"Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" (PG). 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

"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

"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

"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

"Dear John" (PG-13). This adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' novel concerns a soldier in Afghanistan (Channing Tatum) who exchanges letters with his girlfriend back home (Amanda Seyfried). Its honest sentiment cuts through some of the melodramatic contrivance. Grade: B TownMall Cinemas

"Edge of Darkness" (R). Mel Gibson's return to acting after an eight-year absence finds him in a familiar role as a police detective determined to catch the killer of his daughter. Although the revenge theme feels stale, the plot's violence-laced intrigue keeps you watching. Grade: C+ TownMall Cinemas

"From Paris With Love" (R). John Travolta is having fun as a trigger-happy American government agent tangling with bad guys in Paris. If anything, he makes co-star Jonathan Rhys Meyers seem like an extra in the scenes they share. Grade: C TownMall Cinemas

"Legion" (R). Zombies attack an eclectic group barricaded inside a remote desert diner in an apocalyptic drama that unconvincingly tries to carry an angelic message. Paul Bettany, Dennis Quaid, Charles S. Dutton and others deserve credit for at least trying to keep a straight face through all this nonsense. Grade: C TownMall Cinemas

"Sherlock Holmes" (PG-13). Arthur Conan Doyle would not recognize Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as Dr. John Watson. Grade: C TownMall Cinemas

"Tooth Fairy" (PG). Silly supernatural comedy about Dwayne Johnson as an ice hockey player whose denial of the tooth fairy's existence prompts fairyland boss Julie Andrews to transform him into a pink tutu-clad tooth fairy. Grade: C TownMall Cinemas

"Valentine's Day" (PG-13). Not reviewed. This romantic comedy features Julia Roberts leading an all-star cast in a story about 10 people whose lives intersect on Valentine's Day.

"When in Rome" (PG-13). Visit Rome, but skip this movie. Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Anjelica Huston, Danny DeVito, Will Arnett and Jon Heder are wasted in this magic-infused romantic comedy about an American tourist who discovers that the coins in a Roman fountain possess amorous powers. Grade: C- TownMall Cinemas

"The Wolfman" (R). Not reviewed. Benicio Del Toro stars in this thriller about an ancient, evil curse that turns people into werewolves when the moon is full.

All capsule reviews are by Mike Giuliano unless noted. For showtimes and to confirm listings, call the phone number in Screen Scene.

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

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