions, moderate action violence, an implied sexual encounter in an abandoned church, and some light sexual banter. 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.

"Forgetting Sarah Marshall" (Universal)
Romantic comedy -- by turns touching and funny but also frequently vulgar -- about a TV composer (very appealing Jason Segel who also wrote the often perceptive script) who, dumped by his actress girlfriend (Kristen Bell), travels to Hawaii to nurse his wounds, only to find his ex there with her new boyfriend, a British rock star (Russell Brand), while he falls for the hotel's empathetic receptionist (Mila Kunis). Take out the raunchy elements from first-time director Nicholas Stoller's film, and there's a surprisingly sensitive story that makes intelligent points about relationships, and even in some respects a moral underpinning, but the objectionable elements (characteristic of the Judd Apatow brand of R-rated comedy) are too pervasive to ignore. Sexual encounters, some aberrant, with partial nudity, full-frontal male-nudity sight gag, frank sexual talk, nonmarital situations, much rough language including irreverent remarks, and comic 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.

"The Fountain" (Warner Bros.)
Love story weaving together three interrelated tales set in the past, present and far future, with the couples in each ably played by Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz: a medical researcher racing to find a cure to save his terminally ill wife; the characters in a novel she's writing about a 16th-century conquistador questing after the fabled Fountain of Youth for his lover, the queen of Spain; and the same scientist, who hasn't aged a bit, traveling to a distant star in the 26th century, still searching for the secret of eternal life. Written and directed by Darren Aronofsky, the script is by turns poignant and confusing but the visuals are striking and the film's unifying themes of love and mortality provide for some thoughtful reflection on the way death helps delineate our humanity and give our lives meaning. Some violence, a suggested marital sexual encounter, a bloody scene of self-mortification, brief torture images 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 strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Fracture" (New Line)
Generally effective mystery thriller about a wealthy man (Anthony Hopkins) who shoots his unfaithful wife and afterward baits the career-minded young prosecuting attorney (Ryan Gosling) who can't nail him unless the murder weapon is found. Director Gregory Hoblit's detached style and the stylishly cold production design prove a bit distancing, but the protagonists are compelling, the mostly literate script tries hard to avoid the predictable, and several ethical issues (satisfactorily resolved) add further texture to the whole. Brief shots of the shooting, suicide, murder, rough language and vulgar expressions and profanity, innuendo, adultery and implied premarital encounters. 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.

"Freaky Friday" (Disney)
Breezy fantasy comedy about a straight-laced, widowed psychiatrist (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her rebellious teen-age daughter (Lindsay Lohan) who both wake up days before the mother is to be remarried only to find out that they have mysteriously swapped bodies thanks to magical fortune cookies. Well-crafted by director Mark S. Waters and buttressed by believable performances, this third retelling of Mary Rodgers' popular children's book navigates a minefield of cliches, while imparting a positive message about family values and generational respect. Complicated thematic elements and some 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.

"Fred Claus" (Warner Bros.)
Generally funny yet bittersweet tale of a sad-sack Chicago repo man (Vince Vaughn) who travels to the North Pole to help his younger, more popular brother, St. Nicholas (Paul Giamatti), at Christmas, while a devious efficiency expert (Kevin Spacey) threatens to shut down the elves' toy factory. Underneath the laughs, Dan Fogelman's script is a surprisingly resonant take on sibling rivalry, with lots of heart-tugging sentiment, and solid messages about family, self-esteem, forgiveness and ultimately redemption. Under David Dobkin's deft direction, there's sharp work by the leads and the classy supporting cast (Miranda Richardson, Rachel Weisz, Kathy Bates and John Michael Higgins). Mild innuendo, an implied premarital living arrangement, a suggestive costume, and some crass humor and expressions. 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.

"Freddy vs. Jason" (New Line)
Dreadful slasher flick pitting "Nightmare on Elm Street's" Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) against Jason (Ken Kirzinger), the hockey-masked killing machine of "Friday the 13th." Buckets of blood flow in this mindless exercise in gory excess, directed by Ronny Yu, which alarmingly exploits carnage as entertainment. Pervasive graphic violence, teen sexual encounters with nudity, recurring drug abuse, as well as much 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.

