Movies playing in Aiken theater this weekend

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island 3-D NEW!

Cast and crew err on the side of silly in “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island,” the amusingly childish sequel to that unlikely 2008 hit “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” They’ve rendered Jules Verne’s novel into a jokey lark, with broad, corny wisecracks, comic sidekicks and everybody riffing on the ginormous lizards, humungous spiders and the like. For those who have forgotten the conceit, the idea here is that while “most consider” the stories of 19th century novelist Jules Verne “works of science fiction, Vernians know otherwise.” Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) certainly does. He lost his dad on an epic “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” Now, years later, living with mom (Kristin Davis) and an over-compensating stepdad, Hank (Dwayne Johnson), the rebellious teen gets a coded radio message from his grandpa. Since contractor Hank used to be a Navy code breaker, they quickly realize the message is, “The island is real.” That would be Verne’s “Mysterious Island.” It’s not Vernian or groundbreaking or smart or even that clever. This “Journey” is an action comedy for pre-teens, squeaky clean and scare-free.

2 stars out of 4 — Roger Moore, McClatchy-Tribune

Rated PG for some adventure action and brief, mild language. 1 hour, 34 minutes.

Safe House New!

He must have joined “The Agency” with an eye toward excitement, exotic locales and danger. But in Capetown, a backwater as far as foreign intrigue goes, agency newcomer Matt Weston is stuck – a one-man show, running a never-used “safe house” in the C.I.A.’s real-estate portfolio. “I’m staring at four walls all day,” Matt (Ryan Reynolds) complains to his boss. Until the day he plays host to America’s “most notorious traitor,” a sell-to-the-highest-bidder rogue named Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington). Frost doesn’t want to be a “houseguest.” And a lot of ruthless and violent people want to get their hands on him in the worst way. That’s the set-up for “Safe House,” a pulse-pounding secret-agent variation on the “everybody’s out to get you” thriller formula. Well-cast, well-acted and brilliantly shot and edited, it’s a thoroughly entertaining peek into spycraft and the spies who practice it. Swedish director Daniel Espinosa’s visual take on South Africa is that Capetown could be any modern city, surrounded by more striking scenery. The photography and editing are state-of-the-Bourne-art exciting – breathless chases, brutal, blurry fights and unnerving shootouts. This team extracts a top-notch thriller from pretty thin material, spilling a lot of blood and roughing up a couple of very good-looking movie stars for the cause.

3 stars out of 4 — Roger Moore, McClatchy-Tribune

Rated R for strong violence throughout and some language. 1 hour, 55 minutes.

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace 3-D New

A 3-D version of the spacefaring adventure about Jedi knights and interplanetary intrigue. With Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman and Jake Lloyd. Written and directed by George Lucas.

6.4 stars out of 10 — imdb.com

Rated PG for sci-fi action and sci-fi violence. 2 hours, 13 minutes.

The Vow NEW!

After waking from a coma caused by a car accident, a newlywed wife copes with severe memory loss while her husband tries to win her heart again. With Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum, Sam Neill and Scott Speedman. Written by Abby Kohn, Marc Silverstein and Jason Katims. Directed by Michael Sucsy.

Not screened in advance for critics.

Rated PG-13 for sexual content, partial nudity, some language and an accident scene. 1 hour, 44 minutes.

Big Miracle

Amid the Cold War, a smalltown reporter and his environmentalist ex-girlfriend lead an unlikely international coalition to save a family of gray whales trapped in the Arctic circle. With Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski, Kristen Bell and Dermot Mulroney. Written by Jack Amiel and Michael Begler. Directed by Ken Kwapis.

21⁄2 stars out of 4 — Christy Lemire, McClatchy-Tribune

Rated PG for language. 1 hour, 47 minutes.

The Woman in Black

When a widowed lawyer is sent to a remote village to settle the affairs of a deceased eccentric, he discovers the place holds a deadly secret. With Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds, Janet McTeer and Liz White. Written by Jane Goldman. Directed by James Watkins.

3 stars out of 4 — Roger Moore, McClatchy-Tribune

Rated PG-13 for thematic material, violence and disturbing images. 1 hour, 35 minutes.

Chronicle

After making a surprising discovery, three high school students develop uncanny powers and begin to lose control. With Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell and Michael B. Jordan. Written by Max Landis. Directed by Joshua Trank.

2 stars out of 4 — Moira Macdonald, McClatchy-Tribune

Rated PG-13 for intense action and violence, thematic material, some language, sexual content and teen drinking. 1 hour, 23 minutes.

The Grey

When their plane crashes in the remote Alaskan wilderness, a group of roughneck oil rig workers struggle to survive injuries, the elements and a vicious pack of wolves. With Liam Neeson, Dermot Mulroney, Frank Grillo and Dallas Roberts. Written by Joe Carnahan and Ian Mackenzie Jeffers. Directed by Carnahan.

3 stars out of 5 — Cary Darling, McClatchy-Tribune

Rated R for violence and disturbing content including bloody images and pervasive strong language. 1 hour, 57 minutes.

Red Tails

This World War II historical drama tells the story of the black fighter pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen. With Nate Parker, David Oyelowo, Ne-Yo and Terrence Howard. Written by John Ridley and Aaron McGruder. Directed by Anthony Hemingway.

2 stars out of 4 — Colin Covert, McClatchy-Tribune

Rated PG-13 for some sequences of war violence. 2 hours, 5 minutes.