Playing at local movie theaters

END OF THE SPEAR — *** —A compelling true story about how the killing of missionaries in Ecuador led an Amazon tribe to embrace Christian teachings. Running time: 105 minutes. PG-13 (violence).— James Ward, Visalia (Calif.) Times-Delta

LOOKING FOR COMEDY IN THE MUSLIM WORLD — ** 1/2 — Albert Brooks' silly mockumentary is more likely to elicit appreciative smiles than belly laughs. Running time: 98 minutes. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, ethnic slurs, brief drugs).

MATCH POINT — *** 1/2 — Woody Allen returns to form with this erotic thriller, which has a distinct, refreshing European feel to it. Running time: 124 minutes. R (sex, violence, profanity, brief drugs).

THE NEW WORLD — ** 1/2 —Terrence Malick's historical drama about Pocahontas is pretty as a postcard. Unfortunately, it moves at a snail's pace. Running time: 150 minutes. PG-13 (violence, brief gore, brief sex, nude artwork).

UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION — Vampire warrior Selene (Kate Beckinsale) returns in this horror-fantasy, a sequel to "Underworld." To be reviewed next week. Running time: 105 minutes. R (violence, gore, sex, nudity, profanity).

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

THE 5TH ANNUAL LDS FILM FESTIVAL — "Envision, Innovate, Create" is the motto of this local festival, which shows films with LDS themes or by LDS filmmakers. A schedule of events is available at www.ldsbox.com. The films in this event are not rated but may feature some PG content. (Today and Saturday: SCERA, Orem)

THE 2006 SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL — The grandfather of all Sundance alternative festivals kicks off its schedule of independent fare with screenings at two Sugar House locations and the Treasure Mountain Inn in Park City. Film schedules are available at www.slamdance.com; catalogs are also available at theaters. (Through Jan. 27: Sprague Library; Westminster College.)

CHINESE FILM SERIES — The series continues this month with the Chinese-language films "Peacock" and "Hope to Have a Home," in Chinese with English subtitles, not rated but may feature some PG-13 content. (Saturday, 1 p.m., Salt Lake City Library, free)

ISLAM AND THE WEST FILM SERIES — This month's selection is "At the Green Line," a documentary about "refuseniks," or Israeli conscientious objectors. This film is not rated but may feature some PG-13 content. (Tonight, 7 p.m., Gore Auditorium, Westminster College, free)