OF THE PHOENIX ¡ª ** ¡ª Another inferior remake, this time a

OF THE PHOENIX ¡ª ** ¡ª Another inferior remake, this time a - Mini Motorcycle

Playing at local movie theaters

NEW FILMS FRIDAY

"Elf" ¡ª Tower Theatre

Alan Markfield, New Line Productions THE AVIATOR ¡ª ** 1/2 ¡ª Martin Scorsese's all-star biographical drama about Howard (Leonardo DiCaprio) occasionally strays into camp territory. Running time: 169 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, violence, gore, vulgarity, brief nudity, brief sex, racial epithets).

FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX ¡ª ** ¡ª Another inferior remake, this time a sillier version of the 1965 adventure film about plane crash survivors trying to rebuild their plane. Running time: 113 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, brief gore, vulgarity).

KINSEY ¡ª ** 1/2 ¡ª This well-acted biographical drama about the infamous sex researcher (played by Liam Neeson) feels a little clinical. Running time: 118 minutes. R (vulgarity, sex, nudity, brief drugs, violence).

LEMONY SNICKET'S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS ¡ª *** ¡ª Jim Carrey is delightfully over-the-top in this dark, sometimes scary, comedy based on the popular series of novels about a trio of orphans. Running time: 97 minutes. PG (violence, mild profanity, mild vulgarity).

SPANGLISH ¡ª ** ¡ª Adam Sandler and Tea Leoni star in this strained comedy-drama about a couple that receives counseling from their new maid. Running time: 130 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, sex, vulgarity, brief drugs).

TARNATION ¡ª ** 1/2 ¡ª This vivid but hard-to-watch documentary examines filmmaker Jonathan Caouette's relationship with his mentally ill mother. Running time: 97 minutes. Not rated, probable R (profanity, drugs, violence, gore, vulgarity, brief nudity, brief sex).

NEW FILMS WEDNESDAY

MEET THE FOCKERS ¡ª This time around, Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) has to introduce his in-laws (including Robert De Niro) to his parents (Dustin Hoffman and Barbara Streisand). To be reviewed when it opens next week. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, slapstick violence, brief drugs).

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA ¡ª Gerard Butler stars as the title character in director Joel Schumacher's version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. To be reviewed when it opens next week. PG-13 (disturbing images).

A VERY LONG ENGAGEMENT ¡ª Audrey Tautou stars in this World War I mystery about a woman trying to find out the fate of her lover, a soldier. French with subtitles. To be reviewed when it opens next week. R (violence, gore, vulgarity, sex, profanity).

MIDNIGHT MOVIES

ELF ¡ª *** ¡ª Will Ferrell charms as the title character of this silly holiday-themed comedy about a human brought up at the North Pole as an elf. Running time: 95 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, vulgarity). (Tonight and Saturday, Tower.)

LARGE-FORMAT FILMS

BUGS! ¡ª *** ¡ª This British-made documentary about insects has plenty of "wow" moments. Running time: 40 minutes. Not rated, probable G (violence).

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: JOURNEY OF MAN ¡ª *** 1/2 ¡ª Three routines by the Montreal-based circus troupe, which symbolize the birth of mankind. Narrated by Ian McKellen. Running time: 38 minutes. G (nothing offensive). ¡ª Diane Urbani

FORCES OF NATURE ¡ª *** 1/2 ¡ª This large-screen look at the science of natural disasters is much more fun than it sounds. Running time: 40 minutes. Not rated, probable G (violent images). (Today, 1:30 and 6 p.m., Clark Planetarium.)

MYSTERY OF THE MAYA ¡ª This 1995 documentary looks at the ancient Central American civilization. Running time: 40 minutes. Not rated, probable PG (violent images, partial nudity).

SANTA VS. THE SNOWMAN 3-D ¡ª ** 1/2 ¡ª This digitally animated IMAX comedy is an expanded version of a 1997 TV short with Jonathan Winters as the voice of Santa Claus. Running time 35 minutes. Not rated, probable G (animated violence). ¡ª Ivan M. Lincoln

SPACE STATION 3-D ¡ª **** ¡ª Tom Cruise narrates, but the real stars of this breathtaking 3-D film are the International Space Station crew. Running time: 47 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive). (Today, noon and 8:45 p.m., Clark Planetarium.) ¡ª Ivan M. Lincoln

VOLCANOES OF THE DEEP SEA ¡ª This documentary short (narrated by Ed Harris) looks at underwater volcanic eruptions, as well as undersea life-forms. Running time: 40 minutes. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive).

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

HOLIDAY ADAPTATIONS/FAMILY FAVORITES ¡ª A daylong mini-festival of feature films and shorter works adapted from beloved Christmas books, including the 1951 version of "A Christmas Carol." A full schedule is available at www.slcfilmcenter.org. (Sunday, 12:30-5:30 p.m., Salt Lake City Library, free.)

