'Fast Five'review: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker take'Furious'franchise fans on a high-octane ride

Action sequel about a high-stakes heist. With Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson. Director: Justin Lin (2:10). PG-13: language, violence. At area theaters.

Now this is how you make a summer movie.

So what if it's only April?"Fast Five"is determined to kick off popcorn season in high-octane style. And while you may not leave enlightened, you'll definitely be entertained.

Having also helmed the last two"Fast and the Furious"sequels, director Justin Lin has become something of an autoeur, with a clear understanding of what makes these movies work: cool cars, tight chases, and characters we can root for.

The latter is key; without a moral center, the franchise would have fallen apart long before we got to number five. Holding it all together is Dom (Vin Diesel), a big-hearted con who honors family above all. So it's no surprise when his sister Mia (Jordana Brewster) and her BF—and Dom's BFF—Brian (Paul Walker) risk everything to break him out of prison.

This puts them all on the radar of unstoppable agent Hobbs (Dwayne"the Rock"Johnson), who soon learns Dom wants to rob Brazil's richest man (Joaquim de Almeida).

Coming along for this 180mph ride are several cohorts from other films, including Roman (Tyrese Gibson) and Tej (Chris"Ludacris"Bridges), who proved much-needed comic relief. As the team works furiously to plan the heist, Hobbes moves ever closer to his target.

Johnson has always been a good sport, so he gamely pretends the entirely-unthreatening Diesel is his match.

In reality, it's almost comical to see them face off, though there is enough testosterone here to burn a hole through the screen.

Fortunately, Lin and returning writer Chris Morgan know how to work a balancing act. They bring in a stronger female presence to add some human interest; alternate action with emotion; and follow every serious moment with a head-snapping surprise.

Sure, a lot of the dialogue is dopey, and the eternally stiff leads once again compete for blankest delivery. But Lin distracts us well, packing deftly-shot races, explosions, and getaways into every corner.

In fact, the biggest problem is that the movie is way too long: he and Morgan keep throwing out ending after ending, as if they can't bear to let us go.

In a way, though, that's a welcome instinct. Even if you pay extra for Imax (well worth it),"Fast Five"feels like a genuine attempt to give us a good time, rather than the typically-cynical grab for our wallets.

It's not often you leave a sequel this far into a series and think,"How quick can they make number six?"

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Justin Bieber, Mark Wahlberg to be costars: Film will revolve around street basketball

This could be the greatest idea ever . . . or the worst.

Academy Award-nominated actorMark Wahlbergwill be co-starring with none other than teen singing sensationJustin Bieberin an upcoming film about street basketball, according toDeadline.

In fact, it was Wahlberg's idea.

The actor, who would also serve as producer, took notice of Bieber's hoops skills in February when the teen was partaking in theNBA All-StarWeekend celebrity game and then went toParamountto pitch a film idea starring the two.

Deadline is describing the vehicle as"The Color of Money"meets"The Karate Kid."

Although this would be the first film Bieber would act in, he has proven his box-office draw.

His tour documentary,"Never Say Never,"grossed $97 million worldwide; it only cost $13 million to make.

Bieber has already showed off his acting chops in numerous skits on"Saturday Night Live"and two episodes of"CSI."

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Tribeca Film Festival 2011: Unpredictable spring weather doesn't deter fans from star-studded events

The spring weather was reliably unpredictable, but that wasn't enough to deter thousands of film fans who came out for the opening weekend of theTribeca Film Festival.

For many, the highlight wasBrian Williams' interview with an unusually talkativeRobert De Niro, who shared family stories, reminisced about past projects, and waxed philosophical over politics.

Meanwhile, high-wattage premieres for movies like"The Good Doctor,""Angels Crest"and"Jesus Henry Christ"drew stars and star-spotters alike.

Families gathered for outdoor screenings at the World Financial Plaza, and the very patient waited in the drizzle to grab the last seats at buzzed-about titles like"Catching Hell,"Alex Gibney's empathetic documentary aboutAmerica's unluckiest baseball fan.

Between now and next weekend, you'll find smaller crowds. Among the titles you might want to catch Monday is"The Swell Season,"which charts the offscreen relationship of"Once"stars and co-Oscar winnersGlen Hansardand Markéta Irglová.

TheJulia Roberts-produced"Jesus Henry Christ"is another film getting some attention for its comic take on an unconventional family. And those who've seen"Gnarr"have been charmed by its subject, an Icelandic comedian who becomes mayor ofReykjavik(imagineJon Stewartreplacing Bloomberg).

But should you really want to be part of a jostling crowd, you'll get that chance, too. Monday evening's big premiere is"Last Night,"an intimate, intelligent relationship drama starringKeira Knightley,"Avatar'sSam WorthingtonandEva Mendes. There will be a line for those who don't yet have tickets, but before you subject yourself to the madness, remember this: It'll be screening again, without all the chaos, Tuesday.

The Tribeca Film Festival runs through May 1. For schedules, tickets and directions, visit www.tribecafilm.com.

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'Madea's Big Happy Family'comes in #2 at box office: Tyler Perry comedy performs worst in franchise

HaveTyler Perryfans had enough of Madea?

The writer-director-actor extraordinare's 10th film in six years,"Madea's Big Happy Family,"performed the worst of the franchise -- which stars the sassy matriarch (Perry in drag) -- when Madea's name is in the title, according toThe Washington Post.

Although"Madea's Big Happy Family"pulled in $25.8 million at the box office, it still only came in second behind the animated adventure"Rio,"featuring the voices ofAnne HathawayandJesse Eisenberg, which debuted the week before also at number one.

That makes"Big Happy Family"-- which cost $25 million to make -- the weakest opening ever for a Perry flick.

By comparison,"Tyler Perry'sMadea's Family Reunion"opened with $30 million in 2006 and"Tyler Perry's Madea Goes To Jail"made $41 million in it opening weekend in 2009.

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Summer already? A week-by-week movie guide of the season of sequels, superheroes and silly stuff

FAST FIVE (April 29)
Remember whenVin Dieselthought he was too cool for the fast and furious movies that made his name? Whether he's grown up or just faced reality, it looks like he's now in it for the long haul. The story never changes much (big plans, angry enemies, lots of car chases), but directorJustin Linalways inserts new scenery. For the fi fth entry, the boys head toBrazil, where a heist attracts the unwanted attention of fed-
eral agentDwayne (The Rock) Johnson.
Bottom line:Will this franchise ever run out of gas? Maybe not, if the producers are wise enough to keep upgrading with stars like Johnson. E.W.

