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Here is a look at the new releases that have come to theaters since last week.

Grown Ups

Starring: Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade, Rob Schneider, and Salma Hayak

Synopsis: An Adam Sandler comedy during the summer has become an annual tradition, with varying degrees of success. The past three summer offerings — "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry," "Don't Mess With the Zohan," and "Funny People" — certainly left something to be desired. From that standpoint, "Grown Ups" is a step up. But it's not in the top five of Sandler's comedic offerings. When he's at his best, Sandler's movies create indelible characters that resonate with the audience long after the film is over. Whether "The Wedding Singer," "Mr. Deeds," "Billy Madison," "Happy Gilmore," or "The Waterboy," fans remember the characters, the story and the hilarious sequences. I think a telling sign that "Grown Ups" isn't in that league is the absence of a truly memorable sequence. Not long after seeing the film I chatted with someone who had also seen it and he asked me what my favorite part was. I couldn't think of one. These characters sometimes blur the line into caricature territory, which doesn't help. The first 45 minutes of the film feels like one long cliche, but slowly it develops into a modest, and modestly entertaining comedy. There are a lot of cliche gags, but at least the film has a little heart — something sorely missing in recent Sandler offerings. Though not a great film, it is a least more watchable than much of his recent work.

Rating: PG-13 for crude material including suggestive references, language and some male rear nudity.

Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Dakota Fanning.

Synopsis: The "Twilight" saga continues in this third installment which is the best so far. Of course, that's not setting the bar too high. The central plot in all the "Twilight" films is the complicated romance/friendship between Bella (Stewart), vampire boyfriend Edward (Pattinson), and her werewolf friend Jacob (Lautner), who wants to be something more. This third film promises more action by setting the focus on the impending war between vampire vixen Victoria (Howard) and her newborn army as they square off against Edward and his family, ultimately hoping to kill poor, defenseless and self-absorb Bella. Of course, despite their feuding over the lady of their desire, Edward and Jacob are forced to work together to defeat this looming vampire threat. The film is directed by David Slade ("Hard Candy," "30 Days of Night"), further offering hope the tone and action will be darker and edgier. Surely a director like Slade was not brought in to helm a film that's mostly like an episode of "90210" influenced by the work of Anne Rice? Unfortunately, it is. Most of the film is about the pithy dialogue and unrequited love between the central trio. The more the film tries to ramp up the tension in the decision facing Bella, the less believable it becomes. It never feels like there's much of a choice before her, so mostly that part feels overly drawn out for those not interested in a filmed depiction of a dime romance novel. However, "Eclipse" is at its best when it lets is supporting cast shine, which this film does to some degree. Learning more about the back story of the rest of the Cullen brood and the few moments of comic relief offered by Anna Kendrick help brighten a sullen, moody first and second act. When the battle does come, it's not long enough or really focused enough to offer a convincing payoff. Plus, though a quality performer like Howard was brought in to fill the shoes of Victoria, not enough time is spent offering dimensions to the villain, so the final showdown feels a bit limp. Still, those that are fans of the material will be pleased with this offering and, without a doubt, the filmmaking in the series continues to get sharper as it rolls along. "Eclipse" isn't great, but in a year of limp offerings it's a touch above the median.

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, and some sensuality.

Verdict: Three stars out of four