HHH "THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN" (PG-13) The Spider-Man story is a good one in the comic book universe, and this reboot manages to squeeze solid action out of the recently tapped source material. It also has nice performances from leads Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. Rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence. 137 min. [PV]

HHH "THE AVENGERS" (PG-13) This tale of superheroes teaming up against invading evil works because the action's cool, the cast is solid and Robert Downey Jr. is there to liven things up with funny quips whenever the plot sags. The final battle is amazing. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and a mild drug reference. 140 min. [PV]

HHH "BRAVE" (PG) A unique hero--a young girl with an unruly shock of red hair and an adventurous spirit--makes this animated adventure from Pixar a good choice for the whole family. It's the tale of a Scottish lass who gets tangled in a witch's curse. Rated PG for some scary action and rude humor. 100 min. [MC, RF]

HHH "THE DARK KNIGHT RISES" (PG-13)Though Batman takes a long, tortuous path to a climactic end, the artfully constructed struggle, great effects and a stellar cast make this movie a triumphant conclusion. The biggest surprise: Anne Hathaway carries the film at first as a head-turning cat burglar. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality and language. 164 min. [MC, PV, RA]

HH "ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT" (PG) There are enough silly moments in this Ice Age outing to entertain youngsters, but older viewers will find this less entertaining than the others in the series. It's a long road trip, with Manny, Diego and Sid taking off on an iceberg when continents divide. Rated PG for mild rude humor, and action/peril. 94 min. [MC, RA, RF]

HH "MADEA'S WITNESS PROTECTION" (PG-13) An investment banker set up in a Ponzi scheme is hidden at Madea's house. With Tyler Perry, Eugene Levy, Denise Richards. Rated PG-13 for some crude sexual remarks and brief drug references. 114 min. [RF]