Cedric the Entertainer is a funny guy, and as a supporting player he's stolen scenes in everything from Lemony Snicket to Be Cool. Sadly, he's yet to have a starring vehicle that has utilized his comedic talents to the fullest, and it appears Code Name: The Cleaner is no exception. In this action/comedy, Cedric plays a janitor who stumbles into the middle of a government conspiracy, from which he tries to extricate himself with the help of Lucy Liu. The critics say the weak script does none of the actors any favors, playing up the absurd thriller elements to leaden effect.

Liberal and conservative education experts both have it wrong. What our inner city schools need is neither greater funding nor vouchers. In order to save the impoverished students of America, we need an unconventional, no-nonsense teacher to instruct students in ballroom dance, football, or poetry, preferably in the guise of Antonio Banderas, The Rock, or Michelle Pfeiffer. In Freedom Writers, Hilary Swank plays a fresh-faced teacher who gets her students in touch with their creative writing side, and -- wonder of wonders -- it's getting reasonably good reviews. The critics say the film may be clich?d, but it's earnest and features strong performances.