THE SANTA CLAUSE ¡ª ** 1/2 ¡ª Miles better than its inferior 2002 sequel, this 1994 Yule comedy starring Tim Allen as a reluctant Santa does have a few laughs. Running time: 97 minutes. PG (violence, mild vulgarity, mild profanity). (Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m., Broadway.)

CONTINUING FILMS

AFTER THE SUNSET ¡ª ** ¡ª Pierce Brosnan looks tired and bored in this caper comedy, essentially a greatest-hits medley of his past action films. Running time: 100 minutes. PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, profanity, sex, brief partial nudity, brief drugs).

ALEXANDER ¡ª * 1/2 ¡ª Oliver Stone's all-star epic about Alexander the Great (Colin Farrell) is filled with cringe-inducing, laughter-provoking moments. Running time: 175 minutes. R (violence, gore, nudity, sex, mild profanity, racial epithets).

ALFIE ¡ª *** ¡ª Jude Law's performance as the womanizing title character makes this remake worthwhile. Running time: 103 minutes. R (vulgarity, sex, profanity, brief nudity, brief drugs).

ANACONDAS: THE HUNT FOR THE BLOOD ORCHID ¡ª ** ¡ª This sequel to the surprising 1997 hit has no name stars and fewer scares ¡ª and not nearly as many unintentional laughs as the first film. Running time: 97 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, brief drugs).

BAD SANTA ¡ª *** ¡ª This dark comedy starring BIlly Bob Thornton as the larcenous title character is funny ¡ª if you can stand the assault on your sensibilities. Running time: 93 minutes. R (profanity, vulgarity, violence, sex, nude artwork).

BAPTISTS AT OUR BARBECUE ¡ª ** ¡ª This adaptation of the popular LDS novel, starring Dan Merkley and Heather Beers, could be funnier. Running time: 92 minutes. PG (vulgarity, drug use, mild profanity).

BEING JULIA ¡ª ** 1/2 ¡ª Annette Bening's performance makes a good show of this otherwise skin-deep comic drama. Running time: 104 minutes. R (sex). ¡ª David Germain, Associated Press

BLADE: TRINITY ¡ª * 1/2 ¡ª The third time on the big screen for the half-human vampire hunter played by Wesley Snipes is definitely not the charm. Running time: 114 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, drugs).

THE BOURNE SUPREMACY¡ª ** 1/2 ¡ª Matt Damon is solid in this action-packed sequel to 2002's "The Bourne Identity." But the jittery camera work is distracting. Running time: 108 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, brief drugs).

CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS ¡ª * 1/2 ¡ª It's hard to say which is worse in this alleged comedy ¡ª the lame attempts at humor or the even more lame attempts at sentimentality. Running time: 96 minutes. PG (slapstick violence, vulgarity).

CLOSER ¡ª *** ¡ª The crude and often foul-mouthed dialogue may keep some from seeing this well-acted but vitriolic drama. Jude Law, Julia Roberts and Natalie Portman star. Running time: 98 minutes. R (profanity, vulgarity, brief nudity, brief sex, brief drugs, violence).

FINDING NEVERLAND ¡ª *** 1/2 ¡ª This gentle drama, which stars Johnny Depp stars as "Peter Pan" creator J.M. Barrie, will probably wring a few tears from even the most cynical, hard-hearted moviegoer. Running time: 106 minutes. PG (violence, mild vulgarity, profanity).

THE FORGOTTEN ¡ª ** ¡ªThis thriller, starring Julianne Moore as a grieving mother, plays out like a longer, less-effective episode of "The X-Files." Running time: 91 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity).

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS ¡ª ** 1/2 ¡ª The MTV-style filmmaking takes a little bit away from this otherwise solid football drama starring Billy Bob Thornton. Running time: 117 minutes. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, brief gore, racial epithets, sex).

GARDEN STATE ¡ª *** 1/2 ¡ª "Scrubs" star Zach Braff's first film is a funny and often-poignant comedy about coping with loss and coming to terms with the past. Running time: 102 minutes. R (profanity, drug use, vulgarity, sex, violence, nude artwork).

THE GRUDGE ¡ª ** ¡ª This remake of the Japanese horror hit, which stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, is often eye-rolling silly. Running time: 96 minutes. PG-13 (violence, brief gore, brief sex).

HERO ¡ª *** 1/2 ¡ª This stylish, Oscar-nominated martial-arts film starring Jet Li doesn't skimp on the action. Mandarin with subtitles. Running time: 96 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, brief sex, brief partial nudity).

I HEART HUCKABEES ¡ª *** ¡ª Director David O. Russell's "existential comedy," starring Jason Schwartzman and Jude Law, is brilliant and befuddling. Running time: 105 minutes. R (profanity, violence, vulgarity, brief sex, brief nudity).