THOR (May 6)
The fi rst superhero movie out of the gate tells ofMarvel Comics' Norse God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth), banished to Earth by his angry dad Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and then forced to battle his evil half-brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston).Natalie Port-
man andIdris Elbaco-star.
Bottom line:The pop mythology comes courtesy of directorKenneth Branagh, who isn't that insane a choice when you combine his"Henry V"with his"Frankenstein."If that's some-
thing you really want to do, this may hit you like a hammer. J.N.

JUMPING THE BROOM (May 6)
There aren't nearly enough smart dramedies for adult urban audiences. Prospects look very promising for the big-screen debut fromSalim Akil("Girlfriends,""The Game").Paula PattonandLaz Alonsoare the bride and groom who just want to make it through the wedding, once their mothers-in-law (Angela BassettandLoretta Devine) start meddling.
Bottom line:When you get a proposal from a cast that also includesMike Epps,Tasha Smith,Meagan GoodandJulie Bowen, you defi nitely say,"I do."E.W.

Chris Hemsworth forges ahead in 'Thor.'

SOMETHING BORROWED May 6
ANew Yorkattorney (Kate Hudson) makes a drunken confession on her 30th birthday: She loves her best friend's fiancé (John Krasinski). Uh-oh, he loves her too, which makes her palGinnifer Goodwinunhappy.
Bottom line:Before"Sex and the City"afi cionados get excited about this chick fl ick, they should note that directorLuke Greenfield previously madeRob Schneider's"The Animal"and the teens-meet-a-porn star lark"The Girl Next Door."Apparently, Greenfi eld got a tour of rom-com duty to pay for his crimes. J.N.

THE BEAVER May 6
We try to avoid punch lines that write themselves, so we'll just share the facts and allow you to draw your own conclusions.Mel Gibsonstars as a deeply troubled man who has pushed everyone so far that his only means of communication is a ratty animal puppet he hopes will charm us— sorry, them — into forgiveness.
Bottom line:Director Jodie Foster, who co-stars as Gibson's wife, has been working on this project for years. But now it bears a much heavier burden than when they both began. E.W.

EVERYTHING MUST GO May 6
Will Ferrellgoes for wry drama again (as he did in the indie"Winter Passing") by playing an alcoholic regrouping after losing his wife and job. First order of business: hold a huge yard sale to make some booze money.
Bottom line:Ferrell does down-and-out well (remember him in"Wedding Crashers"? Ah, that one people saw!), but will he click in a film based on a short story byRaymond Carver? J.N.

THERE BE DRAGONS May 6
Director Roland Joffé ("The Killing Fields") directed this dramatic thriller about an investigative journalist (Dougray Scott) who visitsSpainfor a story and discovers his father (Wes Bentley) was a founder of the secretive organization known asOpus Dei.
Bottom line:"The Da Vinci Code: The Early Years,"kinda? J.N.

BRIDESMAIDS May 13
A"Hangover"for the ladies? A starring role forKristen Wiig? Yes, please. We're also thrilled that TV'sPaul Feig("Arrested Development,""The Offi ce") is planning this shindig, which looks like a suitably wild ride. Wiig is the eternally single lady who has no idea what she's getting into when newly engagedMaya Rudolphasks her to be maid of honor.
Bottom line:Apologies to Will and Kate, but this is surely the most fun to be had at a wedding this year. And you don't even have to squeeze yourself into taffeta. E.W.

PRIEST May 13
No, this isn't a 3-D remake of the controversial 1995 drama about a gay man of the cloth. It's a postapocalyptic actioner about a warrior padre fi ghting vam-
pires and kicking undead butt.
Bottom line:Paul Bettany— who played a similar role in"Legion"— is the title character. See, werewolves never have to worry about guys like this. J.N.

HESHER May 13
It wouldn't surprise us ifJoseph Gordon-Levittearned anOscar nominationsomeday. He has the ability to totally transform himself when needed. And it's a good sign that David Michôd, who made last year's impressive thriller"Animal Kingdom,"co-wrote this edgy tale of a boy who befriends Gordon-Levitt's drug-addicted sociopath.
Bottom line:Gordon-Levitt is about to erase any lingering images from"(500) Days of Summer."We're having a harder time buyingNatalie Portmanas a nerdy supermarket cashier. E.W.

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Short Takes:'African Cats,''The Greatest Movie Ever Sold,'When Harry Tries To Marry'

AFRICAN CATS-- 2 STARS
Documentary about two prides of lions inAfrica(1:29). G: Predator attacks. At area theaters.

The third entry in the DisneyNature series ofEarth Day-themed features is noble and lovely, but is weaker than"Earth"and"Oceans."Those films cast a meditative, mesmerizing spell on audiences as they explored our planet."African Cats,"while often adorable and at times gripping, is more of a TV-ready experience. That’s partially due to its imposed narrative: Two lion prides exist on either side of a river on the savanna, dealing with predatory cheetahs and the obligatory lunchtime antelope. It's the circle of life, thoughSamuel L. Jacksongives a hip variation on the wry voice-overs ofDisney's 1950s wildlife shorts, and audiences of any age will always coo at big-pawed baby lions. Humans over 5 won't be shocked at the kills, though someone should make a movie about all those antelope leaping off-screen into waiting jaws. Call it"Losers of the Savanna."

DUMBSTRUCK -- 2 STARS
Documentary about ventriloquists (1:28). Not rated. At Cinema Village.

Leave aside the cliches that spring to mind when you're talking about ventriloquy, and you're left with an earnest but undeniably eye-rolling documentary about the denizens of this odd pocket of show business. That's if it can even be called a business— of the five subjects here, the most successful is a hit on the cruise-boat circuit, and his act seems frozen from around 1975. Then there’s the small-town sweetie crushing her family's hopes that she'll someday stop telling jokes through a puppet's mouth; the middle-aged aficionado on the verge of losing her home, and the eager preteen whose dad doesn’t understand his art. There’s also a glimpse of a ventriloquist convention called VentHaven and the followers of a craft that can trumpetEdgar BergenandCharlie McCarthy(as well asWayland Flowersand  Madam). There isn't enough insight, but we find out a bit of what makes both the people and dummies tick.

INCENDIES -- 4 STARS
A woman's will reveals family secrets to her children (2:10). Not rated: Violence. At Lincoln Plaza and Sunshine Cinema.

