Playing at local movie theaters

NEW FILMS FRIDAY

THE GOOD SHEPHERD — ** — Robert De Niro's aloof, fictionalized thriller about CIA history is more chilly than chilling. Matt Damon stars. Running time: 167 minutes, R (violence, profanity, sex, nudity, torture, drugs, vulgarity, brief gore, racial epithets)

THE HISTORY BOYS — ** 1/2 — The strong gay themes in this adaptation of the stage play suggest a version of "The Dead Poet's Society" written by Oscar Wilde. Running time: 108 minutes, R (profanity, vulgarity, brief sex, nudity, violence, brief drugs)

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM — *** — Not unlike "Jumanji," this comic fantasy is a bit of a mess, yet surprisingly appealing. Ben Stiller stars. Running time: 108 minutes, PG (violence, vulgarity, profanity)

WE ARE MARSHALL — ** 1/2 — It may overstay its welcome, but this fact-based sports drama is modestly appealing. Matthew McConaughey stars. Running time: 127 minutes, PG (violence, mild profanity, vulgarity)

WONDROUS OBLIVION — ** 1/2 — You've seen this British coming-of-age drama many times before, but it won't kill you to pretend you haven't. Running time: 106 minutes, PG (violence, profanity, racial epithets) —Ty Burr, The Boston Globe

NEW FILMS MONDAY

BLACK CHRISTMAS — Remake of the 1974 horror movie about sorority girls being victimized over the holidays. To be reviewed when it opens next week, running time: 84 minutes, R (violence, gore, sex, nudity, profanity)

DREAMGIRLS — Jamie Foxx and Beyonce Knowles head up the cast of this adaptation of the popular Broadway musical. To be reviewed when it opens next week, running time: 131 minutes, PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, drugs)

RE-RELEASE

THE RULES OF THE GAME — **** — French filmmaker Jean Renoir's classic 1939 satire hasn't lost any of its ability to shock as well as enlighten. Black and white, French with subtitles, complete review on Page W6, running time: 106 minutes, not rated, probable PG (violence, vulgarity)

MIDNIGHT MOVIE