"Freedom Writers" (Paramount)
Classroom drama about the efforts of an idealistic, novice high school English teacher (Hilary Swank) to transform a racially divided class of troubled teens into model students by inspiring them to believe in themselves and break the cycle of gang violence in which they feel trapped. As a way of empowering them, she has them record their personal stories, experiences and feelings in journals, which they eventually get published. Director Richard LaGravenese overcomes a predictable and, at times, message-heavy script with emotionally powerful performances by the young ensemble and redemptive themes of self-worth, the efficacy of education and empathy to overcome intolerance, and the ability of one person to make a difference. Some graphic violence, including shootings, beatings and brief but disturbing images of domestic abuse, a divorce subplot, one instance of the f-word, recurring crude language and a few racial slurs, limiting its appropriateness to older adolescents and up. 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.

"Friday Night Lights" (Universal)
Hard-hitting drama about a season in the life of a small-town high school football team (coached by Billy Bob Thornton) as it struggles to make it to the Texas state championship. Based on the nonfiction best seller by H.G. Bissinger and directed by Peter Berg, the film is an engrossing, at times unsettling, portrait of the lives and fragile dreams of young athletes which exposes the unhealthy pressure-cooker environment where teenagers are asked to shoulder the expectations of an entire community. Much football violence, some underage drinking, two sexual situations, one with partial nudity, an abusive father-son relationship and some crude 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.

"From Justin to Kelly" (Fox)
Pointless musical romantic comedy in which reality TV's "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson and her frizzy-haired runner-up, Justin Guarini, play star-crossed lovers among the thong-and-tequila spring break crowd in sunny Florida. With forgettable songs and cardboard performances, director Robert Iscove's uninspired ode to 1960s' beach-party flicks hits a flat note on every level, giving the campy charm of those bygone films a cruder MTV-like makeover. Sexually suggestive situations and frat-house humor, some mild language, as well as a glamorized attitude toward alcohol. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

"The Game Plan" (Disney)
Endearing, though slightly implausible story of an egotistical football star (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, proving a surprisingly congenial comic) whose party-oriented lifestyle is disrupted by the arrival on his doorstep of the 7-year-old daughter he never knew he had (remarkably self-assured Madison Pettis). This event complicates his pursuit of the championship and his relationship with his agent (Kyra Sedgwick), as well as with some of his teammates and friends (Morris Chestnut, Hayes MacArthur and Brian White), but may also lead to romance with his daughter's no-nonsense ballet teacher (Roselyn Sanchez). Director Andy Fickman's film has great appeal for kids, though parents may be grateful for the presence of Sedgwick, whose tart character helps to keep the sweetness level from inducing diabetes. One instance of scatological humor and two mildly crass words may combine with scenes of a lost child and an allergic reaction to preclude very young children. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

"Garden State" (Fox Searchlight)
Offbeat comedy about a struggling, emotionally autistic L.A. actor (Zach Braff) deadpanning it in a lithium-induced daze, who returns to his New Jersey home after 10 years in order to attend his mother's funeral and, through a series of chance encounters with old slacker friends and an eccentric girl (Natalie Portman), begins to reclaim his life, including his estranged relationship with his father (Ian Holm). Well written and acted, the visually quirky film (Braff's directorial debut) offers witty observations on family, loss and America's fascination with pharmaceutical solutions to life's problems. However, the movie's hope-affirming message is weighed down by its catatonic talkiness. Recurring drug content, sexual encounters with partial nudity, and some rough and crude language and humor. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Garfield" (20th Century Fox)
Flat feline farce based on Jim Davis' popular comic strip about a sardonic, lasagna-loving cat (voiced by Bill Murray) whose lazy life of leisure is interrupted when his sad-sack owner (Breckin Meyer), attempting to endear himself to a pretty veterinarian (Jennifer Love Hewitt), adopts a stray pup named Odie, who eventually winds up getting dognapped, leaving it up to Garfield to get off the couch and save the day. Despite some funny moments and Murray's pitch-purrfect sarcasm, director Peter Hewitt coughs up a hairball in trying to stretch Davis' three-panel strip into a feature length film, which combines live action with the computer-animated tangerine tabby. Some brief mildly crude 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.

