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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. Some were great, some were duds....

Conan The Barbarian

Starring: Jason Momoa, Stephen Lang, Rachel Nichols, Ron Pearlman, and Rose McGowan

Synopsis: And we start with the dud. There is a large question in my mind as to whether or not this was a movie that needed to be (re)made. Of course there is the 1980s original — a standout in the cannon of Arnold Schwarzenegger's work — and this film is darker and more sober and serious than that, to it's detriment. Momoa had some training playing this type of character in "Game of Thrones," but the production values of that series, its storytelling, and its presentation were much more compelling. Basically, there is just not much to like about this mirthless exercise in violence. Plus it's in 3D! Ugh. This month has really put a premium on 3D, and has really pushed me to the point where I'm sort of loathing this format. We'll have to see how it goes long-term, but this is another film where 3D offers nothing. In addition, the story is strange, boring, and overly violent. I think Conan sums it up best when he says, "I live, I love, I slay; and I am content." If that describes you, this is your movie. If that makes you giggle or groan, then you're like a majority of America. This movie is a serious miss... so I'm sure the sequel is coming in two years.

Rating: R for strong bloody violence, some sexuality and nudity.

Verdict: One star out of four.

Fright Night

Starring: Colin Farrell, Anton Yelchin, David Tennant, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Toni Collette, and Imogen Poots

Synopsis: And here we have a diamond in the rough. This is another 3D movie, and it's another 3D movie that offers nothing to the format, but that's the worst thing about this movie. It's a re-make of the 1985 film of the same name, but the cast and crew do a surprisingly decent job with this film, which feels in many ways like a throwback to a classic style of horror film. Farrell gives a great performance as Jerry, the vampire next door. Yelchin does a decent job as Charley, while Mintz-Plasse and Tennant provide the comic relief. This is a vampire movie that isn't too graphic and isn't too "Twilight." It hits the right notes, and it's constructed in a style that is quite reminiscent of classic horror films. In fact, I read a study of the film on the "Entertainment Weekly" site that suggested that, from a moral standpoint, the new version is actually tamer than the original. But it still accomplishes what you need from this style of film. One drawback, as I said, is the 3D format. 3D already makes a film appear darker, so with a film set in dark locations and with a lot of night scenes, that seems ill-conceived. It becomes an even bigger problem because there aren't really many special 3D effects to enhance the presentation. But, that aside, I thought this movie actually delivered on its premise and bested my modest expectations.

Rating: R for bloody horror violence and language, including some sexual references. Enter with caution.

Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Glee Live The Concert Movie in 3D

Starring: Lea Michelle, Cory Monteith, Amber Riley, Jenna Ushkowitz, Chris Colfer, Kevin McHale, and Heather Morris

Synopsis: I wrote in depth about this movie earlier in the week, so I won't totally rehash that here. I will say that this movie suffers from a couple problems — we are all suffering "Glee" fatigue, the film offers little in terms of the 3D format, and this is, essentially, a movie about a live concert event, which is never going to capture what it's like to actually be there. I did like that this movie attempted to offer insight into the fan experience and tried to be a celebration of what the show means to people, but that also ended up being one of the things I didn't like as well. This movie is OK, the music is good, but the live show element is chopped in a strange way. For hardcore "Glee" fans, this will be a treat. For anyone else, this will lack a little energy.

Rating: PG for thematic elements, brief language and some sensuality.

Verdict: Two stars out of four.

The Help

Starring: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Allison Janney, Sissy Spacek, and Bryce Dallas Howard

Synopsis: There was a lot of great buzz about this film going into it, and it is all deserved. Based on Kathryn Stockett's novel, the film explores the dynamics of the relationships between black maids and white employers in Jackson, Miss. in the early 1960s. The performances are incredible. Stone is turning into one of the most talented performers of her generation, Howard does a great job in a different kind of role for her, and Janney and Spacek add some veteran presence to the film. But the real stars of the production are Spencer and Davis. Spencer does a great job in a very complex role. She provides much of the humor and gumption in the film. Davis, meanwhile, is the emotional anchor of the film. She turns in a great performance and one that could easily be considered during award season. This film is also a great showcase for female performers. There are not a lot of meaty roles for women, but this film is full of them. And the ladies make the most of their opening, creating a wonderful, moving, and well-crafted story. Great credit goes to writer-director Tate Taylor, who was invested in this project due to his connection to Stockett. This is a film you need to see, and is easily one of the best released so far this year.

Rating: PG-13 for thematic material.

Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Opening in August:

Friday, Aug. 26 — "Columbiana," "Our Idiot Brother," "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark"

Wednesday, Aug. 31 — "The Debt"