"Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" (PG). Feeble sequel in which the talking chipmunks are enrolled in high school, because, well, the movie has to be about something. Very young children may enjoy the silliness, and the adult viewers who accompany them can cite this family movie date as proof of just how much they love their kids. Grade: C TownMall Cinemas (12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30)

"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. However, Cameron's handling of character, plot and theme remains earthbound. Grade: B TownMall Cinemas (12:45, 4:20, 8:00)

"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. It's totally predictable as Hollywood biopics go, but its big heart can't be denied. Grade: B- TownMall Cinemas (3:40, 9:40)

"The Book of Eli" (R). A futuristic wasteland is the grim setting for a ponderous drama owing a bit too much to the "Mad Max" playbook. With Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman. Grade: C+ TownMall Cinemas (1:20, 4:00, 7:20, 10:15)

"Extraordinary Measures" (PG). Not reviewed. Harrison Ford stars in this true story as a scientist who helps a couple develop a cure for a rare disease killing their children. TownMall Cinemas (1:40, 4:50, 7:40, 10:05)

"It's Complicated" (PG-13). When bakery owner Meryl Streep renews her relationship with ex-husband Alec Baldwin, it confuses Streep's potential new boyfriend Steve Martin, her children, the remarried Baldwin's young wife, and everybody else in their upscale social world. Although the actors all smile so much that you realize they're having more fun than the audience, there is enough star power to make for an agreeable comedy. Grade: B TownMall Cinemas (12:40, 6:45)

"Legion" (R). Not reviewed. Scott Charles Stewart directs this drama about a group of strangers in a desert diner who unexpectedly have to deal with the Apocalypse. TownMall Cinemas (2:00, 4:40, 7:45, 10:10)

"Sherlock Holmes" (PG-13). Arthur Conan Doyle would not recognize Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as Dr. John Watson. That's because this irritatingly loud and violent movie is crassly pitched at teen and young adult audiences who have their own expectations for an action hero. There's even the blunt assertion that we should expect a sequel. Grade: C TownMall Cinemas (1:00, 3:50, 7:00, 9:50)

"The Spy Next Door" (PG). Not reviewed. Jackie Chan stars in this comedy as an undercover spy who protects the family next door after one of their kids gets into trouble. TownMall Cinemas (1:50, 4:55, 7:50, 9:55)

"The Tooth Fairy" (PG). Not reviewed. Dwayne Johnson (a.k.a. the Rock) stars as a hockey player nicknamed "Tooth Fairy," who gets sentenced to be an actual tooth fairy. TownMall Cinemas (1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 10:00)

Showtimes are for Sunday, Jan. 24, 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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