"Georgia Rule" (Universal)
Uneven drama (with some comic moments) about a San Francisco mother (Felicity Huffman) who leaves her deeply troubled 17-year-old daughter (an impressive Lindsay Lohan) in the care of a stern but loving, God-fearing grandmother (Jane Fonda) in small-town Idaho. Director Garry Marshall's glossy soap opera is well acted, and ultimately delivers a pro-family message, along with other positive themes of intergenerational bonding and forgiveness, but the formulaic plot, insufficiently defined characters and tawdry elements like the granddaughter's blatant sexuality and gutter language, a major sexual abuse theme, and patronizing view of the pious Mormon townspeople are detriments. Strong sexual material, though no nudity, implied underage encounters, innuendo, rough and crude language and profanity, domestic violence, blackmail, heavy alcohol use and drug references. 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.

"Gerry" (ThinkFilm)
Surreal drama about two friends (Matt Damon and Casey Affleck) hiking in the desert who get lost and lack an intellectual or spiritual compass to navigate a way out. Director Gus Van Sant's art-house effort with minimal action and at times inaudible dialogue is a tedious and unsatisfying experience. Some rough language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Ghosts of the Abyss" (Disney)
Employing cutting-edge 3-D technology, filmmaker James Cameron plunges more than two miles down to the bottom of the sea to the site of the legendary wreck of the Titanic in this Imax documentary. Despite a disjointed narrative and some talky sequences, the film, narrated by Bill Paxton, offers haunting, never-before-seen images of the ghostly shipwreck where 1,500 souls lost their lives nearly a century ago. Some disturbing images. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is G -- general audiences.

"Ghost Rider" (Columbia)
Lightweight supernatural action adventure based on the Marvel Comics' character about a motorcycle daredevil, Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage), who makes a deal with the devil (Peter Fonda) and is cursed with having to serve as his "bounty hunter" -- transforming into a flaming skeletal biker astride a fiery chopper by night -- to escape damnation by stopping a renegade fallen angel (Wes Bentley) from unleashing hell on earth. Despite a dumb script and risible theology, the film never takes itself too seriously, and Cage's campy but committed performance is laced with enough humor to make the hokey ride sufficiently diverting B-movie fare. Some parents may find the demonic elements problematic, but it's little more than a comic book retelling of "Faust," and while of greater concern that vengeance, not justice, is meted out by Blaze, love is ultimately shown to be stronger than evil, with a recurring theme of redemption and second chances. Stylized violence, some horror images, a vulgar gesture, scattered crude language and a couple of 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.

"Gigli" (Columbia)
Stale romantic comedy about a low-level leg-breaker (Ben Affleck) who falls for a beautiful lesbian mob enforcer (Jennifer Lopez) hired to assist him in kidnapping a federal prosecutor's mentally handicapped brother. Lopez and Affleck exhibit more fizzle than sizzle in this overhyped clunker written and directed by Martin Brest, full of forced lewd humor and fueled by a distorted suggestion that sexuality is a malleable social construct and a casual endorsement of homosexual activity. A sexual encounter, excessive sexually explicit and rough language, as well as profanity and brief strong violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"The Girl Next Door" (20th Century Fox)
Vulgar comedy in which a straight-laced high school senior (Emile Hirsch) falls for his beautiful new neighbor (Elisha Cuthbert), discovers she's a former porn star, then risks everything, including a Georgetown University scholarship, to prove that he loves her. Using a painfully inept script chock-full of pathetic dialogue, director Luke Greenfield's film pretends to disapprove of the adult entertainment industry's glamorization of pornography yet is filled with shots that linger salaciously over women's bodies, all the while promoting the notion that moral fiber means stooping to do something wrong as long as the intent is pure. Steady, crass sexual references including a sexual encounter and same-sex kissing, sporadic nudity, objectification of women, brief drug content, underage drinking and constant rough language with profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Glory Road" (Disney)
Crowd pleaser based on the true story of an unproven, small-town basketball coach (Josh Lucas), who -- hired to turn around a Texas college's losing program -- bucks the color barrier by recruiting African-American athletes (including Derek Luke), molding his interracial underdogs into a unified team and leading them to an improbable and racially heated shot at the 1966 national title, where he starts five black players -- a first in college hoops -- against a top-seeded, all-white Kentucky squad. Directed by James Gartner, the feel-good, if formulaic, film rips a familiar page from the playbook of past inspirational sports movies, but has heart and a winning message about teamwork and racial equality that transcends sports. An instance of violence, some racial slurs and minimal 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. Some material may not be suitable for children.