In French and Arabic with English subtitles. We are forever surprised at our parents' lives.Director Denis Villeneuve���s"Incendies"uses that as the launching point for a deep-hearted meditation on personal and political terror. As adults,Montrealtwins Jeanne and Simon (Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin andMaxim Gaudette) harbor  a banked anger toward their late mother, Nawal. But as her will is read, they discover a bit of why she was who she was: They have a brother they didn’t know about, and the father they believed dead is still alive. Yet those pale before the discovery of Nawal's (Lubna Azabal) political actions before the twins were born. As Jeanne goes to theMiddle East, where her mother grew up, we see in flashback Nawal's evolution from Christian outcast to Muslim convert to aching soul imprisoned for an assassination. Filled with striking images and the ghosts of lives lived in hardship and war,"Incendies"is tough but impactful.

THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD-- 2 STARS
Documentary about directorMorgan Spurlock's attempts to finance a film through corporate sponsorship (1:32). PG-13. At area theaters.

Only the extremely naive will be shocked, shocked by director Morgan Spurlock's dissection of product placement in movies. (Corporations have specific ideas on how they’re portrayed? They want the most saturation for their money? No!). What fun there is here comes from Spurlock using himself as a guinea pig, as he did in"Supersize Me,"and turning his entire personality into a commodity. But that, of course, comes at a price: When he seems to be heading toward potentially  important territory — for example, how areas in and around a school can be bought and paid for by companies — he gets distracted, ignoring the issue of, say, vending machines pushingSnapplein lunchrooms. But this is about him and his movie, after all, and why we see superheroes driving Audis and ingenues chuggingDr Pepper. So, Madison Avenue and Hollywood are money-hungry? Got it. Next scandal, please.

WHENHARRY TRIESTO MARRY -- 2 STARS
An Indian-American bachelor inNYCseeks an arranged marriage (1:33). PG-13. At the Empire 25.

Director Nayan Padrai's cross-cultural romantic comedy is savvy about its influences— a"When Harry Met Sally"riff is right in the title, and it's aware of all the Indian-flavored cliches— yet this sweet if limited film has an agreeable attitude. New Yorker Harry (Rahul Rai), jaded by his parents' split, decides to go old-school with an arranged marriage; he's sure love will eventually blossom with the lovely stranger who is to be his bride. Then he encounters Theresa (Stefanie Estes) during a meet-cute at a bowling alley. Will they finish each other's sentences through life, or will Harry hold fast to his cynical ways? Nothing new under the sun, but Padrai spices things up just enough.

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'Water for Elephants'review: Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson lack chemistry, but worth watching

WithRobert Pattinson,Reese Witherspoon. Romantic drama about a runaway who finds love in a 1930s circus. Director:Francis Lawrence(2:02). PG-13: Violence, language, sexuality. At area theaters.

Worth the price of admission but lacking in high-flying feats,"Water for Elephants"is a solemnly faithful rendering ofSara Gruen's book-club favorite. Director Francis Lawrence and writerRichard LaGravenesereplicate just enough of the novel's fantasy to keep audiences involved, even if the results hardly add up to the most spectacular show at the cineplex.

The primary drawback is the lack of chemistry between the leads, Reese Witherspoon and"Twilight's"Robert Pattinson. Pattinson plays Jacob, a veterinary student who hits the rails in 1931 after a family tragedy. He happens to hop a traveling circus train and is instantly enamored of the star act: Marlena (Witherspoon) and her dancing ponies. So far, so blah.

But into this ordinary world leaps an electrifying ringleader:Christoph Waltz. As the circus owner— and Marlena's husband — his August is a desperate brute, whose smooth exterior barely hides a jealous sociopath. Impressed byJacob's Ivy Leagueeducation, he hires the young stowaway to train the animals. When Jacob and the beautiful Marlena start working closely together on a new elephant act, however, his suspicions are (rightly) aroused.

Pattinson is such a passive actor that he needs a strong partner to reflect some depth into his brooding beauty. Witherspoon, stiff and withholding, isn't it. She seems as lost as he does, and Waltz's confident, exaggerated showmanship makes them both look like hesitant kids.

Fortunately, there's enough going on at the edges to distract us from the main event. Lawrence takes great care to convey the 1930s feel, and does capture some of the book's poignant vision of a tattered era.

In addition to Waltz— anOscar winnerfor"Inglourious Basterds"— several supporting actors make a memorable impact. The most notable isHal Holbrookas the aged Jacob, who remembers the story in flashback.
In just a few minutes, he locates the romance that once inspired dreamers to run away with the circus. Depending on how your day is going, he might even convince you to consider it, too.

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Ed Burns manages to stay grounded in his native Tribeca despite success over last decade

No one callsEdward Burnsby his full name.

It's Ed or Eddie or Burns or Burnsy.

TheNew Yorkfilmmaker, whose latest low-budget flick,"Newlyweds,"will close out theTribeca Film Festivalon April 30, is anything but formal.

Meandering through the streets of his Tribeca neighborhood in jeans and shell-toeAdidas, Burns puts on no airs.

"Growing up inLong Island, I never thought my life would turn out like this,"says the 43-year-old movie man."How do I stay grounded? I think a big part of it is New York. My friends and family are here, which keeps me relatively sane. Plus, New Yorkers don't really give a s— about celebrities. I can walk around without being hassled."

Sure enough, as he waits for a coffee at Pecan Cafe on the corner of Varick and Franklin Sts., no one bothers the filmmaker, despite fis status as Tribeca's second most-renowned movie star afterRobert De Niro.

Since bursting onto the scene in 1995 with his debut film,"The Brothers McMullen,"which won the Grand Jury prize at theSundance Film Festival, Burns has gone on to direct 10 more movies and star in dozens of others, most famously"Saving Private Ryan"in 1998.

But his success in mainstream movies has not changed Burns' passion for independent filmmaking, or his hometown.

"I would probably have a very different acting career if I had chosen to stay inL.A.after 'Saving Private Ryan,'"he says."By living in New York, I never felt the pressure to make a big rom-com and a pile of dough. Instead, I'm able to write about what I know."

And Burns knows New York. A die-hardMetsfan, he was born inWoodsideand graduated fromHunter College. His  father was anNYPDsergeant.

It was his childhood film idols, however, who really influenced his decision to set up shop in New York.

"The guys that I always looked up to were New York- based writers, directors and sometimes actors,"he says."There wasSpike Lee,Woody AllenandMartin Scorsese. And to my knowledge, none of them ever spent any real time in Hollywood. It was that career path that I wanted to follow."

Starring Burns,Caitlin Fitzgerald, Max Baker,Marsha Dietlein Bennettand Kerry Bishé,"Newlyweds"chronicles the trials and tribulations of a recently married couple. In typical Burns style, the film was shot in 12 days on a $9,000 budget (His breakdown: $5,000 for actors, $2,000 for insurance and $2,000 for"food and drink").

"I knew I couldn't pay the actors financially, but I could write for them a part where they could shine,"says Burns."We shot every scene but one in Tribeca because this is where I have lived for the last 10 years. So I called in the favor bank. I know most of the restaurant owners and they allowed me to film in their businesses."

