Another week, another mediocre animated film – this time from the creator of “Kung Pow.” Kids will probably enjoy this, but adults will find it hard not to compare “Barnyard” to “The Lion King” (the film that it blatantly rips off).

Beerfest (D-)

The latest film from the Broken Lizard comedy troop suffers from one fatal flaw – it’s not funny.

Add in a nearly two hour running time and it adds up to the film equivalent of a hangover that won’t go away.

Crank (D)

This hyperactive thriller could have worked if it was played for laughs, but &#8220Crank” fails to realize its material is too ridiculous to be taken straightforward – resulting in one of the more unsettling movie experiences of the year.

Movies

By Michael Compton

The Covenant (D)

About the only thing surprising about this terrible teen flick about a group of young witches is the fact it was directed by Renny Harlin – the man behind &#8220Die Hard 2” and &#8220The Long Kiss Goodnight.”

The acting is bad, the dialogue is bad, and the story is generic. Other than that, I had no problems with &#8220The Covenant.”

Hollywoodland (B)

&#8220Hollywoodland” doesn’t have that extra oomph to make it a special film, but it is solidly crafted and acted. And after several weeks of dog releases that include &#8220Crank,” &#8220Beerfest,” and &#8220The Covenant,” solid is definitely good enough.

The Illusionist (B)

Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti are in top form in this period drama about a magician who returns to reconnect with a childhood love, only to discover she is about to be married to an unlikable prince.

The film’s twist is pretty predictable, but I still enjoyed it thanks to sound work from Norton and Giamatti.

Invincible (B-)

Mark Wahlberg plays Vince Papale a 30-year-old bartender who in 1976 made the Philadelphia Eagles after an open tryout.

&#8220Invincible” isn’t on the same level with &#8220The Rookie” or &#8220Remember the Titans,” but it is still another solid effort that sports fans will enjoy.

John Tucker Must Die (C-)

Unlike &#8220Accepted,” here’s a teen comedy that fails to take chances.

Sure, there are some laughs in this tale of four high school girls who are out to get revenge on the school’s hotshot loverboy, but &#8220John Tucker” fails to take advantage of a story that could have succeeded with a dark and twisted &#8220Heathers”-like turn.

Little Miss Sunshine (A)

If you like your humor dark and slightly pointed, then &#8220Little Miss Sunshine” is for you.

First-time screenwriter Michael Arndt’s script hits all the right notes, with a first-rate cast that makes this among the year’s very best films.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (B)

An overstuffed adventure that manages to be a slight improvement over the original. I wasn’t much of a fan of the original – mainly because I felt the film was too long and went in circles, with Depp’s comical performance the film’s saving grace. “Dead Man’s Chest” is still pretty lengthy, but this time I felt like the story had a purpose and didn’t go astray.

The Protector (B-)

&#8220Ong Bak” star Tony Jaa returns in this story of a Thai fighter who sets out to get revenge on people that stole his pet elephant (I’m serious).

The plot is laughable, but &#8220The Protector” is still enjoyable thanks to an almost nonstop barrage of action sequences that showcase the very talented and athletic Jaa.

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (B)

This Will Ferrell comedy about the rise and fall of a popular NASCAR driver is full of plenty of laughs and features plenty of supporting characters that are just as interesting as Ferrell’s dim-witted Ricky Bobby

The Wicker Man (C-)

Neil LaBute is one of my favorite directors, but he can’t save this rather predictable remake. Nicholas Cage stars as a cop investigating the disappearance of a little girl on a creepy island in one of those tales that I am sure plays better as a short story.