"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+ Opens Thursday, May 22.

"War, Inc." (R). Not reviewed. John Cusack stars in this political satire about a hitman hired to kill a Middle East oil minister. Joshua Seftel directs; Hilary Duff co-stars. Opens Thursday, May 22.

NOW PLAYING

"Baby Mama" (PG-13). Tina Fey is a hard-working executive whose unhappiness at being childless prompts her to hire the much less sophisticated Amy Poehler to be a surrogate mother. This class comedy has its moments, but it piles on the cute contrivances. With Greg Kinnear, Dax Shepard, Steve Martin and Sigourney Weaver. Grade: B- Snowden Square 14, AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" (PG). The next cinematic installment in this C.S. Lewis-derived series again places its modern English children in a mythic setting. All the regal squabbles and battle scenes start to wear out their magical welcome, but fans will find plenty to enjoy. Grade: B Snowden Square 14, AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"Forgetting Sarah Marshall" (R). Producer Judd Apatow ("Knocked Up") oversees another uneven comedy in which genuinely funny and simply stupid jokes are thrown your way in a movie that goes on too long. The story about a man (Jason Segel) obsessed with his ex-girlfriend (Kristen Bell) fortunately has enough naughty humor to satisfy the fan base. Grade: B- Snowden Square 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay" (R). The slacker dude friends played by John Cho and Kal Penn return for a sequel in which they're falsely accused of being Muslim terrorists, escape from Guantanamo, and travel through the southern states. Some of the rude comedy hits, but a lot misses. 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

"Made of Honor" (PG-13). The relationships are difficult to believe and the laughs are notable for their absence in this poorly conceived romantic comedy about New York playboy Patrick Dempsey, platonic friend Michelle Monaghan and what happens when she asks him to be maid of honor at her wedding to a Scottish aristocrat. Grade: C- Snowden Square 14, AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"Nim's Island" (PG). Dad Gerard Butler and daughter Abigail Breslin live happily on an isolated island in the South Pacific, while big-city adventure novelist Jodie Foster lives far away until her research puts her in contact with them. Volcanic explosions, storms at sea and fat Australian tourists are among the noisy attractions in a moderately entertaining movie that bounces from one mood to another. Grade: B- Snowden Square 14

"Redbelt" (R). Writer-director David Mamet's martial arts drama for the art house crowd isn't likely to fully please either constituency, but its quirky mix of brawn and brain will keep you watching. With Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alice Braga, Emily Mortimer, Ricky Jay, David Paymer, Joe Mantegna, Tim Allen and Rebecca Pidgeon (aka Mrs. Mamet). Grade: B- Snowden Square 14, AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"Speed Racer" (PG). The candy-colored production design, non-stop special effects, overly busy 1960s' TV cartoon-derived plot overseen by writer-directors Andy and Larry Wachowski ("The Matrix"), and excessive running time will either thrill you or give you a headache. Talk about running on empty. With Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman and Susan Sarandon. Grade: C Snowden Square 14, AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

"What Happens in Vegas" (PG-13). This extremely contrived romantic comedy should have stayed in Vegas. Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher are newlyweds who instantly regret their hasty Vegas wedding, but vow to remain married for six months in order to receive a court-mandated equal split of a casino jackpot. You won't believe a minute of it. Grade: C Snowden Square 14, AMC Columbia Mall 14, Muvico Egyptian 24

All capsule reviews and grades 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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