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Denzel Washington, Tim McGraw no longer costars: Country singer backs out of'Safe House'

ForTim McGraw, music comes first!

The country superstar, who has successfully crossed over to acting with roles in"Country Strong"and"The Blind Side,"has backed out ofDenzel Washington's CIA thriller"Safe House"because the filming schedule conflicted with his"Emotional Traffic"tour, which kicks off April 29 inTampa.

"Safe House,"which also starsRyan Reynoldsand will be released next year, has already been the focus of controversy.

While filming on-location inCape Town,South Africalast fall, terrified local residents began calling into a talk radio show there because they feared the loud noises coming from the set was real gunfire.

Despite the panic,Denis Lillie, head ofCape Film Commission, praised the film crew's presence.

"The economic benefits and the profile that it gives to Cape Town is...astounding."The commotion from the set, Lillie added, is"something that we're going to have to get used to."

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'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2': New photos from franchise's final film installment

The end is almost near for"Harry Potter"fans.

The epic fantasy series' seventh and final film installment,"Harry Potter and theDeathly Hallows: Part 2,"doesn't hit theatres until July 15, but we have exclusive photos of Harry, Ron and Hermione!

When"Part 1"-- which premiered last November and grossed a record-breaking $125 million opening weekend -- left off, Harry& Co. were on a quest to find and destroyLord Voldemort's secret to immortality: the Horcruxes."

Last month,Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry, toldCBS Newsthe end of the film series was especially tough.

"I cried,"he said in an interview withKatie Couric."I wept like a child on the day we finished filming. I was distraught because it is like a family. It has been like a family. It’s scary to have to go out into the real world. It's like you’re leaving the nest, but at the same time, we always knew it was going to end. We can’t just go on indefinitely filming Harry Potter films."

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Tribeca Film Festival: A day-to-day guide of the best of this year's line-up

Given that it's one of the most wide-ranging cultural eventsNew Yorksees each year, navigating theTribeca Film Festivalcould easily fill every waking hour of your day from start (Wednesday) to finish (May 1).

Operating under the assumption that you have other responsibilities, however, we'll be doing all the heavy lifting.

Every day, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to the festival's highlights, sifting through more than 150 films to find the real gems, and paring down the schedule so you know where to focus.

If you've got plenty of time on your hands, our daily road map will walk you through all the best options. But if you want to head straight to the main events, these are the tickets you should get— and soon.

Don't panic, though, if your choice is sold out: Every program will have a waitlist, to be granted admittance (based on availability) shortly before showtime.

WEDNESDAY, April 20

This year's opening-night celebration is designed to emphasize the inclusive spirit that's made TFF such a communal festival. The premiere ofCameron Crowe'sElton Johndocumentary,"The Union,"is free to everyone (based on capacity, so arrive early). Best of all, the movie will be followed by a concert with Sir Elton himself.

THURSDAY, April 21

Anyone who has watchedSteve CooganandRob BrydontradingMichael Caineimpressions on You- Tube will consider"The Trip"(above) a must . The friends reunite with"Tristram Shandy"directorMichael Winterbottomfor a comic romp that devilishly blends fact and fiction.
Bonus event:Tribeca's outdoor"drivein"movies are always great fun— and always free. The series kicks off with the original"Fame,"about students at New York's High School for the Performing Arts.

FRIDAY, April 22

Lance Daly's"Kisses"impressed arthouse audiences last year, so there are big hopes for his follow up, the psychological thriller"The Good Doctor."Since big stars often do their best work in smaller films, we're also excited to see howOrlando Bloomfares as a medical resident who develops a highly suspect relationship with a new patient.
Bonus event:The second"drive-in"night features the documentary"When the Drum Is Beating,"aboutHaiti's legendary band Septentrional. A performance from the group will follow.

SATURDAY, April 23

One of the joys of any film festival is the chance to catch small, character-driven works that may not get wider release. Among the most intriguing here isMateo Gil's Western"Blackthorn,"starringSam ShepardasButch Cassidy.
Bonus event:Part of the 10thanniversary celebration is a series of"Tribeca Talks"with great directors. Naturally, the festival will offer an evening with co-founderRobert De Niro, interviewed by news anchorBrian Williams.

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'Cowboys& Aliens'trailer: Harrison Ford, Daniel Craig team up to fight extraterrestrials

What do you get when you putIndiana JonesandJames Bondin the same desert?

Aliens, apparently.

The latest trailer for"Cowboys& Aliens,"starringHarrison FordandDaniel Craig, debuted during"American Idol"Thursday night, giving a new glimpse into the much-anticipatedStephen Spielberg-produced film.

The flick's basic plot was laid out in the 2-minute and 30-second preview: Craig's character Jake finds himself with no memory of his past, even though the residents of anArizonatown, where Ford is the colonel, believe he's a criminal.

Proving aliens were a problem (at least in the movies) even back in the 1800s, the town is soon under siege unless the residents can team with Jake to figure out what in the world is really going on.

Also starringOlivia WildeandSam Rockwell, the movie, directed byJon Favreau, invades theaters July 29.

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'Double Hour'review: Taut thriller is sizzling with reverses

Thriller about a woman involved with a ex-cop. (1:35). Not rated: Violence, sexuality, nudity. At Lincoln Plaza and the Sunshine Cinema. In Italian with English subtitles.

A twisty Italian thriller that takes some liberties with its now-you-see-'em/now-you-don't plot points, but no matter; the way directorGiuseppe Capotondikeeps us guessing is deliciously, maliciously deft.

Sonia (Kseniya Rappoport), a hotel chambermaid and sad-eyed lonelyheart, meets ex-cop Guido (Javier BardemlookalikeFilippo Timi) at a speed-dating dinner. They end up going home together, but after a few more meetings, tragedy strikes: A robbery gone wrong leaves Guido dead and Sonia with a gunshot wound to the head.

But are either of those things real? Turns out that Sonya's been in a coma, and Guido, in fact, is alive. And still more perplexing elements arise: Sonia's father doesn't like her, a promiscuous coworker revels in her tawdry social life and a detective friend of Guido's keeps popping up.

Some of these threads are relevant, and some aren't, but Capotondi keeps us guessing even through"Double Hour's"final, arresting image. Plus he adds one definitively jumpy entry to cinema's history of unsettling bath scenes.

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Bradley Cooper in talks to lead'The Crow'remake:'Limitless'star will take on Brandon Lee role

"Limitless"starBradley Cooperis in talks to front a remake of"The Crow,"the 1994 thriller about a murdered man raised from the dead to seek revenge against the men who killed him and his fiancée,E! Newsreports.

