"Friday Night Lights"

The true story of a west Texas football team is told with passion and grit. Billy Bob Thornton is spot-on as the team's coach who carries the hopes of an entire town on his shoulders. "Lights" goes down as one of the great sports stories of all time.

Overall: 5 Stars

"Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence"

This is a dazzling adventure from anime guru Mamoru Oshii that picks up where the cult hit "Ghost in the Shell" left off. An early debriefing will clear any confusion for those who haven't seen the first film but the piece of mind won't last long. The story is wacky, but the visuals are worth it.

Overall: 4 Stars

"Ladder 49"

Joaquin Phoenix and John Travolta star in this firehouse epic. The big bang comes early on, making way for a story about the brotherhood of firefighters. It's a hearty, emotional film that pays homage to good people who deserve it.

Overall: 4 Stars

"Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow"

The film sacrifices substance for style as characters remain undeveloped and the story wanes. Shot entirely on blue screens with backdrops added post facto, the film poses stars Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow with nothing to go on. They're not buying it; neither are we.

Overall: 2 Stars

"Shark Tale"

"Shrek" set the computer-animated standard and "Shark Tale" didn't stand a chance. The visuals are blurry, the jokes are too kiddy and the acting is uninspired. Only Robert De Niro as a mob boss shark and Martin Scorsese as his puny toady keep their heads above water.

Overall: 2 Stars

"Taxi"

A good soundtrack and stylish chase scenes can't save this preposterous flick that stars Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon in his leading man debut.

Overall: 1 Stars

"Wimbledon"

It takes more than a guy with a British accent to serve up a smart romantic comedy. The film, about tennis stars who fall in love, stars Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany, neither of whom are convincing on the court.

Overall: 2 Stars