Cave of Forgotten Dreams 3D *****

A cave in France contains quite beautiful human-made drawings of animals of the last ice age in Europe produced 30,000 years ago. 20,000 years ago a landslide buried the entrance to the cave. Rediscovered in the '90s, and carefully preserved from intruders, the cave has been studied and mapped by a select group of scientists. No cinematographer has been allowed inside until now, when Werner Herzog and his crew were permitted to film with their smallest equipment, for limited periods, the amazing drawings that adorn the recesses of the cave.

Surprisingly, the 3D effect adds immensely to the enjoyment and understanding of the drawings, as the natural forms of the rock are incorporated into the animals. Herzog interviews a variety of experts about the drawings, and the culture that emerges is fascinating. The art, the female carvings, the musical instruments found in such caves - and this is the oldest - indicate a difference from the Neanderthal sites which have been found. Even though the Neanderthals existed at the same time, no sign of drawing, sculpture, or music has been found there. This is perhaps the earliest evidence ever found of what makes us human.

The Hangover Part II *

This movie has the same cast, same situation, same jokes as the first Hangover, just a different location (Thailand) with a few local color sophomoric gross out situations thrown in. Pretty much a total waste of time.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides **

This "Pirates" has a bit more energy and excitement than the last one, which was dead on arrival, but the franchise is clearly running out of steam. Interestingly, the best parts of the movie are on dry land, where some engaging action sequences in London keep things moving. Once the pirates set sail for the Fountain of Youth, though, it goes limp, and lacks the weirdness that made the first ones so interesting.

Incendies ****

Multiple award winner, and Academy Award nominee for best foreign language film, this haunting, complicated movie from Canada about two twins who journey to the middle east to fulfill their mother's last request illuminates the visceral, tortured, convoluted and fratricidal nature of the on-going conflicts there. "Incendies" is a a must-see movie for anyone interested in what is happening there, and to see how closely it can touch those who thought they were not involved.

Bridesmaids ****

Not only the funniest movie of the year so far, "Bridesmaids" is so much better than the "Hangover" ilk because it's about something more than blacking out and embarrassing yourself. It's about friendship and being single and being lonely and broke and embarrassing yourself. With this movie, Kristen Wiig has catapulted herself into the writer/comic actress stratosphere. When her sweet and supportive best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) announces her engagement, Wiig's character Annie springs into action as the maid of honor, even though she is emotionally and financially drained The ensuing complications are hysterically funny, but are grounded in character and feeling. The supporting bridesmaids are a delight, especially Melissa McCarthy as the overweight, fearless sister of the groom, and Rose Byrne as the ultra-rich, ultra-competitive, ultra-bitch pretender to the maid of honor title. The audience was laughing so much, I may have to see it again to catch all the lines.

Thor IMAX 3D ***

Quite acceptable for a summer comic hero movie, this two-world drama, split between the magical dwelling of the gods, Asgard, and Earth, the abode of Natalie Portman, "Thor" delivers on the origin myth, the big battle scenes, and the pyrotechnics. Portentous lines don't sound pretentious coming from an uncommonly good secondary cast, led by Anthony Hopkins (Odin), Tom Hiddleston, and Rene Russo, and benefits, one must suppose, from the direction of Kenneth Branagh, who is used to dealing with frailty, foible, ambition and madness in royal families. Chris Hemsworth as the title character looks and acts the part, and Natalie Portman as the beautiful scientist provides a worthy counterweight to all of the bluster. I enjoyed it.

Fast Five ***

Reuniting memorable characters from all the previous "Fast" movies, the latest installment, set, like a rash of recent movies, in Rio, finds ex-agent Brian O'Connor (Paul Walker) teaming up with Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and Mia (Jordana Brewster) on the wrong side of the law to pull off one last job and gain their freedom. More of a caper movie than a drag racing heat, "Fast Five" moves well, has good actions scenes, and pleasing twists. For fans of the series, it's a must see.