In the film, a crow guides the man as he violently and creatively knocks off the thugs behind the crimes.

Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, who directed"28 Days Later,"will reportedly helm the project.

The original film was based on a cult comic book series of the same name and was both a critical and box office success, earning $144 million worldwide.

But tragedy on set brought the film to the public eye well before its release - just days before filming was scheduled to wrap, starBrandon Leewas fatally wounded by a gun on set that accidentally shot a bullet into his abdomen. The bullet was reportedly left in the gun after an earlier scene and was fired off by a blank cartridge loaded later.  

Lee, son of martial arts legendBruce Lee, suffered extensive bleeding and was rushed to the hospital, where he died 12 hours later.

Producers considered scrapping the project altogether, but instead directorAlex Proyaswas tasked with rewriting the final scenes and using special effects to add Lee's character to the frames.

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John Travolta and Lindsay Lohan make unlikely pair to team up for'Gotti: Three Generations'movie

Troubled starletLindsay Lohancrashed aManhattanpress conference to make her feelings clear about an upcoming flick aboutJohn Gotti: She wants to play his daughter Victoria.

Lohan made a surprise cameo appearance with her mother,Dina, and sat with the Gotti family asJohn Travoltaformally announced Tuesday that he will play the late"TeflonDon"in the $75 million movie"Gotti: Three Generations."

"She's a great actress,"saidMarc Fiore, who is producing the movie, which begins shooting in the fall."We're currently in talks with Lindsay, but nothing has been finalized."

Victoria Gottisaid she has no problem with Lohan, 24, playing her.

"She has my support,"she told reporters.

Lohan, who's facing jail time if convicted of shoplifting a necklace inCalifornia, didn't talk to reporters, though she posed for pictures with Victoria Gotti and her brother, John A. (Junior) Gotti.

Travolta told reporters at theSheraton New York Hotel& Towers in midtown he felt a strong connection to the former mob boss after speaking to his son.

"We had such a great time just discussing family and life. Believe it or not, my favorite show was 'Growing Up Gotti.' I think I saw every episode."

Travolta also revealed that he and Junior Gotti bonded over personal family losses.

"His father lost a son and I lost a son,"the"Grease"star said, referring to the death of his sonJettin 2009."We discussed that and how painful that is."

Junior Gotti said the film is an opportunity to"write history correctly."

"My father was an icon, a man larger than life who ... stayed true to his beliefs,"he said.

"People say my father was a killer and a gangster and yeah, he was. But he ... made a choice to be something in his life and he stayed true to those convictions."

josterhout@nydailynews.com

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'Godfather'actor James Caan discusses technology, his movie career and how NYC influenced his work

At 71,James Caanis as straight-shooting and tell-it-like-it-is as ever. Sit with him for a bit and the quotables fly:"I'm a moron! That's why I'm an actor!""Growing up in Queens, we were punks, but when we went to the theater, we wore a shirt and tie!"

TheN.Y.native currently co-stars withKeanu ReevesandVera Farmigain"Henry's Crime,"a caper about an ex-con (Reeves) and a career criminal (Caan) planning to rob aBuffalobank. Farmiga plays an actress who falls for Reeves.

Lounging on couches at theCrosby Street Hotellast week, Caan, born in theBronxand raised in Sunnyside, is happy to hold court."TheGodfather's"Sonny Corleoneis as much of a firebrand as ever. Even his co-stars are in awe— and they’re no industry newbies. Reeves, 46 — mellow as always — has confirmed that a third"Bill and Ted"film is in the works, and has enough of a handle on his image to know that revisiting his time-traveling dude in middle age might be fun. Farmiga, 37, is on screens in"Source Code"and will see her directorial debut,"Higher Ground,"released this year.

The way we see movies is changing so fast. Does knowing your work could be seen on media players the size of your wallet ever alter how you play a scene?

James Caan:I'm really {against} all this technology, even texting. And we'll get to how it relates to the movies in a minute. But if you want to talk to me, talk to me! {Holds up his cellphone} I don't answer this sonofabitch! It takes me a half-hour to text,"Hi-how-are-you."We're losing the personal touch. Saving a letter from an old friend doesn't exist anymore. Everything is texted or emailed!

Keanu Reeves:I texted you on your birthday, I feel terrible! I should've called! I didn't want to bother you.

Cann:No, that was fine, you were far away.

Keanu:I was inBudapest.

Caan:That was nice. Though you could have called from Budapest. ... But it's getting to the point where we almost don't need theaters anymore. We have the ability now to push a button and see a first-run movie in your house.

Vera Farmiga:I don't experience films as potently as I do in an audience, where I vibe off of other people's reactions. It's not the same looking at an electronic device or watching a film at home.

Caan:That's what I'm talkin' about! Live theater is still alive because people are there. I remember at 16 years old, growing up in Queens, we were punks, but hey, when we went to the theater, we wore a shirt and tie! Similarly, I believe that to keep movie theaters in existence, they're gonna have to make 'em an event, have a couch, a table and drinks or something. Otherwise, there's no reason to get out of your bed!

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'Arthur'review: Russell Brand's take on Dudley Moore classic is just a rough hangover

WithRussell Brand,Greta Gerwig,Helen Mirren. A wealthy playboy drinks himself silly until he meets the right woman. Director:Jason Winer. (1:50) PG-13: Language, sexuality. At area theaters.

There are two signs that the new"Arthur"is a badly slurring shadow of the 1981 mini-classic starringDudley Moore.

The first is a small but notable difference on the movie poster. On the original, the"a"in"Arthur"is leaning precariously against the"r,"as if recovering from a tough night out. The new logo is straight-ahead, boring, typical. The second and more crucial alteration is that this"Arthur"is missing a soul.

A genuine melancholy ran through the story the first time, which made its title character's drunken-playboy antics more than just clownishness. That grounding sadness has been replaced by a chintzy sentimentalism as clunky as its comedy.

Russell Brand isArthur Bach, a 30-ish billionaire cavorting throughNew Yorklike it's his personal playpen. His nanny, Hobson (Helen Mirren), scolds him, but boozing and partying are Arthur's reasons for being. Not even his detached mother, forcing him to marry twitchy businesswoman Susan (Jennifer Garner), can sober Arthur up.

Then he meets poor, artistic Queens resident Naomi (Greta Gerwig, in theLiza Minnellirole), and Arthur has a reason to change. But the wedding to Susan is fast approaching, and Arthur faces a real life— in other words, he'll be poor — if he doesn't marry her.

