"Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson" (NR). Director Alex Gibney (the Oscar-winning "Taxi to the Dark Side") has a strong subject with this documentary about a legendary journalist whose life was as wild as his writing. Johnny Depp reads from Thompson's work and among those commenting on him are Tom Wolfe, President Carter, Ralph Steadman, Jann Wenner, Gary Hart, Jimmy Buffett and Pat Buchanan. Grade: B Opens Friday, July 4.

"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- Opens Wednesday, July 2.

"Kit Kittredge: An American Girl" (G). The popular series of dolls, books and other merchandise will prompt tween girls and their moms to see this feature film. They'll appreciate the homespun values imparted by the Depression-era story, and also enjoy the lead performance by Abigail Breslin. Grade: B Opens Wednesday, July 2.

NOW PLAYING

"Get Smart" (PG-13). Steve Carell plays the Maxwell Smart spy role originated by Don Adams in the 1960s TV series. The movie version is a wavering mix of smart and stupid, with little more than the occasional funny one-liner or sight gag to grab your attention. Grade: C Snowden Square 14, AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"The Incredible Hulk" (PG-13). Edward Norton turns into a not so jolly green giant in a live-action superhero movie that is entertaining and at least relatively thoughtful by genre standards. With William Hurt, Liv Tyler and Tim Roth. Grade: B Snowden Square 14, AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (PG-13). Harrison Ford returns to the archaeological role after a 19-year absence, and the good news is that the adventure series does not seem geriatric. Steven Spielberg still knows how to orchestrate a cinematic theme park ride. With Cate Blanchett, Jim Broadbent, John Hurt, Shia La Beouf, Karen Allen and Ray Winstone. Grade: B+ Snowden Square 14, AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"Iron Man" (PG-13). Robert Downey Jr. has a wonderfully suitable role as a hedonistic military industrial tycoon who finds ethical salvation when he designs a metal suit and fights villains at home and abroad. Although the comic book superhero story is standard, the acting and filmmaking are better than average. With Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow. Grade: B Snowden Square 14, AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"The Love Guru" (PG-13). To be blunt, it's a bomb. Mike Myers smirks at all the scatological humor, so at least he thinks it's funny. What passes for a sports-themed plot is just an excuse for throwaway jokes that should be thrown away. With Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake, Ben Kingsley and Stephen Colbert. Grade: D 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+ 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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