Avatar (B-)

James Cameron’s overhyped epic returns to theaters, with 10 extra minutes! The 3-D makes it worth a look, but the screenplay remains rather hokey n with acting that isn’t much better.

Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (D)

Another disposable family movie, that is unoriginal and dull. A 3-D excursion that probably should have been a TV movie.

Charlie St. Cloud (D+)

Zac Effron tries to branch out as an actor, but he is stuck in a dopey tear-jerker with a rather silly and absurd twist. If you want to see Effron work his acting chops, rent “Me and Orson Welles.”

Despicable Me (B)

Dreamworks latest animated film is a fun film, fueled mostly by some really funny moments involving the Minions n a group of characters that are a cross between the aliens in “Toy Story” and the penguins in “Madagascar.”

Dinner for Schmucks (D+)

An uncomfortable new comedy from director Jay Roach (the man behind the “Meet the Parents” films).

Like his previous films, Roach has orchestrated a comedy that lacks laughs n mainly because I felt bad during the awkward situations that continually unfold in the film.

Eat, Pray, Love (B)

A solid lead performance from Julia Roberts anchors writer/director Ryan Murphy’s adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir. This is a surprisingly engaging chick flick about one woman’s search for enlightenment n with an Oscar worthy supporting performance from Richard Jenkins.

The Expendables (B-)

There isn’t really anything fancy about the new Sylvester Stallone action film, but that is a good thing.

Here is a film that asks you to accept it for what it is n a mindless, testosterone charged, bloodbath full of explosions and thin on plot. It also happens to be a pretty fun little summer popcorn flick.

Grown Ups (D-)

A talented and funny cast n including Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, and David Spade n are completely wasted in this pointless comedy void of any laughs whatsoever. Easily one of the worst films of the year.

Inception (A)

In a summer filled with restarts and sequels, “Inception” is a cinematic breath of fresh air. Writer/director Christopher Nolan’s follow-up to “The Dark Knight” is a mind-bending thriller that is a complete original, cementing Nolan’s status as one of this generation’s brightest filmmakers.

Lottery Ticket (D)

This would be comedy starring Ice Cube and Bow Wow takes a rather flimsy premise and stretches it into an uncomfortable 90 minute plus running time.

The Other Guys (B)

After last year’s misstep “The Land of the Lost,” Will Ferrell is back in his comedic groove in his latest film, “The Other Guys” n a consistently funny spoof of buddy cop films.

Reuniting with writer/director Adam McKay (whose previous work with Ferrell includes “Step Brother,” “Talladega Nights” and “Anchorman”), this is the comedy that many of Ferrell’s fans will appreciate n with a talented cast and a solid script peppered with some truly laugh-out-loud moments.

Piranha 3-D (B-)

This entertaining bloodbath takes pride in its grindhouse roots n a nod to 1970s cheesy drive-in horror films. This may not be a great film, but it will definitely satisfy its target audience.

Salt (C)

Angelina Jolie returns to the action genre in her latest film n an ambitious, but underwhelming summer popcorn flick with aspirations of bigger things. Like “Knight and Day,” “Predators” and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” this is another tepid and forgettable action film that has its moments, but can’t rise above mediocrity.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (C+)

This intriguing little adaptation of a graphic novel is certainly original, but the video game visual style becomes repetitive and “Pilgrim” quickly wears out its welcome.

The Switch (D)

A romantic comedy that never can overcome its creepy premise. Jason Bateman plays the best friend of Jennifer Aniston, who makes a last minute switch when Aniston’s character decides to get artificially inseminated. There are no laughs at all and any romance feels rather icky.

Twilight: Eclipse (B)

When it comes to the latest vampire craze, I prefer the undead on HBO’s “True Blood” to child’s play in the first two “Twilight” films n which I found to be a broodish bore.

But the third time proves to be the charm with the latest adaptation of the wildly popular Stephenie Meyer novels “Twilight: Eclipse.” Yes there is still plenty of the girlie love triangle between the three leads, but this is a more confident film in the hands of director David Slade n who crafts a summer popcorn flick that will appease its fan base, while managing to hold the interest of nonfans as well. This is easily the best film in the series, and the first one that will likely appeal to everyone – not just the diehards.

Toy Story 3 (A)

When Disney released a special 3-D double feature for “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2” last October it gave me a chance to catch up with the films for the first time in a while. I came away with a greater appreciation of both films n two of the best ever from Pixar animation n and looked forward to the third installment.

That installment has finally arrived and more than lives up to the lofty expectations n a worthy addition to the already classic series.