The lateSteve Gordon's original script had its heart in the unconventional rhythms of screwball comedy, while director Jason Winer's new take makes the tale nothing but conventional.

Scenes of Arthur dressing up as Batman and joy-riding in a Batmobile feel like a studio in-joke, while Garner's psycho sex kitten and Gerwig's dopey bohemian are dull distillations of a million other rom-com specimens.

This showcase for Brand's lanky, steamrolling personality comes up far short of 100-proof laughs. He plays Arthur as clingy and clownish, and the British comic aims for one click above moronic. Garner, Gerwig andLuis Guzman, as a simpleton chauffeur, follow suit. (Mirren, in the haughty-caregiver role that wonJohn Gielgudan Oscar, simply looks bored.)

When a scene of Arthur attempting to get a job falls embarrassingly flat, the movie's idea of a save is to dress him up as a giant gummy bear.

That underscores the biggest reason the movie fails: Aside from a handful of amusing riffs, the movie is about a joke machine who (literally) runs down the street in his underwear, not a flawed person running from himself. It's hard to tell when this Arthur is drunk and when he's not, because he is, always, as phony and as funny as a two-dollar bill.

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'Your Highness'review: James Franco's a hero who saves the medieval fantasy comedy

WithJames Franco,Natalie Portman,Danny McBride,Zooey Deschanel. Broad spoof of medieval fantasy adventures. Director:David Gordon Green(1:42). R: Strong language, crude humor, violence, drugs, sexuality. At area theaters.

Why is James Franco so determined to distract us from the fact that he's a terrific actor? Even as he earns attention for shutting down hisTwitteraccount or taking 72 exams at once or being the most disconnected host inAcademy Awardhistory, it's becoming clear that his true gifts are best seen on screen.

That's also where we can most appreciate his admirable rejection of limitations. Having just earned an Oscar nod for his intense work in"127 Hours,"he tackles the juvenile lunacy of"Your Highness"with equal commitment. And rather remarkably, he makes it work.

It's Franco's straight-faced turn that grounds this proudly lowbrow caper from his"Pineapple Express"collaborators, David Gordon Green and Danny McBride.

McBride, who co-wrote the screenplay, also stars as Prince Thadeous, a regal slacker who brings a thoroughly modern attitude to OldeEngland. Perpetually resentful of his golden brother, Fabious (Franco), Thadeous prefers to hang around the castle smoking unidentified herbs, while Fabious slays dragons.

But this cushy setup is threatened when Fab's beloved (Zooey Deschanel) is kidnapped by a warlock (Justin Theroux). The king (Charles Dance) sends both his sons to rescue her, with only Fabious aware of the dangers ahead. Soon, Thadeous must prove himself against monsters, evil knights and a noble warrior (Natalie Portman) whose own quest conflicts with theirs.

McBride has written a genuinely funny script, but he can't help overplaying each crudely adolescent punchline. And as an actor, his instincts are equally broad. It's as if a chemically altered college kid watched a bunch ofJudd Apatowmovies, and then decided to remake"The Princess Bride."

The overall effect gets tiresome, but Green has wisely instructed McBride's co-stars to approach the proceedings with complete seriousness. While the majority of the cast handles this task easily (only Deschanel seems lost), Franco truly saves the day. His hilarious deadpan in the midst of utter insanity turns a bawdy goof into a most welcome lark indeed.

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'Hanna'review: Coming-of-age assassin film shoots blanks with borrowed formula

WithSaoirse Ronan,Cate Blanchett. A young girl is trained to become an assassin. Director:Joe Wright. (1:45) PG-13: Violence. At area theaters.

Hollywood is always looking to build a better assassin, whether it'sAngelina Jolie'sEvelyn Salt, the old eliminators in"Red,"Jason Bourneagain, naturally.

But"Hanna's"angle− a teenager trained since birth to be a killing machine − isn't as fresh as it thinks it is. The movie takes elements of"La Femme Nikita"andNatalie Portmanin"The Professional,"along with portions of the comic-book gals who've wielded weapons at the multiplex (take your pick, there have been several in the past year) and plunks it all down in a not-very-brave new world.

Living alone with her ex-CIA gent father (Eric Bana) in an electricity-free cabin far up in the mountains ofFinland, Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) shoots an elk in the face the way most kids useFacebook. She can outmaneuver and outrun her old pop before taking a break to learn from the only book they have in their cabin, an encyclopedia.

Then Hanna chooses to alert the very person she and her dad have been training to battle: A matronly murderer named Marissa (Cate Blanchett) whoseTexastwang and business suits make her look like Tootsie with a deadly twist.

Marissa and her team of goons— including one fellow who likes track suits — catch up to Hanna and spirit her toMoroccofor interrogation. But she escapes and hides with a family of hippies, learning a little about a world she never knew existed before she has to get back to head-smashing.

The forced coming-of-age parable that filmmaker Joe Wright laces with fairy-tale symbolism is heavy-handed from the get-go. The director of the stately"Atonement"and"Pride and Prejudice"works extra hard to get in touch with his innerLuc Besson, but for all the jacked-up violence and super DNA backstory, this is still a movie where one guy is surrounded by five thugs who take turns throwing punches until someone thinks to finally take out a knife.

Ronan ("The Lovely Bones") has an ethereal look and a glassy-eyed-doe aura, which may be because Hanna was unnecessarily raised like it was the 17th century (seriously, if you wanted to train the perfect killer, shouldn't she know what a light is?). Hanna turns out to be a cipher, just like the movie.

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Short Takes:'Soul Surfer,''Meet Monica Velour,''Henry's Crime'

SOUL SURFER**
A teenage surfer recovers from a horrific shark attack. (1:46). PG. At area theaters.

A by-the-numbers biopic about young surferBethany Hamilton(AnnaSophia Robb), whose sports trajectory hit a bump when her arm was bitten off by a shark. Despite the setback, Hamilton became a top wave rider, and the shots of her in action are great to watch. But those moments are too heavily edited to be fully exhilarating, and the film's depiction of her family and friends is from a pious, standard TV-movie-style kit— just add water.Dennis Quaidlends some needed saltiness as Hamilton's supportive dad.

MEET MONICA VELOUR**
A teenager searches for a former porn star (1:38). R: Sexuality. At Clearview Chelsea.

It's sweet that"Meet Monica Velour"has an appreciation for idiosyncratic side trips in pop culture, such as weird-looking food-service trucks and 1980s porn stars. One comes away from the movie, however, feeling like too many of these passions were stuffed into its herky-jerky story of a teenage nerd (Dustin Ingram) who sets out forIndianato get an autograph from his fave former Triple-X star (Kim Cattrall). The dorkster and the pornster strike up an odd friendship, and a gentle Americana seeps through. The deepest chord is hit by Cattrall, who almost manages to wipe away the memory of"Sex and the City 2."

