When director Judd Apatow titles a movie, you always know what to expect. Like, what else could something called The 40-Year-Old-Virgin possibly have been about? And Apatow's newest flick, Knocked Up, is just as bluntly advertised: a perpetually stoned schlub (Seth Rogen) impregnates a woman way out of his league (Katherine Heigl) after a one-night stand, putting the kibosh on his arrested development. But, like Virgin, Knocked has a sweetness and depth that extends well beyong most comedies; critics call it a hilarious, poignant, and refreshing look at the rigors of courtship and child-rearing, with a sometimes raunchy, always witty script that is ably acted and directed.

In Mr. Brooks, Kevin Costner plays a successful businessman and loving father with a big secret: he's a serial killer on the down low. It's an admittedly intriguing setup, and critics say Mr. Brooks gives its talented cast, which includes Demi Moore, William Hurt, and Dane Cook (!) a chance to take on some meaty roles, as well as providing audiences with some amusing, smarter-than-average plot twists and thrills. Unfortunately, the pundits also note that Mr. Brooks is overstuffed with said twists, making for a film that becomes more preposterous as it goes along.

Gracie is the latest in a long line of inspirational sports movies that feature a dogged protagonist overcoming prejudice and family trauma. The film, a fictional treatment of star Elisabeth Shue's high school sports career, tells the story of a 15-year-old (Carly Schroeder) who wants to play soccer at a time when there isn't a girls' squad at her school. Couple the sexism Gracie faces with the tragic death of her brother, and you've got the stuff that sports movies are made of, right? Well, critics say that Gracie can be rousing and touching in spots, but it's ultimately undone by its predictable story arc and a lack of nuance. Find out what else is playing this week.