"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 (12:30, 4:15, 8:00)

"Cop Out" (R). Not reviewed. Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan star in this action comedy as police partners fighting oddball, memorabilia-obsessed gangsters. TownMall Cinemas (1:20, 4:20, 7:20, 9:50)

"The Crazies" (R). Not reviewed. Breck Eisner directs this suspense thriller about an American town infected with a mysterious toxin that turns people into killers. TownMall Cinemas (1:40, 4:40, 7:40, 10:05)

"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 (1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 10:00)

"Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" (PG). An American teen learns that he's half-human, half-Greek god in a comic adventure that does not handle either half of the equation very well. Is this a fully realized movie or just a youth market-pitched concept from a Hollywood meeting? Grade: C TownMall Cinemas (12:40, 3:50, 6:45, 9:30)

"Shutter Island" (R). Martin Scorsese's thriller about federal marshall Leonardo DiCaprio investigating a missing patient at a hospital for the criminally insane is pretty crazy itself. It's an entertaining potboiler that benefits from the director's technical mastery. Also stars Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley and Max von Sydow. Grade: B TownMall Cinemas (12:30, 3:40, 7:00, 10:10)

"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. It helps if you really believe in the tooth fairy, because otherwise you're liable to suffer from the plot's cavity-inducing sweetness. Grade: C TownMall Cinemas (12:50, 3:30, 6:30, 9:00)

"Valentine's Day" (PG-13). Director Garry Marshall's ensemble comedy is too long and too sappy, but its awkwardly interwoven romantic stories involve so many recognizable faces that you keep watching. The large cast includes Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway, Jamie Fox, Queen Latifah, Patrick Dempsey, Shirley MacLaine, Bradley Cooper, Taylor Lautner, Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Eric Dane, George Lopez, Topher Grace, Hector Elizondo, Taylor Swift, Jessica Biel, Julia Roberts and even her niece, Emma Roberts. Grade: B- TownMall Cinemas (1:00, 4:00, 6:45, 9:40)

"The Wolfman" (R). This loud and bloody remake of the 1941 horror movie does not have anything to add by way of character psychology or mythic underpinnings, but its brooding atmosphere, convincing special effects and violent action will please gore fans. With Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins and Emily Blunt. Grade: C+ TownMall Cinemas (1:50, 4:50, 7:50, 10:20)

Showtimes listed are for Sunday, Feb. 28, only. All capsule reviews are by Mike Giuliano unless noted. For showtimes and to confirm listings, call the phone number in Screen Scene.

SCREEN SCENE

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

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