"Brideshead Revisited" (PG-13). Classy adaptation of the Evelyn Waugh novel about a middle-class college student who becomes close to a dysfunctional aristocratic family in the 1920s and 1930s. The locations in England and Venice provide photogenic backdrops for Matthew Goode, Ben Whishaw, Hayley Atwell, Emma Thompson, Michael Gambon and Greta Scacchi. Grade: B Opens Friday, Aug. 1.

"The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" (PG-13). Not reviewed. Brendan Fraser stars in this adventure sequel as an explorer who must stop an emperor from taking over the world. Rob Cohen directs. Opens Friday, Aug. 1.

"Swing Vote" (PG-13). Not reviewed. This satirical comedy stars Kevin Costner as an apathetic voter who becomes a national curiosity when an election comes down to his vote. Joshua Michael Stern directs. Opens Friday, Aug. 1.

NOW PLAYING

"The Dark Knight" (PG-13). Dark, violent and seemingly endless, this latest "Batman" movie takes awhile to build any narrative momentum. Also, the late Heath Ledger as the volatile Joker basically steals the movie from its star, Christian Bale as a brooding Bruce Wayne/Batman. With Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Morgan Freeman. Grade: B- Snowden Square 14, AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"Hancock" (PG-13). The humorous premise is that Will Smith is a superhero who is a skid row alcoholic in his personal life. Many sociological jokes hit their target early in the movie, but the story starts to lose touch with behavioral reality owing to an extreme plot twist and a barrage of conventional special effects. With Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman. Grade: B- Snowden Square 14, AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"Hellboy 2: The Golden Army" (PG-13). Director Guillermo del Toro sure knows how to think up bizarre creatures, but there are so many here that they ultimately divert our attention from what should be a sequel about Ron Perlman's exploits in the title role. Various murky subplots and drastic changes in tone don't help, either. Grade: B- Snowden Square 14, AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"Kung Fu Panda" (PG). The pudgy protagonist and his martial arts moves will appeal to kids, as will the story about the panda's need to develop confidence and fight a villain. This animated comedy is formulaic, but agreeable. Voices include Jack Black, Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogan, David Cross, Lucy Liu and Dustin Hoffman. Grade: B AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"Mamma Mia!" (PG-13). You'd better love the silly pop songs by the '70s group ABBA if you attend this entertaining adaptation of the Broadway musical about a young woman's search for the identity of her father. The cast is enjoyable, and the Greek scenery is easy on the eyes. With Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard. Grade: B+ Snowden Square 14, AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"Wall-E" (G). The nearly wordless opening section of this animated movie is quite distinctive, as the title robot explores a skyscraper-filled city that has been abandoned by people. Although the rest of the story becomes much busier and loses some of that special quality, it's always entertaining. Grade: B Snowden Square 14, AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"Wanted" (R). This special effects-driven adventure assaults your senses. Its comic book-derived story about a supernaturally strong Fraternity makes as much sense as the bullets that curve. Flexing their muscles if not their actorly muscles are Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman and Terence Stamp. Grade: C+ AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"The X-Files: I Want to Believe" (PG-13). It's not always easy to believe the murder mystery developments here, but fans of the old TV series will be pleased to see David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson return to their investigative roles in a world where the paranormal is normal. Grade: C+ Snowden Square 14, AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

All capsule reviews and grades are by Mike Giuliano unless otherwise noted. Bookings change on Friday. For showtimes and to confirm listings, call the phone-in number in Screen Scene.

SCREEN SCENE

AMC Columbia Mall 14
Columbia Town Center, Columbia,
410-423-0520

Snowden Square Stadium 14
9161 Commerce Center Drive, Columbia,
410-872-0670

Charles Theatre
1711 N. Charles St., Baltimore,
410-727-FILM

Maryland Science Center IMAX Theater
601 Light St., Baltimore,
410-685-5225

Muvico Egyptian 24
Arundel Mills Boulevard at Route 100, Hanover,
443-755-8992

West Nursery 14
1591 W. Nursery Road, Linthicum,
410-850-8999

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