"Alexander"
An epic bomb from director Oliver Stone, this overlong yawnfest slates bad boy Colin Farrell as the greatest conqueror of all. The film lacks historical credibility, not to mention decent acting, a palpable script, enjoyable fight scenes and an interesting plot. 173 minutes. Rated R.
Overall: No stars
"Blade: Trinity"
Wesley Snipes reprises the role of the half-breed vampire hunter in this unnecessary third installment in the comic book series. There's nothing more to show or say in this film that wasn't covered in the second or first. In the weakling villain "Blade" tradition, Parker Posey stars as the waifish antagonist. 105 minutes. Rated R.
Overall: 1 stars
"Christmas with the Kranks"
Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis play a suburban couple who decide to forgo everything Christmas. Based on John Grisham's novel, "Skipping Christmas," the film will appeal to book-lovers. It's sweet and sugar-coated, delivering laughs and holiday fun. 98 minutes. Rated PG.
Overall: 3 stars
"Closer"
It's a slick flick about four cheating Londoners who destroy each other lives through jealousy, neediness, infidelity and deception. Though the characters are despicable, divine acting from stars Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman and Clive Owen will entreat you to empathize. 98 minutes. Rated R.
Overall: 4 stars
"Finding Neverland"
This unconventional love story slates Johnny Depp as "Peter Pan" author J.M. Barrie and Kate Winslet as the widow and mother he befriends. Both stars deliver the type of performances so regularly expected of them that they often go unnoticed. It's a beautifully spun period film that weaves Barrie's biography with whimsy and imagination. 106 minutes. Rated PG.
Overall: 4 stars
"National Treasure"
"The Da Vinci Code" for the Americas, this film requires a suspension of disbelief any student of U.S. history should be unwilling to exercise. Nicolas Cage plays the determined treasure hunter. If you're willing to buy the schlock, you might enjoy. 131 minutes. Rated PG.
Overall: 2 stars
"The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie"
Children and adults alike will find it difficult to enjoy this animated film based on the wacky Nickelodeon cartoon. Spongebob's vulgar insanity is bearable for a half-hour time slot but wears thin in this full-length feature. 90 minutes. Rated PG.
Overall: 1 star
