Prometheus IMAX 3D ***

"Prometheus" is a mesmerizing mix of fabulous special effects creating a fully-realized other world, outstanding acting by principals Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender, and some intriguing ideas about human origins and our place in the universe. Rapace ("Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" original Swedish version) plays a tough, smart, tireless survivor in the mold of Sigourney Weaver's Ripley in the original "Alien," of which this is a prequel. Fassbender plays a smart android, David, with his own secrets and motives, slowly revealed. His character and performance are a triumph.

"Prometheus" is unfortunately marred by the runny mess of those half-baked intriguing ideas, some of which directly contradict evolution and the fossil record on earth. Other gaps include an explanation for why clues on earth point to a distant planet in the anthropological record when that planet's contribution was long before. And finally, there is an unforgivable pointlessly shocking return from the grave that neither makes sense nor adds to the story. And how did we get to interstellar travel in suspended animation just 70 years from now?

Terrence Malick raised similar big questions in "Tree of Life," but was much more successful in keeping the questions serious, rather than at a comic book level. Ridley Scott here has given us a picture of a beautiful technological future and an alien tragedy, with some deflationary ideas about our origins. It's too bad it wasn't given more thought.

Men In Black 3 IMAX 3D ***

Just as winning and entertaining as the first two, "Men in Black 3" presents a twist as Agent J (Will Smith) travels back in time to the 'sixties to change history involving his partner Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones). The young Agent K is played by Josh Brolin, who is uncanny in channeling Jones. All of the familiar elements are there: grotesque aliens masquerading as humans, comic book violence, sly humor, cliff-hanging suspense, and a wonderful rapport between the two agents. I found the time-travel device a good change, and the writers had a fun proposing and disposing of the conundrums it naturally produces, and added a character who lives simultaneously in multiple parallel times just to keep everyone on their toes. It's a worth addition to the MIB canon.

Snow White and the Huntsman ***

A gritty, greasy retelling of the Snow White story, with bountiful black magic icily delivered by Charlize Theron as the evil queen, "Snow White and the Huntsman" turns the huntsman hired to kill her into her protector and ally. I liked the look of it, the atmosphere, and the special effects, which had a medieval, organic feel to them. The script and acting were fine. I even loved the dirty fingernails on Snow White, because it added some realism to this unrealistic story.

We Have a Pope ***

Bully ***

An important study of the very personal costs of bullying, which sometimes leads to the ultimate loss for parents, which led several of them to become activists. The pain is sometimes so searing it's difficult to watch. This documentary should be required viewing for teachers and students.

The Three Stooges **

There are some wacky moments in "The Three Stooges" that really capture the high energy and slapstick humor of the original trio. Sean Hayes as Larry, Will Sasso as Curly, and especially Chris Diamantopoulos as Moe capture the essence of their forebears. The plot is of course ridiculous and cliched. There are some clever cameos, including Jane Lynch as a Mother Superior and Larry David as a rather rough nun. And likewise true to form, there's a nice musical interlude, by Jennifer Hudson no less, for no good reason. Those with fond memories of the Stooges will recognize many favorite bits, and parents will appreciate the explanation at the end by the "Farrelly brothers" (wink, wink) about rubber props and how not to poke someone's eye out. It's a time-wasting Saturday afternoon kind of movie, just like the original shorts.

American Reunion **

A decade after the gang was obsessed with losing their virginity, they reune to remember the old times and catch up. Much has changed, but the old characters are here, including Stifler and his Mom, and Jim's Dad. The movie is at times amusing, and I still enjoy Seann William Scott's let-it-all-hang-out attitude and fevered attraction to older women. As you might expect, some of the group have grown up, some have secrets, and some are still the same immature destructive brats they were 10 years ago. It's an OK movie.