"Godsend" (Lions Gate)
Cautionary psychological thriller about a grief-stricken couple (Rebecca Romijn-Stamos and Greg Kinnear) who agree to an offer made by a brilliant, but shadowy, scientist (Robert De Niro) to clone their 8-year-old son after the boy is killed in a tragic accident, only to find out later the chilling unforeseen consequences of their Faustian bargain. While the film, directed by Nick Hamm, raises thought-provoking questions involving bioethics and the morality of artificially creating human life, the story's philosophical pretensions quickly give way to spooky atmospherics and standard ghost-story devices which detract from the central moral dilemma posed. A sexual encounter, a problematic theme of cloning, recurring profanity, sporadic crude language and some scary sequences. 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.

"Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry" (ThinkFilm)
Serious-minded feature-length documentary based on the book "Tour of Duty" profiling John Kerry's experiences as a Navy Swift boat commander during the Vietnam War and his subsequent anti-war activism, focusing on his leadership role during a 1971 veterans' protest in Washington. Directed by longtime Kerry friend George Butler, the film wrestles with questions about the meaning of patriotism, blending compelling archival footage and photographs with talking-head interviews with fellow veterans to create an emotional, if highly idealized, portrait of Kerry. Though temperate in tone, the film ultimately comes across as advocacy journalism, opinions of which will vary according to viewers' political stripes. Images of war violence and some crude language. USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

"The Golden Compass" (New Line)
Lavish, well-acted, and fast-paced adaptation of the first volume of Philip Pullman's trilogy, "His Dark Materials," charting the adventures of a spunky young girl (Dakota Blue Richards) who leaves home to become apprentice to a glamorous scholar (Nicole Kidman) who later turns duplicitous, causing the girl to escape and, inspired by her explorer-uncle (Daniel Craig), flees northward to try to rescue her young friend who have been kidnapped by a repressive agency known as the Magisterium, finding allies in a piratelike seafarer (Jim Carter), a Texas aeronaut (Sam Elliott), and a great polar bear (voice of Ian McKellen). Despite the professed atheism of its author, and the more overt church connotation of this Magisterium in the novels, director Chris Weitz's film, taken purely on its own cinematic terms, can be viewed as an exciting adventure story with a traditional struggle between good and evil, and a generalized rejection of authoritarianism. Intense but bloodless fantasy violence, anti-clerical subtext, standard genre occult elements, character born out of wedlock, a whiskey-guzzling bear. 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.

"Gone Baby Gone" (Miramax)
Thought-provoking mystery about a private investigator (a superlative Casey Affleck) and his girlfriend-partner (Michelle Monaghan) hired to investigate the disappearance of the 4-year-old daughter of a drug addict (Amy Ryan) in the Boston area, with the reluctant cooperation of the police (Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris). Ben Affleck makes an auspicious directorial debut in this adaptation of Dennis Lehane's novel, and though the seedy environment, pervasive expletives and sporadic but graphic violence will not be to everyone's taste, mature viewers will find those elements and some morally troublesome actions handled with gravity and intelligence. Pervasive rough language, profanity, violence with blood, corpses, an impulsive vigilante-style killing, drug use, implied nonmarital relationships, and child abuse references. 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.