HENRY'S CRIME ***
An ex-con uses a theater company as a cover for a heist (1:48). R. At the Sunshine andClearview1st& 62nd St.

Keanu Reeves gives an adroit turn in this pleasantly deadpan caper as Henry, an ex-con framed for a heist he knew nothing about. Released from prison, and with the help of a wry career criminal (spot-onJames Caan), he decides to actually rip off the bank he served time for robbing.Vera Farmiga("Source Code,""Up in the Air") is the no-BS, would-be actress whose theater is located conveniently next to the target.Director Malcolm Venville, who made the British gangster flick"44 Inch Chest,"has a strong handle on the tone, so even the familiar twists feel fresh.

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Russell Brand's animated family comedy'Hop'jumps to No.1 at the weekend box office over'Rango'

LOS ANGELES- TheEasterbunny has hopped into the top spot at the weekend box office.

Russell Brand's family comedy"Hop"opened at No. 1 with $38.1 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

With Brand providing the voice of the reluctant new Easter bunny,"Hop"jumped well beyond the expectations of industry analysts, who had figured the movie would debut in the $25 million range.

Released by Universal,"Hop"matched the year's best debut, for"Rango,"theJohnny Deppanimated Western which opened a month ago with $38.1 million.

Jake Gyllenhaal's action thriller"Source Code"debuted at No. 2 with $15.1 million. The haunted-house tale"Insidious"opened at No. 3 with $13.5 million.

"Source Code"stars Gyllenhaal as an Army officer tracking down a terrorist bomber by entering the mind of a man aboard a train that's about to be blown up.

"Insidious"featuresPatrick WilsonandRose Byrneas a couple with three young children who encounter an eerie force after moving into a new house.

The previous weekend's top movie,"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules,"fell to No. 4 with $10.2 million, raising its total to $38.4 million.

While"Hop"was among the year's best openings, it was unable to lift Hollywood out of a box-office slide that has persisted since late last year.

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Billy Crystal, Helen Mirren play aging vampires in'When Harry Met Sally 2'spoof for Funny or Die

Billy Crystal's"When Harry Met Sally..."has finally gotten a sequel in a new Web video that mixes in a bit of"Twilight."

Crystal debuted his first video for the comedy website FunnyOrDie.com on Wednesday. In it, he and directorRob Reinerpitch a sequel to the 1989 film.

A studio executive, played byAdam Scott, requests one tweak to Crystal's plans: vampires. A trailer for the mock results follows, with Crystal falling for another woman, Sharon - played byHelen Mirren- in a retirement community.

Sharon, though, turns out to be a bloodsucking vampire. The film is dubbed"Grampires: When Sharon Bit Harry."

"I'm working in miniature now,"said Crystal in a phone interview Wednesday."I did 2 minutes onthe Oscarsand 4 minutes onFunnyOrDieand a lot of people see it."

The 4 1/2-minute video gives Crystal wide room to spoof the recent vampire resurgence in pop culture - and a Hollywood desperate to follow the trend - by marrying ghoulish maulings with old-age romance. A number of stars make cameos includingMaya Rudolph,Rob Riggleand evenMike Tyson.

Crystal said the idea came to him at his grandson's first birthday party, where he was dressed in a littleHalloweenvampire outfit.

"I said, 'Oh, that makes me a grampire!'"said the 63-year-old comedian.

The video is something of a family affair, with Crystal's daughter Lindsay (a former producer on"The Daily Show") serving as director and a script written by his sons-in-law,Howie MillerandMichael Foley. Crystal's grandchildren are seen in the background.

"Over the years we've talked about, 'Could we make a sequel?'"said Crystal."And I always thought there was a chance to do something with them. And nobody wanted to get involved with it. Then this little idea hit, and it seemed like the perfect way to have fun with it and also parody the studio system, which is really frustrating at times."

The video was shot with the help of FunnyOrDie, the site co-created byWill FerrellandAdam McKay, over three days inLos Angeles.

"It all happened so fast,"said Crystal."I wish movies could be like this."

It's something of an entry to the Internet for Crystal, who also just joinedTwitter. New as the tools are, though, the experience recalled Crystal's earlier days on"Saturday Night Live"making videos withChristopher Guest.

"So it's right up our alley,"Crystal said.

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'Tron: Legacy's'Joseph Kosinski becomes highest earning rookie director ever; Disney eyes franchise

Let there be more light-cycles.

"Tron: Legacy"directorJoseph Kosinskijust officially became the highest-grossing rookie director in movie history, and that virtually guaranteesDisneywill go back to the Grid for another installment, deadline.com reported.

Despite earning $399 million at the box office worldwide - surpassingJ.J. Abrams' debut,"Mission Impossible 3,"which earned $397.5 million to give Kosinski the milestone - the legacy of the sequel to 1982's"Tron"hasn't been completely glowing. Critics panned the story and the film earned $44 million in its opening weekend, which didn't match big-budget 3-D films like"Avatar"and"Alice in Wonderland."

But with sales of"Tron: Legacy"on Blue-Ray and DVD expected to be strong, the studio still has a potential franchise in the making. The film was released for sale on Tuesday.

Joseph Kosinski (right) with 'Tron: Legacy' starOlivia Wildeand producerJustin Springer(Tovar/AP)

Kosinski says he's on board for a third"Tron"movie, despite commitments to Disney to helm a reboot of 1979's"The Black Hole"and the desire to make a movie version of his own graphic novel,"Oblivion."

"This {'Tron'} world's a massive world and 'Legacy' is one small chapter of it,"Kosinski told Comingsoon.net this week."We laid enough groundwork in 'Legacy' that there's a lot of kind of jumping off points for additional places to go. And that to me is exciting."

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Will Smith, son Jaden Smith team up to star in M. Night Shyamalan film

LOS ANGELES--Will Smithand son Jaden are teaming up again on the big-screen.

The two last starred together in the 2006 drama"The Pursuit of Happyness."They will work together in an as-yet-untitled science-fiction adventure forColumbia Pictures, a unit ofSony Corp.

M. Night Shyamalanis directing and co-writing the movie starring the 42-year-old father and his 12-year-old son. Shyamalan also directed"The Sixth Sense"and"The Last Airbender."

Sony said Monday that the movie centers on a boy struggling to save himself and his estranged father after their ship crashes on an abandoned Earth a thousand years in the future.

As they did on their son's 2010 hit,"The Karate Kid,"Will andJada Pinkett Smithwill be producers on the new movie.

