Opening in wide release today:

13 GOING ON 30
directed by Gary Winick, starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo
Rated PG-13, for some sexual content and brief drug references
Watch the trailer | Official web site | IMDB entry

Alias star Jennifer Garner headlines this romantic comedy as a 13-year-old girl who wishes to be grown-up. When her wish comes true, she finds that the fabulous life of a 30-year-old isn't necessarily all its cracked up to be. Mark Ruffalo co-stars as her love interest.

The critics' take: 61% fresh at Rotten Tomatoes.

My take: The success of the 1988 comedy Big launched Tom Hanks' rise to be one of today's hottest actors, and the fact many critics have chosen this film as their point of comparison for 13 Going On 30 rather than the similarly-themed but far inferior 18 Again and Vice Versa is a great compliment. Last year's Freaky Friday remake demonstrated that even the most contrived and formulaic plots can still be entertaining when infused with life by a talented cast and crew. See my full review here.

MAN ON FIRE
directed by Tony Scott, starring Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning
Rated R, for language and strong violence
Watch the trailer | Official web site | IMDB entry

Perennial box office draw Denzel Washington stars as the reluctant bodyguard for the precocious Dakota Fanning. When she's kidnapped, all hell breaks loose.

The critics' take: 40% fresh at Rotten Tomatoes.

My take: While this looks like a generic actioner, when was the last time Denzel was in a bad film? Despite the contrived plot and the unfortunate presence of Miss Fanning (Hollywood's poppet of the moment), this seems like an excellent opportunity for the actor to really sink his teeth into a role. He's elevated sub-par films (Training Day, Remember the Titans) by delivering killer performances before, and Man on Fire should be no exception.

Opening in limited release:

Clifford's Really Big Movie, a big-screen version of the popular kid's show and books
Rated G
Limited release

Tasogare Seibei, a 19th-century samurai drama
Not Rated
NYC only

MC5 * A True Testimonial, a documentary following the influential Detroit rock band
Not Rated
NYC/LA only

The Agronomist, a documentary about Haitian journalist Jean Dominique, directed by Jonathan Demme
Rated PG-13, for some violent images and brief nudity
NYC/LA only

Close Your Eyes, a psychological thriller from Britain
Rated R, for violence and language
NYC/LA only