Daddy Day Camp (F)

Saying &#8220Daddy Day Camp” is a bad movie is about as obvious as saying the sun is hot.

This unnecessary sequel to the 2003 Eddie Murphy hit &#8220Daddy Day Care” is predictably unwatchable – with a lazy script, lackluster direction and bad performances – but not quite as unbearable as one might think from the TV ads and trailers. Sure, it’s one of the worst movies of the year, but at least it’s not &#8220Epic Movie” or &#8220Perfect Stranger.”

Hairspray (A)

I remember when I went to see John Water’s &#8220Hairspray” in 1988 with zero expectations and came away absolutely floored by the wonderful experience.

Nineteen years later, &#8220Hairspray” has done it again – this time with the film version of the Broadway musical based on the 1988 movie. The latest version is just as good, if not better, with an infectious soundtrack and an all-star cast that precisely hits every note. This is easily the most entertaining major studio release of 2007.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (C+)

After four magical cinematic chapters the franchise finally hits a bump in the road with &#8220Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” which is full of plot detail and short of all the magic and charm that made this such a successful series.

The biggest problem with &#8220Phoenix” is that, for all its substance, nothing really happens. Watching &#8220Phoenix” is kind of like watching the episodes in a season of &#822024” that serve as nothing more than a bridge to get to the next big thing. Sure it serves a purpose, but when it happens in a feature-length film that clocks in at 138 minutes, it only proves to be frustrating.

Hot Rod (C)

&#8220Saturday Night Live” cast member Adam Sandberg stars a self-proclaimed stuntman intent on winning over his hard to please stepfather.

The comedy does feature some rather funny moments, but it mostly feels like an extended SNL skit that runs on way too long.

I Know Who Killed Me (D-)

Lindsay Lohan stars in this unintentionally hilarious thriller about a young girl abducted by a sadistic serial killer – who manages to escape and then claims she is not the same person.

I’ll admit the idea of Lohan playing a (fully clothed) stripper is quite funny, but even that humor can’t save a dreadful film that never seems to end.

I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (D)

This would-be comedy with Adam Sandler and Kevin James as a pair of New York firefighters who fake a domestic partnership to keep their benefits is one of the most mean-spirited, offensive films of the year – with school boy humor and stereotypes and caricatures that are just plain tired.

Live Free or Die Hard (B)

Bruce Willis returns as John McClane in this fourth installment of the popular franchise.

The action sequences are well-staged and the film proves to be a lot of fun – with Willis and Justin Long, as a computer hacker who teams up with McClane, delivering plenty of one-liners that add to the enjoyment.

No Reservations (C)

This rather tepid remake of the German film &#8220Mostly Martha” features a decent cast (Catherine Zeta Jones, Aaron Eckhart) and (Abigail Breslin), but the romantic angle lacks any sizzle.

If you must see a movie about a chef, make it &#8220Ratatouille.”

Ratatouille (A-)

Pixar’s latest – about a rat who lives in a fancy Parisian restaurant – is full of wonderful visuals and great characters, making it one of the animated studios best films in recent years.

The Simpsons Movie (B)

After years of speculation and anticipation, one of the most successful TV families of all time finally arrives on the big screen with &#8220The Simpsons Movie.”

And while there is no way that the beloved series could have possibly lived up to the hype created by its loyal fan base, this is still a solid venture onto the big screen, full of the humor and satire that has made the series such a success.

Transformers (B+)

In a summer overloaded with way too many disappointing sequels, here is an original (OK, it is based on an ’80’s TV series) where the &#8220wow” factor is pretty much achieved at every turn.

Director Michael Bay (&#8220The Rock” and &#8220Armageddon”) proves to be the perfect director for this testosterone-filled cocktail, expertly balancing the film’s impressive special effects with the occasional injection of humor.

Underdog (C)

This live-action version of the popular cartoon isn’t terribly bad, but it isn’t good enough to entertain anyone above the age of 8.