Best-reviewed films in theaters

New this week

Another new addition this week -- at least for those who aren't easily offended.

If you are, then perhaps Hamlet 2 isn't the film for you. But if you aren't, get ready to laugh. A lot.

Seriously, though, it's not for everyone. Luckily, as ever, there's plenty more to choose from out there. Enjoy.

'Hamlet 2' ****

Steve Coogan is outstanding as a failed actor teaching drama in a Tucson high school. To save the drama program from budget cuts, he stages Hamlet 2, a sequel to Shakespeare's tragedy. Yes, he's that delusional. Profane, politically incorrect, hilarious, Hamlet 2 is an often tasteless treat. (R — 92 minutes) P, S.Read review.

Still in theaters

'American Teen' ****

(Bill Goodykoontz) Nanette Burstein's documentary following the lives of five high-school students in a small-town Indiana plays by many of the same rules as reality television, but it's miles ahead in terms of quality and effectiveness. Although Burstein traffics in what seem at first to be stereotypes — artsy chick, jock, rich mean girl, et al. — she turns up much more and creates characters to whom anyone who has been through high school can relate. (PG-13 — 95 minutes) P, S.Read review.

'Baby Mama' ****

(Bill Goodykoontz) Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are terrific in this comedy about a successful businesswoman (Fey) who hires a surrogate (Poehler) to carry her baby. The story is predictable, but it doesn't really matter; the movie has enough laugh-out-loud moments that you'll barely notice. Steve Martin and Sigourney Weaver are great in cameos. (PG-13 — 96 minutes) P.Read review.

'The Dark Knight' ****1/2

(Bill Goodykoontz) Believe the hype. Heath Ledger is brilliant as the Joker in Christopher Nolan's latest take on Batman. Christian Bale returns as Bruce Wayne, and Aaron Eckhart is on hand as district attorney Harvey Dent. The film is too long and eventually convoluted, but Ledger is magnetic, your eyes drawn to him in every scene. (PG-13 — 152 minutes) V. Read review.

'Hellboy II: The Golden Army' ****

(Bill Goodykoontz) Visionary director Guillermo del Toro expands the scope of the franchise. Hellboy (a well-cast Ron Perlman) must ward off a war against humanity by a race of underworld creatures. Del Toro invests his mind-blowing creatures with humanity, allowing us to identify with them. He's a true original. (PG-13 — 110 minutes) P, V.Read review.

'Henry Poole is Here' ****

(Randy Cordova) A terminally glum man (Luke Wilson) buys a home in which one of the outside walls has a stain. A neighbor (Adriana Barraza of Babel) insists the discoloration contains the image of Jesus, and questions of faith and redemption are raised. Well acted comedy-drama is quietly compelling and quite surprising coming from director Mark Pellington, best known for such taut thrillers as Arlington Road and The Mothman Prophecies. (PG – 100 minutes) P.Read review.

'The Incredible Hulk' ****

(Bill Goodykoontz) Anchored by Edward Norton's performance, The Incredible Hulk joins its summer Marvel Comics companion piece, Iron Man, as a winning take on the comic-book movie. Fast-paced and exciting, it packs quite a punch. (PG-13 — 114 minutes) V.Read review.

'Iron Man' ****

(Bill Goodykoontz) Robert Downey Jr.'s performance elevates the superhero film from something rather routine (he spends a lot of time building the suit) to something more. The audience can't help but wonder how much of the real-life Downey's past is on display as Tony Stark, the rich playboy genius who develops a conscience. Whatever the case, it makes for fascinating viewing. (PG-13 — 126 minutes) V.Read review.

'Kitt Kittredge: An American Girl' ****

(Bill Goodykoontz) Unexpectedly relevant and moving story based on a line of expensive dolls. Abigail Breslin stars as Kit, an intrepid little girl growing up during the Depression. At a time when children grow up too fast, it's a delight to see a movie in which kids are kids. , and happy to be. (G — 101 minutes). Read review.

'Kung Fu Panda' ****

(Bill Goodykoontz) Jack Black leads a big-name cast in a surprisingly good animated film about a giant panda (Black) who becomes an unlikely martial-arts hero. Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman and others are on hand, but Ian McShane is especially good as a snow leopard with revenge on his mind. (PG — 91 minutes) V. Read review.

'Man on Wire' *****

(Richard Nilsen) Documentary about funambulist Philippe Petit and his infamous 1974 high-wire walk between the two towers of the World Trade Center. The film is told with the suspense and tension of a heist film, detailing each step of the planning and execution as if it were a Mission: Impossible. In English and French, with some subtitles. (PG-13 — 94 minutes) N, S. Read review.

'WALL-E' ****1/2

(Bill Goodykoontz) WALL-E is the last robot on Earth; while performing his tasks, as he has for 800 years, he stumbles upon something that might make the planet habitable for humans again. But it'll take the help of EVE, another robot, to make it happen. At its heart, a love story. (G — 97 minutes).Read review.

'Wanted' ****

(Bill Goodykoontz) James McAvoy plays an office drone who becomes a deadly assassin. It's a genuine thrill ride, as long as you don't take it too seriously. McAvoy is quite good, as is Angelina Jolie; Morgan Freeman is always a welcome presence. (R — 110 minutes) P, S, V.Read review.