"Good Boy!" (MGM)
Family-friendly comedy about a timid young dog-walker (Liam Aiken) who, after adopting an extraterrestrial mutt (voiced by Matthew Broderick), discovers he understands doggie talk and must help convince his pooch's intergalactic boss that dogs -- not humans -- are in charge on Earth, lest all dogs be recalled to their home planet. Despite a formulaic premise and some syrupy moments, director John Hoffman's humorous spin on the old boy-and-his-dog theme imparts a sweet message about the importance of love, loyalty and friendship. Minimal mildly crude language and 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.

"The Good German" (Warner Bros.)
Compelling, well-acted, if somewhat contrived, story of a U.S. war correspondent (George Clooney) who comes to Berlin to cover the Potsdam peace conference after World War II, and finds the German woman with whom he once had an affair (Cate Blanchett), who is now desperate to leave the country, as he attempts to solve the mystery of the murder of the opportunistic young corporal (Tobey Maguire) assigned to be his driver, eventually leading him to the woman's scientist husband whose expertise is sought by both the American and Russian occupiers. Director Steven Soderbergh has filmed this adaptation of Joseph Kanon's novel with the black-and-white trappings of postwar-era films, a distracting stunt that is nonetheless more successful than not, though the adult themes, sexual content and language are very much in the contemporary vein. Rough language and profanity, crude expressions, racial epithets, prostitution, a shadowy sexual encounter without nudity, adultery, rape discussion, violence, murder and a mild striptease. 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.

"The Good Shepherd" (Universal)
Austere but generally absorbing over-the-years saga of a fictitious CIA man (a quietly intense Matt Damon) tracing his life from initiation into the secretive Yale Skull and Bones fraternity; his unhappy marriage to a classmate's sister (Angelina Jolie); his recruitment into the Office of Strategic Services during World War II; his role in the failed Bay of Pigs invasion during John F. Kennedy's administration; and his poignant relationship with the son (Eddie Redmayne) with whom he could never be close. Robert De Niro (who plays a small part here) directs the fact-based film with a sure hand, and though the plot has some holes effectively demonstrates the emotional consequences of its protagonist's overly secretive life and the tragedy of sacrificing one's humanity for misplaced ideals. Adultery and premarital sex, a shadowy sexual encounter, innuendo, a predatory gay character, a couple of cold-blooded murders and other spy-related dirty doings, suicides, marital discord, partial nudity, drug use, a few expletives and racial epithets. 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.

"The Good Thief" (Fox Searchlight)
An addicted ex-con (Nick Nolte) kicks his habit in order to mastermind an elaborate heist involving the Monte Carlo casino, complicated by a flaky teen sidekick (Nutsa Kukhianidze) and a suspicious detective (Tcheky Karyo) dogging his every move. Writer-director Neil Jordan's heist caper has a clever set-up and quirky cop-crook dynamics but eventually bogs down in complex plotting and a morally ambiguous resolution. Some violence, an implied affair and sexual references, fleeting nudity, brief drug abuse and much rough language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-IV -- adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"The Gospel of John" (ThinkFilm)
Faithful word-for-word version (narrated by Christopher Plummer) of the life, ministry and death of Jesus Christ, as recounted by the fourth evangelist. Though weighed down at times by its verbatim approach, director Philip Saville's three-hour film eschews biblical pageantry for a more intimate portrait of Jesus (Henry Ian Cusick), painting him as a passionate provocateur, while remaining consistent with John's core message of Christ as the incarnate Word. Crucifixion violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Gothika" (Warner Bros.)
Stylish but formulaic psychological thriller about a criminal psychologist (Halle Berry) who, after a cryptic roadside encounter with a mysterious girl, wakes up to find herself in an asylum and the prime suspect in the murder of her husband. While director Mathieu Kassovitz proves adroit at creating suspense and keeping the audience's ice-cold sweat on a slow drip -- eschewing buckets of blood in favor of a more suggestive spookiness -- it quickly becomes apparent that the film's eerie neo-gothic atmospherics are merely diversionary, distracting viewers' attention from the poverty of the script. Some gory violence, flashes of shadowy nudity, as well as an instance of rough language and occasional crude language and profanity. 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 Great Debaters" (MGM)
Inspiring tale, based on true events, about a gifted and demanding debate coach (Denzel Washington) at a small African-American college in 1930s Texas who guides his forensics team of three male (Denzel Whitaker, Nate Parker and Jermaine Williams) and one female (Jurnee Smollett) student to unprecedented nationwide success. Washington, who also directed, creates an intimate character study that transcends the formulaic and presents an uplifting message in a thoroughly enjoyable way. Scenes of violence, including a lynched corpse; brief nongraphic, nonmarital sexual activity; and four uses of the s-word and two profanities. Possibly acceptable for older teens. 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.

