OPENING THIS WEEK

THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1 2 3 Review on 7

IMAGINE THAT Review on 8

ALSO OPENING

CALL OF THE WILD (1 hr., 40 min.; PG for some violence, language, thematic material, and brief smoking) The umpteenth cinematic retelling of Jack London's classic wilderness adventure story brings the characters into the present day, and down from the frozen north to the wilds of Montana. No reviews of this film were available prior to the UV publication deadline.

CONTINUING

17 AGAIN (1 hr., 42 min.; PG-13 for language, some sexual material and teen partying) Zac attack! "High School Musical" star Zac Efron flashes his leading man potential in this content-to-be-cliched body switch comedy. Melora Hardin and Thomas Lennon add some juice in a romantic subplot. [C+]

ANGELS & DEMONS (2 hrs., 18 min.; PG-13 for sequences of violence, disturbing images and thematic material) Tom Hanks is back as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, this time with a sensible haircut. Langdon's new adventure moves faster than the ponderous "The Da Vinci Code" did, but the silliness of the plot overrides most of the film's strong points. [C+]

DRAG ME TO HELL (1 hr., 39 min.; PG-13 for sequences of horror violence, terror, disturbing images and language) The Sam Raimi fondly recalled by fans of "Darkman" and the "Evil Dead" movies is back at the height of his creative powers with this agreeably spooky, splattery yarn about a hapless bank loan officer bedeviled by a persistent (and persistently messy) gypsy curse. [B+]

FAST & FURIOUS (1 hr., 47 min.; PG-13 for for intense sequences of violence and action, some sexual content, language and drug references) There's too much plot and not enough street racing, but hey Vin Diesel is back! Paul Walker is back! Michelle Rodriguez is back! Jordana Brewster is back! Guess nobody's career picked up fast enough after they furiously bailed out of the road-ready automotive franchise. [C-]

THE HANGOVER (1 hr., 40 min.; R for pervasive language, sexual content including nudity, and some drug material) Following an epic bachelor party bender, three buddies awake in a Vegas hotel suite and discover that their groom is missing. Though hilarious at times, this potty-mouthed (and -minded) yarn ultimately doesn't have enough comedy momentum to sustain itself. [C]

KNOWING (2 hrs., 2 min.; PG-13 for disaster sequences, disturbing images and brief strong language) Numbers predict the future and Nic Cage KNOWS how that sounds! It sounds ridiculous, which is what most of this quasi-apocalyptic thriller feels like, despite a handful of chillingly proficient special effects sequences depicting disastrous events. [D]

LAND OF THE LOST (1 hr., 33 min.; PG-13 for crude and sexual content, and for language including a drug reference) Its weird, irreverent and crude humor will not be to every taste -- don't say we didn't warn you -- and surely pushed the MPAA's definition of "PG-13" to the limit. Yet Will Ferrell's bizarre take on the cheesy '70s adventure show succeeds at least minimally just by being so doggedly different. [C-]

MY LIFE IN RUINS (1 hr., 35 min.; PG-13 for sexual content) Nia Vardalos, star of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," Greeks out again, this time as a romantically hapless tour guide who could use a little help from Cupid's arrow. Vardalos, and also the movie, could have used much more than a little help from Mike Reiss's lifeless, utterly rote screenplay. [D-]

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN (1 hr., 45 min.; PG for mild action and brief language) Ben Stiller and friends rev up the nighttime historical shenanigans in this effects-heavy sequel. The story is bland and convoluted, but Stiller seems energized, and gets some great support, especially from Amy Adams and Hank Azaria. [B-]

RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN (1 hr., 38 min.; PG for sequences of action and violence, frightening and dangerous situations, and some thematic elements) Now that he chefs for Disney, The Rock -- er, Dwayne Johnson -- is cooking up some more family fun in this fast-paced, mostly engaging remake of the old favorite "Escape to Witch Mountain." [B]

STAR TREK (2 hrs., 6 min.; PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence, and brief sexual content) Director J.J. Abrams's new spin on the durable "Trek" mythology is clever, respectful and, best of all, wildly entertaining. The entire enterprise (ahem) is boosted by a career-making performance from Chris Pine as young James T. Kirk, and the rest of the cast is also very good. [A]

STATE OF PLAY (2 hrs., 7 min.; PG-13 for some violence, language including sexual references and brief drug content) Scottish director Kevin Macdonald has no trouble condensing a six-hour U.K. mini-series into a brisk, two-hour American political thriller. The movie is energetic and well acted, with thoughtful dialogue and a couple of especially smart surprises. [A-]

SUNSHINE CLEANING (1 hr., 31 min.; R for language, disturbing images, some sexuality and drug use) Who cleans up spattered blood and other messes at the scene of violent crimes? Gross! Two sisters rediscover themselves while working together mopping up morbid messes in this well-acted, enjoyably quirky blend of comedy and drama. [A-]

