Now Playing

Here's a look at the movies that recently made their way to local theaters.

It's Kind of a Funny Story

Starring: Keir Gilchrist, Emma Roberts, Zack Galifianakis, Jim Gaffigan, Lauren Graham, and Viola Davis

Synopsis: American film history is littered with films set inside mental institutions, but few have handled it with the kind of deft hand that "It's Kind of a Funny Story" offers. The film centers around a neurotic 16-year-old named Craig (Gilchrist), who is struggling with being a little overwhelmed, peddles to the local hospital early on Sunday morning and asks for help. He soon finds himself committed and, because the teen wing is under construction, Craig is put on the adult psych ward. He soon makes a friend in Bobby (Galifianakis) and begins a flirtatious relationship with another teen, Noelle (Roberts), who was similarly committed due to issues with cutting. The film doesn't really mine the emotional depth of the problems facing many of the people in the film, but it isn't really concerned with that. The humor is consistent and the performances are good. Gilchrist, a star on the small screen in "The United States of Tara," does well in the lead role. Roberts does well in her role, and the support parts of Craig's parents — Graham and Gaffigan — and his therapist — Davis — help ground the narrative. The real joy in this film is the relationship between Gilchrist and Galifianakis, who shines in another off beat comedic role. Co-writers and directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck do a nice job of bringing the material to life as well. This a funny, enjoyable film.

Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic issues, sexual content, drug material and language.

Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Life As We Know It

Starring: Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel

Synopsis: Anyone who owns a TV and has used it in the last month has seen an ad for this film. The marketing blitz may have helped bring people to the theater on opening weekend, but doubtless word of mouth will lead to a sharp decline. Heigl was once the Hollywood "it" girl. But after flaming out of her top-rated TV series in epic fashion and a series of film choices that featured her playing the same annoying character, she is drawing more groans than smiles from potential film goers. She is a decent performer, as is Duhamel, but this is as cliched as material gets. Director Greg Berlanti, who has developed some fine family/teen dramas for television, does his best with the material and two likeable stars, but this film isn't compelling. It's predictable and overly cutesy at times, which isn't endearing. This film has some charming moments, but it has too many stupid moments and feels too drawn out to really work.

Rating: PG-13 for sexual material, language and some drug content.

Verdict: One star out of four.

Secretariat

Starring: Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Nelsan Ellis, Margo Martindale, and Dylan Walsh

Synopsis: This film, from Disney, chronicles the true life story of Secretariat, the incredible 1973 Triple Crown winner, and the people that made that run possible. The real star of the story isn't the horse but rather the owner, Penny Chenery (Lane). Lane brings a warmth and touch of class to the production. Those familiar with Secretariat will be able to guess where the story is going, and even those that aren't familiar will probably be able to tell how this inspirational sports story will end, but it's the journey that's fun, not the destination. And "Secretariat" offers a great journey. Director Randall Wallace — who is best known for writting the screenplays for "Braveheart" and "Pearl Harbor" — does a nice job with this film, based on a script from Mike Rich. "Secretariat" is a great sports movie that really shows a love for its subjects and horse racing in general.

Rating: PG for brief mild language.

Verdict: Three stars out of four.