Movies: An action-packed 'Battleship' + 'What to Expect When You're Expecting'

If you have difficulty viewing this newsletter, click here to view as a Web page. Click here to view in plain text. Friday, May 18, 2012 A vessel with firepower Michael O'Sullivan Inspired by the Hasbro game of naval warfare, "Battleship" is a rousing and clever action-adventure flick. [Read more] Wrong way, baby The comedy "What to Expect When You're Expecting" turns out to be less essential than the guidebook upon which it's based. [Read more] Also Opening 'This Is Not a Film' Ann Hornaday Iranian director Jafar Panahi's work is indeed not a film — it's a cry from the heart of an artist compelled to create, tell stories and respond to hostile, confounding realities. [Read more] 'The Dictator' Ann Hornaday Sacha Baron Cohen's latest never achieves the stinging parodic heights of his "Borat" movie, but manages a better batting average than his most recent misfire, "Bruno." [Read more] 'Bernie' Ann Hornaday Jack Black has been perfectly cast in "Bernie," a dramatization of a real-life murder mystery in East Texas, directed with dark, idiosyncratic humor by Richard Linklater. [Read more] 'Crooked Arrows' Michael O'Sullivan Set in the world of high-school lacrosse, this sports movie is a formulaic drama about an underdog sports team. [Read more] 'Where Do We Go Now?' John DeFore A satire about a group of Lebanese women trying to maintain peace between Christians and Muslims in their village falls flat. [Read more] Celebritology Peter Berg talks 'Battleship' Also covered: Taylor Kitsch and the "John Carter" debacle. Watch: 'Won't Back Down' trailer Oscar nominees Viola Davis and Maggie Gyllenhaal play determined mothers in the education reform film "Won't Back Down." Aaron Sorkin to pen Steve Jobs biopic The film will be based on Walter Issacson's biography of the Apple co-founder, who died in October after a battle with cancer. 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' primer We expected to see Cameron Diaz in this. But why did Chris Rock and Anna Kendrick sign on? Box Office 'The Avengers' breaks more box office records Jess Righthand There were a couple anticipated movies released last Friday, but they were no match for "Marvel's The Avengers," which has now made more than $1 billion globally. DVD Reviews and Info The four-star movies of 2012 Stephanie Merry Keep tabs on the top-rated films of the year. New and popular DVDs Stephanie Merry Check out this week's new releases and see what Washington is watching. Family Filmgoer Kid-focused movie reviews Wondering what movies the kids would enjoy? Get the scoop on "Battleship," "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and more. Reader Reviews You review 'Dark Shadows' "If Burton was going to move in such a radical direction from the beloved source material, why didn't he just come up with his own characters and plot lines rather than creating this abomination of a film?" That's one reader's take. Agree? Write a review and let your voice be heard. Get The Washington Post, your way. Want to stay on top of the latest news, features, commentary and more? Here's how: Mobile: Alerts: Social Media: Applications Web site E-mail SMS RSS Feeds Facebook Twitter SEND TO A FRIEND UNSUBSCRIBE E-NEWSLETTER CENTER GET HELP Washington Post Digital E-mail Customer Care 1150 15th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20071 ©2012 The Washington Post Privacy Policy