TAKEN (1 hr., 31 min.; PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, disturbing thematic material, sexual content, some drug references and language) After Eurotrash thugs snatch his daughter in Paris, a CIA retiree uses all the tricks and ruthlessness of his former trade to get her back. Liam Neeson shines as a Jack Bauer-like man of (exciting and well-choreographed) action. [B+]

TERMINATOR SALVATION (1 hr., 55 min.; PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and language) Humanity rages against the machines in the fourth "Terminator" movie, but there's hardly any real emotion to flesh out the almost non-stop action scenes (which are crisply handled). This one finally shifts the scene to the bleak future glimpsed in the first three films. [C+]

UP (1 hr., 36 min.; PG for some peril and action) What happens when a senior citizen and a Junior Wilderness Explorer embark on a fantastic voyage to the wilds of Venezuela? "Up" tells a magical story packed with hysterical comedy, touching drama and eye-filling adventure. The acting and animation are excellent and the top-notch storytelling makes "Up" an instant Disney/Pixar classic. [A]

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE (1 hr., 48 min.; PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, and some partial nudity) Despite a solid opening 30 minutes or so, the first Wolverine-only comic book blockbuster gets warped by its too-clever plotting and silly, unconvincing climactic battle. Most of this was better when they called it "X2: X-Men United." [C+]

SALT LAKE COUNTY

These films are playing exclusively in Salt Lake County at the theaters indicated.

Broadway Centre at 111 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City -- (801) 321-0310

Carmike 12 at 1600 W. Fox Park Drive, West Jordan -- (801) 562-5760

Carmike Ritz Hollywood Connection at 3217 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City -- (801) 973-4386

Century 16 Salt Lake at 125 E. 3300 South, Salt Lake City -- (801) 486-9652

Century 16 Union Heights at 7670 S. Union Park Ave., Sandy -- (801) 568-3456

Cinemark 24 at 7301 S. Jordan Landing, West Jordan -- (801) 282-9722

Cinemark Movies 9 at 9359 S. 700 East, Sandy -- (801) 571-0601

Cinemark Movies 10 at 2227 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City -- (801) 466-3797

Cinemark Valley Fair Movies 9 at 3601 S. 2700 West, West Valley City -- (801) 969-7281

Megaplex 12 at 200 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City -- (801) 304-INFO

Megaplex 17 at 9355 S. State St., Sandy -- (801) 304-INFO

Megaplex 20 at 11400 S. Bangerter Hwy., South Jordan -- (801) 304-INFO

Tower Theatre at 876 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City -- (801) 321-0310

ANVIL! THE STORY OF ANVIL (1 hr., 30 min.; No MPAA rating) Witness the ups and downs of Canadian metal-meisters Anvil. In addition to sketching their past, the film is a bracing romp through Anvil's present as the boys in the band struggle to finish an ill-conceived European tour and record their 13th album. [A] Tower

THE BROTHERS BLOOM (1 hr., 53 min.; PG-13 for violence, some sexuality and brief strong language) Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo play con man brothers who set their sights on an eccentric heiress played by Rachel Weisz. With excellent acting from his cast, director Rian Johnson ("Brick") spins a charming, clever yarn. [B] Broadway

CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC (1 hr., 45 min.; PG for some mild language and thematic elements) The charm and comic timing of Aussie actress Isla Fisher is wasted in this clueless mangling of the cracklingly comedic consumerist novel by Sophie Kinsella. The movie aims for cheap laughs with its phony, contrived situations. [D] Cinemark 9

CRANK: HIGH VOLTAGE (1 hr., 36 min.; R for frenetic strong bloody violence throughout, crude and graphic sexual content, nudity and pervasive language) Jason Statham is invincible! The Limey action hero's Chev Chelios character literally bounces back from beyond the grave in this humongously, um, cranked action sequel. Fast, furious, forgettable -- for fans only. [C] Valley Fair 9

DANCE FLICK (1 hr., 23 min.; PG-13 for crude and sexual content throughout, and language) Nearly a decade after kicking off the current revival in parody films with "Scary Movie," the filmmaking Wayans Brothers have become as ham-handedly inept at "spoofing" genres as their artless imitators. This one's even worse than the loathsome likes of "Date Movie" or "Epic Movie." Think about that. [F] Carmike Ritz

FIGHTING (1 hr., 45 min.; PG-13 for intense fight sequences, a sex scene and brief strong language) A redneck from Alabama (Channing Tatum) carves out a new life for himself as a bare-knuckle fighter on the mean streets of New York. Tatum's acting is negligible, but the movie benefits from an interesting performance by Terrence Howard as a fight hustler. [C-] Cinemark 10, Valley Fair 9

GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST (1 hr., 40 min.; PG-13 for sexual content throughout, some language and a drug reference) Matthew McConaughey smooth operates his way through this predictable tale of an unrepentant womanizer who experiences a change of heart. The movie has a bit of its own oily charm, thanks especially to a strong supporting cast. [B-] Carmike Ritz

THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT (1 hr., 32 min.; PG-13 for some intense sequences of terror and disturbing images) There are many moments to make you jump in this standard-issue haunted house piece, as well as a few creepy images. For the most part, however, this story of a family that moves into a former funeral home is too bland and formulaic to be terrifying. [C+] Cinemark 10, Valley Fair 9

I LOVE YOU, MAN (1 hr., 45 min.; R for pervasive language, including crude and sexual references) There's "bromance" in the air as fussy Peter (Paul Rudd) awkwardly attempts to find a best friend -- and potential Best Man -- in time for his wedding. The thin premise gets overworked, but Rudd and co-star Jason Segel have excellent bromantic chemistry. [B] Cinemark 10

IS ANYBODY THERE? (1 hr., 35 min.; PG-13 for language including sexual references, and some disturbing images) Michael Caine gives a fantastic performance as an elderly magician who spends time with a young boy while boarding at the lad's parents' retirement home. Caine's, ahem, magical acting elevates the film. [B+] Broadway

LEMON TREE (1 hr., 46 min.; No MPAA rating) Hiam Abbas ("The Visitor") stars as a Palestinian widow pressured by Israeli agents to cut down her sustenance-providing lemon trees after an Israeli minister moves in on the far side of her property, raising fears that the trees may provide cover for terrorists. The fact-based tale is simplistic, but thoughtfully told. [B+] Broadway

THE LIMITS OF CONTROL (1 hr., 56 min.; R for graphic nudity and some language) Impressionist filmmaker Jim Jarmusch is likely to test the limits of your patience with this irritatingly opaque yarn about a hitman who goes somewhere to kill someone. Frustratingly obtuse in almost every respect. [D] Broadway

MADEA GOES TO JAIL (1 hr., 43 min.; PG-13 for mature thematic material, drug content, some violence and sexual situations) That wacky Madea! Playwright and filmmaker Tyler Perry's most, um, inspired comic creation is back! Madea is more of a bit player here, as she often is, but Perry's steadily improving storytelling keeps things engaging. [C+] Valley Fair 9

OBSERVE AND REPORT (1 hr., 26 min.; R for pervasive language, graphic nudity, drug use, sexual content and violence) Heh. Mall cops. Seth Rogen gets in touch with his darker side as a shopping center security guard haunted by his inner demons. Writer-director Jody Hill's tortured blend of vulgar gags and rage-fueled vignettes doesn't hold together. [D] Cinemark 10

PAUL BLART: MALL COP (1 hr., 31 min.; PG for some violence, mild crude and suggestive humor, and language) A mild-mannered mall security guard discovers his inner Bruce Willis after thugs plot a heist on Black Friday. The comedy is tame (lots of fat jokes), but TV funnyman Kevin James is a surprisingly likeable leading man. [C+] Cinemark 9, Valley Fair 9

TREELESS MOUNTAIN (1 hr., 29 min.; No MPAA rating) Months after being left in the care of their alcoholic aunt, two young Korean girls, ages 6 and 4, decide to strike out on their own and find their absent mother. With moving attention to detail, this heart-wrenching film follows their perilous journey. [A] Broadway

VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR (1 hr., 36 min.; PG-13 for some nudity and language) Thanks to the filmmakers' far-reaching access to the world of high fashion, this documentary about legendary fashion designer Valentino is catty and wittily engaging. There's not enough insight into the man himself, however, for a truly satisfying portrait. [B] Broadway

LARGE FORMAT FILMS

Cricket Imax Theater at Jordan Commons

STAR TREK (2 hrs., 6 min.; PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence, and brief sexual content) Kirk, "Bones" and Spock trade witty barbs in IMAX widescreen!

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN (1 hr., 45 min.; PG for mild action and brief language) Ben Stiller battles dioramas and wax dummies in IMAX widescreen!

Showtimes daily. 9355 S. State St., Sandy. (801) 304-INFO.

Xango Mammoth Screen Theater at Thanksgiving Point

DINOSAURS: GIANTS OF PATAGONIA (40 min.; No MPAA rating) Learn about the discovery of super-large dinos in South America.

WILD OCEAN 3D (45 min.; No MPAA rating) Massive aquatic feeding frenzies off the coast of Africa in 3D!

AFRICAN ADVENTURE: SAFARI IN THE OKAVANGO (40 min.; No MPAA rating) Visit the wild jungles of Africa's Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Showtimes daily. 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi. 768-2300.