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John Gotti biopic starring John Travolta gets title:'Gotti: Three Generations'; to film in NYC

A highly anticipated film starringJohn Travoltaas the leader of the legendaryGambino crime familyhas a name:"Gotti: Three Generations."

Film spokesmanSteve Honigconfirmed the title Saturday and says the biopic about"Dapper Don"John Gotti will be shot on a budget of about $75 million this year.

Honig says details would be released April 12 at a news conference inNew York, where the project will be filmed.

A person with knowledge of the film who spoke on condition of anonymity because it hadn't been announced has said it will be produced byMarc Fioreand directed byNick Cassavetes.

The famous mobster died in prison in 2002. His son, 47-year-old John"Junior"Gotti, sold film rights to Fiore last year for an undisclosed amount.

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'In a Better World'review: Oscar winning film grounded, offering up rare case of well-earned hope

WithMikael Persbrandt,Trine Dyrholm. Two families deal with violence and cruelty. Director:Susanne Bier(1:43). R: Violence. At Lincoln Plaza and Sunshine CInema.

This year'sOscar winnerfor Best Foreign Language Film, the Danish drama"In a Better World"is a cinematic balm, offering a wise, wide view on the aftermath of anger, recrimination and intolerance.

Middle-schooler Elias (Markus Rygaard) moves with his mother to a new town, while his physician father, Anton (Mikael Persbrandt), works at African refugee camps. Anton and his wife are estranged, forcingEliasto face a school bully on his own.

In one fight, Elias' classmate Christian (William Johnk Juel Nielsen) comes to his aid. Upset about his mom's recent death, Christian also seeks an outlet for his anger.

When Anton, on a brief visit, is assailed by a stranger in front of the kids, he uses it as a teachable moment. Christian and Elias, though, plan revenge.

Director Susanne Bier beautifully communicates how our best and worst sides mingle until the need to be better requires more. That sounds a bit preachy, but"World"is grounded, offering up a rare case of well-earned hopefulness.

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Short reviews: Tribute to Adrien Brody that'Wrecked'works as a modestly compelling thriller

Queen to Play ***

An American inFrancehelps his maid learn chess. At the Lincoln Plaza and Angelika (1:36). Not rated.

A variation on"Educating Rita,""Queen to Play"starsKevin Klineas a curmudgeonly American doctor stewing away on theFrench Riviera, whose maid Hélène (Sandrine Bonnaire) hopes to change her life by learning chess. She tentatively asks for lessons when her working-class husband loses patience and the electronic set she learned on fails to show her the subtleties of the game.

There isn't much more than that, except two masterful turns by Kline and Bonnaire and an appreciation for how games of strategy are bigger than the boards they're played on.

Kline, who has done a lot of chewy character roles after several stage­triumphs, is as sly and leonine as

ever. His performance here obliterates that phony accent he used in"French Kiss."- Joe Neumaier

Trust *

A girl is attacked by an Internet predator. At area theaters (1:45). R: Sexuality, language.

‘Friends"star-turned-director ("Run Fatboy Run")David Schwimmerhas Something Serious to say. Unfortunately, the vehicle for that message,"Trust"— a drama about the dangers of teen sexting and online predators — plays as prurient, ham-handed and amateurish.

Annie (Liana Liberato) is a hungry-for-attention 14-year-old suburban girl befriended by a 30-ish creep posing in a chat room as a teenage boy. When Annie is raped, her mother (Catherine Keener) waits for theFBI's investigation while her father (Clive Owen) becomes obsessed with justice.

Schwimmer adds so many heavy signals of societal enabling (American Apparel-ish ads, leering businessmen, risqué high school parties) that this important topic seems to have just been discovered by a filmmaker wanting to seem of-the-moment. Crucial scenes are tonally mishandled and the text bubbles that appear onscreen are as distracting as they are clunky.- J.N.

HOP **

Family comedy about the Easter Bunny. At area theaters (1:35). PG: crude humor.

With sly turns in films ranging from"X-Men"to"Enchanted,"James Marsdenhas proven he's got the intelligence and edge to back his leading-man looks. But he seems to lack a certain professional savvy, and his gifts have too often gone to waste. Depressing case in point: he's now talking to computer-generated animals in the latest mediocre kiddie comedy fromTim Hill(who also animated Alvin and Garfield).

He does, at least, give the role his all, even if he's really too old to playFred O'Hare, an unemployed slacker who promises to help runaway bunny E.B. (voiced byRussell Brand). As his initials suggest, the teenage E.B. is destined for big things, but would rather just play drums all day.

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Insidious review: Scary movie genre could use more of this kind of homage

A family is haunted by beings from another dimension. WithPatrick Wilson,Rose Byrne. Director:James Wan(1:46). PG-13: Scares, violence. At area theaters.

Shhh, hear that? That cree-eee-eek-ing sound? Was that coming from inside the house in"Insidious"? No, it's"Insidious"itself, a horror drama aching under the pressure of so many cliches.

Yes, the scary movie genre could use more of this kind of homage than, say, another knife in the head. But there's a thin line between turn-of-the-screw appreciation and been-there/jumped-at-that redundancy. Not to mention that this new film from James Wan (director of"Saw") actually spends its second half haunting 1982's"Poltergeist."

Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne are Josh and Renai, parents of three young children who haven't even unpacked the boxes in their new home when things go bump in the day and night. After their oldest son hits his head while poking around in the dark attic, he goes into a coma and can't be awakened. Then Renai hears voices crackling on a baby monitor (movie ghosts love those things) and finds a bloody claw print on the kid's sheets. Time to move again.

The creepy hijinks continue in the second new house, so Renai and Josh's mother (Barbara Hershey, ahh!) call in a spiritualist (Lin Shaye) and her two goony assistants, who appear to be from anUpright Citizens Brigadesketch.

These otherworldly forces? They're from another dimension the boy has"astral projected"into, they're very familiar with the family and, naturally, now there's a fire-faced demon looking to inhabit the body of the comatose boy upstairs.

If a scare-fair is going to work such familiar territory, a new take or tone goes a long way, something like"The Others"or"Drag Me to Hell."To Wan's credit, most of the dread in"Insidious"does come from anticipation and is paid off by low-FX moments like the demon's shadow slowly opening his claws in a corner of a room, or a glimpse of a puckish ghoul dancing to old music on a phonograph.

Yet the movie's internal logic never makes sense— the malevolent spirits want to steal empty bodies, except when they seem to be able to cross over"into our world"anytime they want— and the vision-in-a-photograph idea just isn't startling anymore.

"Insidious"doesn't feature the lazy, home-video-style terror of"Paranormal Activity,"thankfully. But it's also pretty normal activity for a ghost story.

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