Playing at local movie theaters
NEW FILMS FRIDAYTHE GOOD SHEPHERD — ** — Robert De Niro's aloof, fictionalized thriller about CIA history is more chilly than chilling. Matt Damon stars. Running time: 167 minutes, R (violence, profanity, sex, nudity, torture, drugs, vulgarity, brief gore, racial epithets)
THE HISTORY BOYS — ** 1/2 — The strong gay themes in this adaptation of the stage play suggest a version of "The Dead Poet's Society" written by Oscar Wilde. Running time: 108 minutes, R (profanity, vulgarity, brief sex, nudity, violence, brief drugs)
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM — *** — Not unlike "Jumanji," this comic fantasy is a bit of a mess, yet surprisingly appealing. Ben Stiller stars. Running time: 108 minutes, PG (violence, vulgarity, profanity)
WONDROUS OBLIVION — ** 1/2 — You've seen this British coming-of-age drama many times before, but it won't kill you to pretend you haven't. Running time: 106 minutes, PG (violence, profanity, racial epithets) —Ty Burr, The Boston Globe
NEW FILMS MONDAYBLACK CHRISTMAS — Remake of the 1974 horror movie about sorority girls being victimized over the holidays. To be reviewed when it opens next week, running time: 84 minutes, R (violence, gore, sex, nudity, profanity)
DREAMGIRLS — Jamie Foxx and Beyonce Knowles head up the cast of this adaptation of the popular Broadway musical. To be reviewed when it opens next week, running time: 131 minutes, PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, drugs)
RE-RELEASE
THE RULES OF THE GAME — **** — French filmmaker Jean Renoir's classic 1939 satire hasn't lost any of its ability to shock as well as enlighten. Black and white, French with subtitles, complete review on Page W6, running time: 106 minutes, not rated, probable PG (violence, vulgarity)
MIDNIGHT MOVIE
BLACK CHRISTMAS — * — The 1974 cult-hit horror film is still in poor taste. Running time: 98 minutes, R (violence, profanity, gore) (Tonight and Saturday: Tower)
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE — **** — The granddaddy of all Christmas movies hasn't diminished with time. Its message has never seemed more important. Black and white, running time: 130 minutes, made before ratings (1946), probable G (nothing offensive) (Sunday, 3 p.m.; Monday, 7:30 p.m.: Broadway, free)
You can be the first to comment on this story.