This weekend's new films, special screenings, large format and continuing films

NEW FILMS FRIDAY

THE BOOK OF ELI — ★★ — An unconvincing, contrived final third proves to be this apocalyptic thriller's undoing. Running time: 118 minutes; R (violence, gore, profanity, torture, rape, vulgarity, slurs)

THE HORSE BOY — ★★★ — A fairly interesting, if not touching, documentary about the parents of an autistic child. Running time: 93 minutes; not rated, probable PG-13 (drugs, vulgarity, slurs)

THE LOVELY BONES — ★★ — Peter Jackson's lovely looking take on the best-selling novel is too aloof and distanced. Running time: 135 minutes; PG-13 (violence, profanity, brief gore, slurs, vulgarity, nude art, brief drugs)

A SINGLE MAN — ★★ — A glossy but snoozy, gay-themed drama featuring a terrific performance by Colin Firth. Running time: 99 minutes; R (vulgarity, nudity, profanity, brief drugs, violence, brief gore, slurs, brief sex)

THE SPY NEXT DOOR — ★★ — Jackie Chan plays second fiddle to bratty youngsters in this irritating action-comedy. Running time: 91 minutes; PG (violence, vulgarity, brief drugs, slurs, mild profanity)

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

3 IDIOTS — Bollywood comedy featuring Aamir Khan and Madhavan. Hindi with subtitles; running time: 160 minutes; not rated, probable PG-13 (slapstick violence, vulgarity) (Through Jan. 21: Sandy 9)

THE NINTH 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. (Jan. 20-23: SCERA, Orem)

THE 2010 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL — The "Cannes of the West" kicks off Jan. 21, with three competition screenings in Park City venues. An online film guide is available at www.sundance.org/festival; catalogs are also available at theaters. (Through Jan. 31)

THE 2010 X-DANCE FILM FESTIVAL — An "action sports film festival" with a series of screenings. Film schedules are available at www.x-dance.com. (Through Jan. 26: Off-Broadway Theatre)