On the screen

NEW FILM FRIDAY

DEFIANCE — ★★½ — This real-life, World War II survival story deserves better, more-subtle treatment. With subtitles, running time: 137 minutes, R (violence, profanity, slurs, gore, vulgarity, brief sex, brief drugs)

HOTEL FOR DOGS — ★½ — This story-thin nonsense that trots out every canine comedy cliche, including tasteless jokes about dog doo and fire hydrants. Running time: 100 minutes, PG (vulgarity, violence, mild profanity, brief nudity)

LAST CHANCE HARVEY — ★★½ — Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson definitely make this cinematic "comfort food" watchable. Running time: 93 minutes, PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, slurs, brief drugs)

MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3-D — A remake of the 1981 cult hit horror film about a murderous miner. To be reviewed next week, running time: 101 minutes, R (violence, gore, sex, nudity, profanity)

NOTORIOUS — ★★½ — Hoping to cover as much ground as possible, the filmmaker breaks down slain rapper Notorious B.I.G.'s life into a series of quick episodes. To be reviewed next week. Running time: 100 minutes, R (profanity, sex, vulgarity, nudity, drugs) — Tom Horgen, Star-Tribune (Minneapolis)

PAUL BLART: MALL COP — ★★ — "The King of Queens" star Kevin James plays a harried security guard in this unfunny comedy. Running time: 87 minutes, PG (violence, mild profanity, slurs, vulgarity)

RERELEASES

VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA — ★★½— When Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz are on-screen, Woody Allen's latest really comes to life. With subtitles, running time: 96 minutes, PG-13 (sex, vulgarity, profanity, violence, slurs, brief drugs, nude photos)

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

THE EIGHTH ANNUAL LDS FILM FESTIVAL — A local event featuring feature films and shorter-length works that were made by LDS filmmakers or which feature LDS themes. A schedule of events is available at www.ldsfilmfestival.com. (Through Jan. 24: SCERA, Orem)

THE 2008 TROMADANCE FILM FESTIVAL — The makers of low-budget cult fare put their unique spin on film festivals with a series of screenings. Most are R-rated or do not carry ratings and generally contain strong violent and sexual content. (Jan. 20, 6 p.m.: Brewvies, must be 21 or older)