Based upon a short story by Lewis Padgett, The Last Mimzy tells the fanciful tale of two siblings who, after discovering a box of discarded toys, gain special powers, get involved with time travel, win a science contest, and run afoul with the Patriot Act. If this sounds ambitious for a kids flick, critics agree. In fact, they're saying it's too ambitious: despite excellent moments, Mimzy lacks focus and frequently veers towards awkward, New Age feelgoodness.

Leaving the extravagance of King Arthur and Tears of the Sun behind, director Antoine Fuqua tones it down for Shooter, a simpler kind of action flick. One man, one gun, one word for the title. Mark Wahlberg stars as former Army sniper Bob Lee Swagger (a movie moniker if there ever was one) who finds himself on the run and in the midst of a government conspiracy. The scribes say Wahlberg does a decent job, but the film skimps on logic and contains more plot holes than a target down at your local gun club.

In "Reign Over Me," Adam Sandler, looking like Blonde on Blonde-era Bob Dylan, stars as a man still reeling from the loss of his family in the 9/11 attacks. He drops in on his college roommate (Don Cheadle), who's got family issues of his own. Critics say Reign Over Me provides proof, were it needed after Punch-Drunk Love, that Adam Sandler is capable of playing serious roles, and helmer Mike Binder manages to keep the film funny and touching without overdosing on sentiment.

Terrence Howard is a terrific actor, but critics say he can't save Pride, a by-the-numbers sports flick based on an interesting true story. Howard stars as Jim Ellis, the coach of an all-African American high school swim team; the squad faces a number of obstacles, from racism to unsympathetic city officials. The pundits say Howard gives another outstanding performance, but Pride sinks under the weight of clich?.