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Here's a look at the new films I saw last week. Also, as the Golden Globe award nominees were announced this week and the Academy Award nominees will be announced in January, more award contenders are coming to local theaters in the coming weeks. This week, "The Fighter" comes in wide release. On Dec. 22 "Black Swan" and "True Grit" will come in wide release.

I will have my traditional top 10 films (I saw) in 2010 on Friday, Dec. 31. For now, here's this week's selection.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Starring: Georgie Henley, Skander Keynes, Ben Barnes, and Liam Neeson
Synopsis: At one point there was hope that "The Chronicles of Narnia" series could pick up where "Lord of the Rings" left off in terms of capturing a target demographic. While the first film in the series was decent, the series has lost significant steam. This third installment is a slight improvement — and I emphasize slight — over "Prince Caspian." It is mildly entertaining for adults and will likely resonate with youth more. The young actors give passable performances, but unlike the young trio that headlines the "Harry Potter" series we haven't seen growth from the Pevensie clan. The youth that plays new character Eustace (Will Poulter), who will have a larger role in subsequent tales, is mildly annoying. Barnes, back again as Caspian, isn't a strong enough draw in the lead role either. Additionally, for these kind of stories to be truly compelling, the stakes have to seem real. That isn't the case in this film, as the villain is more a struggle against the characters fears, insecurities, and desires. While that makes for a great illustration in the power of the mind, it doesn't always make for a compelling film, especially an effects-driven kids film. This film is OK, but far from great.
Rating: PG for some frightening images and sequences of fantasy action.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

The Tourist
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany, and Timothy Dalton
Synopsis: This is an interesting spy comedy. Depp and Jolie are big stars, but both have very different cinematic styles. They come together in an interesting way in this film, but the story isn't as compelling as one would hope. The best comedic moments are given away in the trailer and the "twist" ending isn't that hard to figure out. The film is entertaining and fun, mostly thanks to the charismatic personalities of the lead performers, but it's far from memorable. Also, while the ending isn't hard to guess, it requires a serious suspension of disbelief to make it work. One of the best aspects of the film is it's lush Venice setting, which director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck uses to the full.
Rating: PG-13 for violence and brief strong language.
Verdict: Two stars out of Four (this film is a borderline two/three).

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