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Movies that are still playing in the Fredericksburg area

February 1, 2007 12:50 am

HHH CHARLOTTE'S WEB (G) With the best child actress around in the lead and a straightforward telling of the story, this is a treat enjoyed by all who are young at heart. Animals who figure in the tale of Wilbur, a remarkable pig, are voiced by a long list of Hollywood stars, from Julia Roberts to Oprah Winfrey to Robert Redford. Dakota Fanning is impressive beyond her years as Fern, the farm girl who saves the runt pig. [RF, RA, M]

HHH THE DEPARTED (R) Director Martin Scorsese, Jack Nicholson and a strong supporting cast combine to make this film a gripping, stylized crime drama that looks at undercover work on both sides of the law. The only thing keeping this movie that features perhaps Nicholson's best performance to date from being a four-star crime saga is an ending where the body count rises so quickly and so suddenly that it dulls the intensity and realism that's been created. Rated R for strong brutal violence, pervasive language, some strong sexual content and drug material. [RF, RA]

HHH DREAMGIRLS (PG-13) Though there are a few quibbles to be made with this movie version of the hit Broadway show, the performance turned in by Jennifer Hudson alone makes this a must-see. Based loosely on the life of Diana Ross and other soul singers who crossed over to the pop charts, the film has an amazing style and musical roots true to the period. Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles and Eddie Murphy are the big names in this musical that moves swiftly through its magical musical tour. But Hudson, discovered on "American Idol," flat-out steals every dramatic scene she's in, and then ups the ante by blowing the doors off every number she sings. Rated PG-13 for language, some sexuality and drug content. [RF, RA, M]

HH FREEDOM WRITERS (PG-13) It's hard not to root for this tale of a teacher who reaches youths threatened by the racial hate and troubles of their world in Long Beach, Calif. Especially since it stars the always terrific Hilary Swank as the middle-class teacher who simply refuses to fail. But once, just once, it would be refreshing and much more realistic to see one of these films where kids aren't tough and troubled one minute, then bright, well-behaved and driven the next. Rated PG-13 for violent content, thematic material and language. [RF, RA]

HH THE HITCHER (PG) With big-budget vet Michael Bay as a producer, this remake of a film about a road trip gone terribly wrong has a look and feel that initially pulls you in. Young leads Sophia Bush and Zachary Knighton are likable as Grace and Jim, a college couple on spring break, blasting along a desert highway. But all too soon, the mayhem begins and the appeal of the film quickly wanes. Instead of interesting action, development of these characters and a back story about who this strange hitcher, John Ryder, really is, the film just starts soaking people in blood. Rated R for strong, bloody violence, terror and language. [RF, RA, M]

HH NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) Entertaining in spots, this film gets into its whole supernatural plot way too quickly. A down-on-his-luck guy (Ben Stiller) takes a job at a museum of history, only to find out that all the animals and historical figures come to life each night. It would have been more fun to see this happen in drips and drabs. Still, any film with Robin Williams, Owen Wilson and Mickey Rooney can't be all bad. Rated PG for mild action, language and brief rude humor. [RF, RA, M]

HHH THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG-13) This tale of one father's struggle to make a good life for his family is a heartfelt success. Will Smith, convincing without overdoing the emotion, plays the father, Chris Gardner, fallen on hard times. A smart and Navy-trained individual with a wife and a child, Gardner lands a spot in a dog-eat-dog training program to learn about selling stocks for a major brokerage. Smith does a masterful job with this role. Rated PG-13 for some language. [RF, RA, M]

HHH THE QUEEN (PG-13) This look at the British royals, during the arrival of Prime Minister Tony Blair and just before the death of Princess Diana, is the cream of 2006's crop. Helen Mirren is an absolute treat as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. While at the start she emphasizes the queen's tight emotions and aloof nature, her portrayal expands to show the hurt felt later and the toll serving as sovereign has taken on the woman, Elizabeth. Equally impressive, perhaps even too smooth, is Michael Sheen as Tony Blair. Rated PG-13 for brief strong language. [RF]

HH STOMP THE YARD (PG-13) If "Freedom Writers" didn't max out your tolerance for cliches, try this successor to "Drum Line" on for size. The main character, DJ, is a street dancer with a troubled past that includes the death of a younger brother. He is able to bypass jail by enrolling at Truth University in Atlanta. There, he soon enough finds himself sought after by groups who want his street dance moves for their step teams and a national competition. Rated PG-13 for violence, some sexual material and language. [RF, RA, M]