Playing at local movie theaters

THE BROWN BUNNY — ** — Vincent Gallo's controversial second directing effort is not a movie that wants to be judged solely on its merits. Complete review on Page W7. Running time: 92 minutes. Not rated, probable NC-17 (sex, nudity, profanity, vulgarity). — Carina Chocano, Los Angeles Times

THE GRUDGE — ** — This remake of the Japanese horror hit, which stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, is often eye-rolling silly. Complete review on Page W5. Running time: 96 minutes. PG-13 (violence, brief gore, brief sex).

THE HUNTING OF THE PRESIDENT — *** — It's very one-sided, but this documentary about the efforts to discredit the Clinton Presidency is chilling. Complete review on Page W4. Running time: 90 minutes. Not rated, probable R (vulgarity, profanity, violence, veiled nudity).

I HEART HUCKABEES — *** — Director David O. Russell's "existential comedy," starring Jason Scwartzman and Jude Law, is both brilliant and befuddling. Complete review on Page W4. Running time: 105 minutes. R (profanity, violence, vulgarity, brief sex, brief nudity).

SURVIVING CHRISTMAS — * — This bonny holiday-from-hell romp, starring Ben Affleck, turns out to be purgatory for viewers. Complete review on Page W6. Running time: 92 minutes. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, slapstick violence, brief drugs). — David Germain, Associated Press

MATINEES

ELLA ENCHANTED — ** — This "Cinderella" spoof, starring Anne Hathaway, has only a few worthy gags. Running time: 94 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, mild profanity). (Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m., Megaplex 17.)

SCOOBY-DOO 2: MONSTERS UNLEASHED — * 1/2 — Scooby and the gang are back in this only slightly more tolerable but still tasteless sequel. Running time: 88 minutes. PG (violence, vulgarity, brief drugs). (Today, 11:30 a.m., Megaplex 17.)

MIDNIGHT MOVIES

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE — * 1/2 — Less scary than the original, this remake of the 1974 cult film simply ups the gore and consigns Leatherface to a minor role. Running time: 98 minutes. R (violence, gore, profanity, drug use, vulgarity, brief sex). (Tonight and Saturday, Tower.)

LARGE-FORMAT FILMS

BUGS! — *** — This British-made documentary about insects has plenty of "wow" moments. Running time: 40 minutes. Not rated, probable G (violence).