Playing at local movie theaters

30 DAYS OF NIGHT — ** — This comics-based vampire yarn is a real mess — both literally and figuratively. Running time: 110 minutes, R (violence, gore, profanity, drugs, vulgarity)

THE COMEBACKS — Real-life NFL stars are featured in this spoof of various sports films. To be reviewed next week, running time: 84 minutes, PG-13 (vulgarity, sex, violence, drugs)

FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO — *** — This documentary about religious beliefs regarding homosexuality allows each side of the debate to make points. Running time: 97 minutes, not rated, probable PG-13 (violence, vulgarity, slurs, mild profanity)

GONE BABY GONE — *** 1/2 — This well-acted thriller based on the best-selling novel is an assured and confident directorial debut for Ben Affleck. Running time: 114 minutes, R (profanity, drugs, violence, vulgarity, slurs, brief gore)

INTO THE WILD — **** — Sean Penn's adaptation of the best-selling Jon Krakauer book is touching, thoughtful, sad, funny, sweet and ultimately redemptive — all at once. Running time: 149 minutes, R (violence, profanity, nudity, gore, brief sex, vulgarity, brief drugs)

LUST, CAUTION — ** — Despite all the early furor about its graphic sex scenes, Ang Lee's latest is curiously sedate and unexciting. Mandarin with subtitles, running time: 157 minutes, NC-17 (sex, violence, nudity, gore, profanity, slurs, vulgarity, brief drugs)

MOONDANCE ALEXANDER — ** 1/2 — A rather familiar girl-and-her-horse drama. Stars Kay Panabaker and Don Johnson are good, though. Running time: 93 minutes, G (violence)

RENDITION — ** — Even this political thriller's top-notch cast doesn't seem too excited about it. With subtitles, running time: 120 minutes, R (violence, torture, profanity, nudity, gore, brief sex)

SARAH LANDON AND THE PARANORMAL HOUR — Supernatural thriller about a teen (newcomer Rissa Walters) investigating strange occurrences in her hometown. To be reviewed next week, running time: 81 minutes, PG (violence, profanity)

THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE — **** — Halle Berry redeems herself in this aching drama, giving a performance of depth, power and vulnerability. Running time: 119 minutes, R (drugs, profanity) —Robert W. Butler, McClatchy Newspapers

RE-RELEASES