"Brideshead Revisited" (PG-13). Classy adaptation of the Evelyn Waugh novel about a middle-class college student who becomes close to a dysfunctional aristocratic family in the 1920s and 1930s. The locations in England and Venice provide photogenic backdrops for Matthew Goode, Ben Whishaw, Hayley Atwell, Emma Thompson, Michael Gambon and Greta Scacchi. Grade: B Opens Friday, Aug. 1.

"The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" (PG-13). Not reviewed. Brendan Fraser stars in this adventure sequel as an explorer who must stop an emperor from taking over the world. Rob Cohen directs. Opens Friday, Aug. 1.

"Swing Vote" (PG-13). Not reviewed. This satirical comedy stars Kevin Costner is an apathetic voter who becomes a national curiosity when an election comes down to his vote. Joshua Michael Stern directs. Opens Friday, Aug. 1.

NOW PLAYING

"The Dark Knight" (PG-13). Dark indeed, this latest "Batman" movie takes awhile to build narrative momentum. Also, the late Heath Ledger as the Joker basically steals the movie from its star, Christian Bale as a brooding Bruce Wayne/Batman. With Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Morgan Freeman. Grade: B- Carrolltown 6 Cinemas

"Hancock" (PG-13). The humorous premise is that Will Smith is a superhero who is a skid row alcoholic in his personal life. With Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman. Grade: B- TownMall Regal Cinemas, Carrolltown 6 Cinemas

"Hellboy 2: The Golden Army" (PG-13). Director Guillermo del Toro sure knows how to think up bizarre creatures, but there are so many here that they ultimately divert our attention from what should be a sequel about Ron Perlman's exploits in the title role. Grade: B- TownMall Regal Cinemas, Carrolltown 6 Cinemas

"Journey to the Center of the Earth" (PG). This thrill-a-minute 3-D adventure stars Brendan Fraser as a geologist fighting carnivorous plants and dinosaurs underground. Grade: B- TownMall Regal Cinemas, Carrolltown 6 Cinemas

"Mamma Mia!" (PG-13). You'd better love the silly pop songs by the '70s group ABBA if you attend this adaptation of the Broadway musical about a young woman's search for the identity of her father. With Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard. Grade: B+ TownMall Regal Cinemas

"Space Chimps" (G). Animated comedy about three chimp astronauts who encounter alien life. Small kids may enjoy it. Voices include Jeff Daniels, Kristin Chenoweth, Andy Samberg and Cheryl Hines. Grade: C+ TownMall Regal Cinemas, Carrolltown 6 Cinemas

"Step Brothers" (R). Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly play extremely childish middle-aged men who become squabbling stepbrothers. Grade: B- TownMall Regal Cinemas, Carrolltown 6 Cinemas

"Wall-E" (G). The opening section of this animated movie is distinctive, as the title robot explores a skyscraper-filled city that has been abandoned by people. Although the rest of the story becomes much busier and loses some of that special quality, it's always entertaining. Grade: B TownMall Regal Cinemas, Carrolltown 6 Cinemas

"The X-Files: I Want to Believe" (PG-13). It's not always easy to believe the murder mystery developments here, but fans of the old TV series will be pleased to see David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson return to their investigative roles in a world where the paranormal is normal. Grade: C+ TownMall Regal Cinemas, Carrolltown 6 Cinemas

All capsule reviews and grades are by Mike Giuliano unless otherwise noted. Bookings change on Friday. For showtimes and to confirm listings, call the phone-in number in Screen Scene.

SCREEN SCENE

Carrolltown 6 Cinemas
6405 West Hemlock Road, Eldersburg
410-795-7890

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

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