On the screen: New releases, special screening and continuing films

NEW FRIDAY

CENTURION — ★★ — At least this gory, "sword-and-sandals" action-thriller does what it sets out to do. Running time: 97 minutes; R (violence, gore, profanity, torture)

GET LOW — ★★★ — The veteran cast is what sells this low-key period drama. Robert Duvall stars. Running time: 100 minutes; PG-13 (violence, profanity, slurs)

THE LAST EXORCISM — ★ — The idiotic "Blair Witch Project"/"Exorcist" rip-off gets dumber as it goes. Running time: 87 minutes; PG-13 (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity)

TAKERS — Heist thriller starring Chris Brown, Paul Walker, Hayden Christensen and Chris Ealy. Running time: 107 minutes; PG-13 (violence, sex, partial nudity, profanity)

WAKING SLEEPING BEAUTY — ★★★★ — A must-see, insider look at Disney animation, circa 1984-1994. Running time: 86 minutes; PG (violence)

NEW WEDNESDAY

THE AMERICAN — Suspense-thriller starring George Clooney as a soon-to-be-retired assassin. To be reviewed when it opens next week; running time: 105 minutes; R (violence, sex, nudity)

MIDNIGHT MOVIE

TOWER NIGHT 'N' NOON SERIES — This week's film is "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986). A schedule is available at www.saltlakefilmsociety.org. (Aug. 27-29: Tower)

RE-RELEASE

AVATAR: SPECIAL EDITION — James Cameron's science-fiction/fantasy hit returns for a limited engagement, with extra footage. Shown in 3-D. (Century South Salt Lake, District, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Junction, Provo Towne Centre, Thanksgiving Point, Tinseltown Layton)

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

BREWVIES SPECIAL SCREENINGS — Programs include the Film Buffs selection, "Back to the Future" (1985) and "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" (1989). See schedule at www.brewvies.com. (Aug. 29, 5 p.m.; Aug. 30, 10 p.m.: Brewvies, must be 21 or older)

DESPICABLE ME 3-D — The new animated comedy, shown in 3-D. (Century South Salt Lake, Cinemark American Fork, Jordan Landing, Provo Towne Centre, Ritz, Tinseltown Ogden)