HHH "THE AVENGERS" (PG-13) This tale of super heroes teaming up against invading evil works because the action's cool, the cast is solid and Robert Downey Jr. is there to liven things up with funny quips whenever the plot sags. The final battle is amazing. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and a mild drug reference. 140 min. [MC, PV, RA]

HHH "THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL" (PG-13) A great British cast makes this story of retirees pinning their hopes on a restored Indian hotel a sweet, funny and touching tale--one of the best films of the summer so far. With Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith. Rated PG-13 for sexual content, language. 124 min. [PV]

HH "DARK SHADOWS" (PG-13) Although Johnny Depp manages to make his moments as vampire Barnabas Collins interesting on screen, the film stumbles trying to blend comedy and horror, not working as either. Rated PG-13 for comic horror violence, sexual content, some drug use, language and smoking. 112 min. [RF]

HH "THE DICTATOR" (R) Sacha Baron Cohen has a few funny moments, but not enough to carry this goofy tale of a brutal dictator come to America. Rated R for strong crude and sexual content, brief male nudity, language and some violent images. 83 min. [PV]

HH "FOR GREATER GLORY" (R) This tale of a Mexican rebellion against an atheist government in the 1920s would have been much better with less of a propaganda feel. Still, Andy Garcia and the big battle scenes are interesting. Rated R for some disturbing images and war violence 143 min. [RF]

HHH "THE HUNGER GAMES" (PG-13) Those who have read the book will enjoy this film more than those who have not. The film adequately tracks the action in the popular young-adult novel, but it helps to know the back story to appreciate what's going on. Not for youngsters. Rated PG-13 for intense violent thematic material and disturbing images--all involving teens. 142 min. [RF]