THE INCREDIBLES ¡ª **** ¡ª Pixar's latest ¡ª an imaginative superhero adventure/comedy ¡ª is probably the most exciting animated film ever made. Running time: 121 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, mild profanity).

THE MACHINIST ¡ª *** ¡ª A painfully emaciated Christian Bale is only one of several creepy sights in this effective mystery/thriller. Running time: 97 minutes. R (profanity, violence, sex, gore, brief nudity, vulgarity).

THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES ¡ª *** 1/2 ¡ª Not quite the life-changing experience that the real-life trip was, but this biography of Che Guevara is rewarding. Spanish with subtitles. Running time: 128 minutes. R (profanity, vulgarity, violence, brief sex).

NAPOLEON DYNAMITE ¡ª ** 1/2 ¡ª Local filmmaker Jared Hess' comedy about Idaho misfits is quirkier than it is funny. Running time: 86 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity).

NATIONAL TREASURE ¡ª ** 1/2 ¡ª If you can turn off your brain for two hours, this action-adventure movie starring Nicolas Cage is sort of fun. Running time: 120 minutes. PG (violence, mild profanity).

OCEAN'S TWELVE ¡ª ** ¡ª This uninspired, lackluster sequel to the 2001 caper comedy hit is as flabby as some of its returning stars. Running time: 130 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, violence, vulgarity, brief drugs, nude artwork).

P.S. ¡ª ** 1/2 ¡ª Stars Laura Linney and Topher Grace do their best to make this contrived romantic comedy-drama about reincarnation believable. Running time: 99 minutes. R (profanity, sex, brief nudity, vulgarity).

THE POLAR EXPRESS ¡ª ** ¡ª The "motion-capture" animation looks too creepy in this adaptation of the best-selling children's book. Also, the story lacks the real Christmas magic. Running time: 93 minutes. G (slapstick violence, mild vulgarity).

THE PRINCESS DIARIES 2: ROYAL ENGAGEMENT ¡ª ** ¡ª This half-hearted, uninspired sequel to the 2001 sleeper hit wastes the talents of returning stars Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews. Running time: 120 minutes. G (slapstick violence).

RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE ¡ª * ¡ª A brainless, earsplitting amalgamation of horror and action clich?s, made exclusively for video game fans. Running time: 93 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, drugs, nudity). ¡ª Christy Lemire, Associated Press

SAINTS AND SOLDIERS ¡ª *** ¡ª Corbin Allred's solid performance propels this gripping World War II drama, about soldiers trying to survive the Malmedy Massacre. Running time: 91 minutes. PG-13 (violence, gore, mild profanity, ethnic slurs).

SHARK TALE ¡ª ** ¡ª The majority of the jokes fall flat in this underwater animated comedy starring the voices of Will Smith and Jack Black. Running time: 91 minutes. PG (animated violence, vulgarity).

SIDEWAYS ¡ª *** 1/2 ¡ª Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church are exceptional as squabbling friends on a male-bonding trip in this well-acted comedy. Running time: 123 minutes. R (profanity, nudity, sex, vulgarity, drugs, violence).

SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW ¡ª *** 1/2 ¡ª As corny as it sounds, the only word to describe this period science-fiction adventure film is "neat." Running time: 107 minutes. PG (violence, mild profanity, mild vulgarity).

THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE ¡ª *** ¡ª Some inspired moments make up for the slow spots in this cartoon adventure, based on the popular animated television series. Running time: 88 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, mild profanity, brief partial animated nudity).

SURVIVING CHRISTMAS ¡ª * ¡ª This bonny holiday-from-hell romp, starring Ben Affleck, turns out to be purgatory for viewers. Running time: 92 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, slapstick violence, brief drugs). ¡ª David Germain, Associated Press

TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE ¡ª ** 1/2 ¡ª This outrageous, topical puppet comedy from the "South Park" creators is as hit-and-miss as anything they've done. Running time: 98 minutes. R (vulgarity, violence, profanity, gore, sex, brief nudity).

WHAT THE BLEEP DO WE KNOW? ¡ª * 1/2 ¡ª Part perky educational film, part goofy New Age recruitment effort. Marlee Matlin stars. Running time: 111 minutes. Not rated, probable R (profanity, vulgarity). ¡ª Dave Kehr, New York Times News Service

WITHOUT A PADDLE ¡ª ** ¡ª The only laughs are guilty laughs in this rafting comedy starring Matthew Lillard and Seth Green. Running time: 95 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, violence, profanity, drugs, brief sex).

THE WORK AND THE GLORY¡ª ** 1/2 ¡ª The cinematography is magnificent, but the so-so plotting and performances make this adaptation of the first of the best-selling novels somewhat disappointing. Running time: 108 minutes. PG (violence, mild vulgarity).