Arthur (C+)

The remake of the beloved 80’s comedy with Dudley Moore has some strong female roles n especially Helen Mirren and Greta Gerwig n but the film can never quite live up to the original. The biggest problem is Russell Brand, who just doesn’t have the same chops or charm as Moore.

The Conspirator (B-)

Director Robert Redford’s latest about Mary Surratt the lone female charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, is a solid effort n even if Redford misses the mark at times with his heavy-handed approach.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (B-)

The sequel to the popular children’s books is a slight improvement on the original n with less gross out moments and a nice little message about family. Kids will love it. Parents won’t be bored.

Hanna (B)

Despite a rather silly plot n if you take time to think about it n this nifty little thriller works because of its attitude and a full-speed-ahead chase throughout Europe. With a talented young actress (Saoirse Ronan) in the title role carrying the proceedings and two great action sequences this is a lot of fun.

Hop (C-)

What is it about Hollywood making family films using CGI animals as musicians?

While this is slightly better than the two ‘Alvin and the Chipmunk’ films, this tale of the Easter Bunny (voiced by Russell Brand of all people) is a hodge podge of better movies that might appeal to a younger audience, but is the kind of disposable excursion that will be quickly forgotten.

Insidious (C)

The latest haunted house movie starts out kind of creepy, but quickly evolves into something quite silly. Very predictable cross between ‘Poltergeist’ and ‘Paranormal Activity.’ If you don’t see the ending coming a mile away you’re just not paying attention.

Limitless (B-)

With a promising premise to build from, the new film “Limitless” manages to work while also being slightly disappointing.

This visually dazzling and briskly paced drama is a solid excursion with a strong lead performance from Bradley Cooper, but it never quite delivers on its potential after a first half that suggests bigger and better things.

The Lincoln Lawyer (B)

Matthew McConaughey is very good as a slimy lawyer whose latest client (Ryan Phillipe) may be more trouble than he’s worth.

The courtroom scenes are solid and the supporting cast n which includes Marisa Tomei and William H. Macy n makes this even better than it should be.

Rio (B-)

The new animated feature from the creators of ‘Ice Age’ is a lively affair n a visually entrancing experience with its bright colors and constant motion.

While the story is rather simplistic, ‘Rio’ still succeeds as a film that will play well to its target audience and be just good enough to mildly entertain parents as well.

Scream 4 (B-)

It’s been more than a decade since the “Scream” series ended on a rather unsatisfying note, with a disappointing third installment that couldn’t sustain the momentum of the first two films.

That blip in the franchise is rectified with “Scream 4,” a reboot of the popular slasher series that helps wash away some of the bad taste from the previous entry. Combining the three constant players from the original trilogy with a new cast of fresh faces, this is a fun little flick that will surely entertain fans of the genre.

Source Code (A-)

The perfect example of how fun science fiction can be when done right.

This slickly crafted, time-shifting thriller from director Duncan Jones takes an intriguing premise and mixes it with some compelling twists and turns that make it a fun ride from start to finish. It is the best major release to date in 2011.

Water for Elephants (B-)

For a movie that aspires to please to “The Notebook” crowd, the film “Water for Elephants” isn’t much of a tear jerker.

It is, however, a pretty interesting little period piece about circus life. And for that, “Elephants” works, despite its plodding and predictable love triangle. This is a movie that, when the focus is on life under the big top, is quite engaging and just good enough to be a mildly surprising spring diversion.