"Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" (PG). Not reviewed. Betty Thomas directs this animated children's comedy about the three iconic cartoon characters, Alvin, Simon and Theodore.

"Avatar" (PG-13). Director James Cameron ("Titanic") retains his mastery of special effects, because this 3D sci-fi epic is a visual treat that really makes you feel like you're on a distant planet. Grade: B TownMall Cinemas

"The Blind Side" (PG-13). Inspirational biography about the early life of Baltimore Ravens' player Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) and the wealthy Memphis couple (Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw) that adopts him. Grade: B- TownMall Cinemas

"Brothers" (R). Tobey Maguire and Jake Gyllenhaal play brothers in an Afghan war-themed drama that places its focus on how that conflict affects people back home. With Sam Shepard and Natalie Portman. Grade: B- TownMall Cinemas

"Did You Hear About the Morgans?" (PG-13). Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker are sophisticated New Yorkers who witness a murder, are pursued by a contract killer, and then placed in a witness protection program that relocates them to Wyoming. This formulaic city vs. country comedy is agreeable provided you abide by its stereotypical terms. Grade: B- TownMall Cinemas

"Disney's A Christmas Carol" (PG). Jim Carrey is a natural as Scrooge, and the story benefits from retaining so many of the actual words from Charles Dickens' tale. Grade: B TownMall Cinemas

"Invictus" (PG-13). Although the film is as predictable as it is lengthy, director Clint Eastwood's straightforward filmmaking admirably conveys the politically momentous friendship between South African president Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) and a white rugby player (Matt Damon). Freeman was born to play this role and he really delivers. Grade: B+ TownMall Cinemas

"It's Complicated" (R). Not reviewed. Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin star in this romantic comedy as a divorced couple who unexpectedly rekindle their romance.

"Old Dogs" (PG). John Travolta and Robin Williams chew the scenery as family-averse pals called upon to babysit two kids. The physical comedy is so clumsy that you'll wince. Grade: C TownMall Cinemas

"Planet 51" (PG). This animated comedy's viable premise is that an American astronaut lands on a planet whose green inhabitants live like Americans did in the 1950s. Grade: C TownMall Cinemas

"The Princess and the Frog" (G). Familiar fairy tale material is freshened up by making the heroine African-American and setting the story in New Orleans in the 1920s. Grade: B TownMall Cinemas

"Sherlock Holmes" (PG-13). Not reviewed. Robert Downey Jr. stars in director Guy Ritchie's take on the legendary detective character. Opens Friday, Dec. 25.

"2012" (PG-13). Director and co-writer Roland Emmerich piles on disaster movie cliches in this special effects-saturated story about the end of the world. Grade: C+ TownMall Cinemas

"The Twilight Saga: New Moon" (PG-13). Good-looking humans, vampires and werewolves interact in a sequel that the core teen audience will enjoy. Grade: C+ TownMall Cinemas

All capsule reviews and grades are by Mike Giuliano unless otherwise noted.

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TownMall Regal Cinemas
400 Center St., Westminster
410-857-1410

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