"Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" (PG). Not reviewed. Betty Thomas directs this comedy about the iconic Alvin, Simon, and Theodore. TownMall Cinemas (11:00 am, 1:30, 4:20, 6:45, 9:15)

"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 (11:15 am, 2:45, 6:30, 9:55)

"The Blind Side" (PG-13). Inspirational biography about the early life of Baltimore Ravens' player Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) and the Memphis couple (Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw) that adopts him. Grade: B- TownMall Cinemas (12:30, 3:30, 7:15)

"Did You Hear About the Morgans?" (PG-13). Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker are 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. Grade: B- TownMall Cinemas (11:00 am, 2:15, 5:00, 7:50, 10:20)

"Invictus" (PG-13). Director Clint Eastwood's straightforward filmmaking conveys the momentous friendship between South African president Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) and a white rugby player (Matt Damon). Grade: B+ TownMall Cinemas (10:10)

"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. TownMall Cinemas (12:45, 3:45, 7:35, 10:15)

"Nine" (PG-13). Director Rob Marshall ("Chicago") applies his flashy moves to this adaptation of a Broadway musical that itself was adapted from a Federico Fellini film. The watchable cast includes Daniel Day-Lewis, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, pop singer Fergie and the beautiful Sophia Loren. Grade: B TownMall Cinemas (12:00, 3:00, 6:15, 9:15)

"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 (11:30 am, 2:00, 4:50, 7:40, 9:50)

"Sherlock Holmes" (PG-13). Not reviewed. Robert Downey Jr. stars in director Guy Ritchie's take on the legendary detective. TownMall Cinemas (1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 10:00)

"Up in the Air" (R). Director and co-writer Jason Reitman oversees a comedy about corporate hatchet man George Clooney flying around to deliver the bad news to downsized employees. This film flies high when Clooney and business executive Vera Farmiga embark on a love affair that involves some heavy baggage. Grade: B+ TownMall Cinemas (1:50, 4:40, 7:25, 10:05)

Showtimes are for Sunday, Jan. 3, only. 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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