"Grind" (Warner Bros.)
Utterly forgettable tale of four teens (Mike Vogel, Vince Vieluf, Adam Brody and Joey Kern) with aspirations of becoming professional skateboarders who follow a professional boarder (Jason London) across the country hoping to catch their big break. With foolish characters and an unfocused plot, director Casey La Scala's story creeps along, objectifying women and occasionally providing routine skateboarding stunts that don't do justice to the skill the sport demands. An implied sexual encounter, rear nudity, intermittent toilet humor, sporadic crude gestures, sexual references, course language 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 are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"The Grudge" (Columbia)
Stylish and spooky supernatural thriller set in Japan about a young American student (Sarah Michelle Gellar), who becomes entangled in the strange goings-on at a cursed house haunted by the vengeful spirits of its murdered former residents. A remake of his hugely popular 2003 Japanese horror movie, director Takashi Shimizu wisely resists the temptation to indulge in a special-effects orgy, avoiding gory excess in favor of more muted psychological chills, which offer viewers some spine-tingling moments. Scary scenes, a suicide and some 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.

"The Grudge 2" (Columbia)
Sequel to the 2004 supernatural thriller about a vengeful ghost whose malice swells beyond the haunted Tokyo abode of the first film to "infect" the sister (Amber Tamblyn) of the previous movie's heroine (Sarah Michelle Gellar in cameo) and an American schoolgirl (Arielle Kebbel) studying in Japan who carries the evil "grudge" back home to Chicago where it spreads to her neighbors (including Jennifer Beals). Director Takashi Shimizu (who also directed the American and earlier Japanese originals) provides some chills, but the spooky effects are wasted on a nonsensical script that will leave those who didn't see the first installment -- and some who did -- scratching their heads, and which is made all the more confusing by its nonlinear plot. Some scary and disturbing images, horror violence, sexual situations and innuendo, as well as some scattered mildly crude expressions. 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.

"Guess Who" (Columbia)
Loosely based updating of the 1967 classic, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," with a race-reversing twist in which an African-American girl (Zoe Saldana) brings home her white fiance (Ashton Kutcher) to meet her pigment-conscious parents, only to be met with resistance by her overprotective father (Bernie Mac). Directed by Kevin Rodney Sullivan, the film, with its love-is-colorblind message, has its moments thanks to a solid turn by Mac, but most of its broad comedy falls flat and in playing it strictly for laughs lacks the eyebrow-raising original's now-dated sense of daring and social import. Some crude and profane language and sex-related 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.

"Gunner Palace" (Palm)
Raw and unfocused but affecting anti-war documentary chronicling the daily lives, fears and frustrations of soldiers serving in a U.S. Army unit known as the "Gunners" and stationed in a volatile area of Iraq, traveling with them on hazardous night patrols and raids of houses of suspected insurgents, as well as showing them relaxing at the bombed-out former palace of Uday Hussein, now converted into barracks -- complete with swimming pool and putting green -- from which the film derives its title. Directed by the married filmmaking team of Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein -- from footage Tucker spent two months collecting while embedded with the troops -- the (mostly) apolitical movie, shot in no-frills verite style and told entirely from the soldiers' point of view in their own uncensored words, is by turns sobering and surreal, resulting in snapshots of combat drudgery which add up to a war-is-hell message that will resonate with viewers whatever their political stripes. The film contains much strong language and recurring images of wartime 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.