5 films to avoid in theaters this week

by Britton Peele

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Plus 5 good ones, just for good measure.

We all know how irritating it is to spend the $10 on a movie ticket, $8 on popcorn and a drink and then leave the theater in dissatisfaction. We'll save you some time: Don't see these films:

21 and Over -- The screenwriters for The Hangover write and direct this comedy, tapping the same vein of drunken humor.

Phantom -- Ed Harris plays a retiring Soviet captain told to take a submarine out to sea on one last cruise before the vessel is sold to the Chinese. The voyage ultimately puts nerves, loyalties, and history to the test.

The Last Exorcism Part II -- Sporting a 25% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of this writing, this horror sequel doesn't deliver on some of the promise it has lurking beneath the skin.

Jack The Giant Slayer -- The familiar tale of the farm boy gets a modern makeover, but are all the embellishments to good effect?

Dark Skies -- This horror film starring Keri Russell scores points for tension, but loses them on a lack of originality and failure to gain viewers’ empathy.

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Need a boost? Here are the movies you shouldn't miss:

Lore -- The children of a Nazi family struggle to survive at World War II’s end and learn some terrible truths about their beliefs and father’s role.

The Bitter Buddha -- This freewheeling documentary follows Eddie Pepitone’s never-ending quest for mainstream success in the stand-up comedy business.

A Place at the Table -- This documentary examines the problem of hunger in the U.S. and its economic, social, and cultural implications by focusing on three people’s lives.

56 Up -- Don’t worry, you won’t feel left behind as engaging every-seven-years film series catches up with British documentary subjects at age 56.

Beautiful Creatures -- Teen romance with witches and forbidden love has some great performances, sharp dialogue, and a palpable sense of place.

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