Reel Picks: More on movies playing this week

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Act of Valor (R)

An elite squad of Navy SEALs rescues a kidnapped CIA agent in this covert-action thriller. Active duty SEALs play the lead fighting roles in this story based on actual events. Not a critical success but enjoyed by most who have seen it. Stars Alex Veadov, Roselyn Sanchez, and Nestor Serrano.

John Carter (PG-13)

Civil War veteran John Carter (Taylor Kitsch) wakes up on an Earth-like Mars, with its own civil war. Based on the 100-year-old Edgar Rice Burroughs classic “A Princess of Mars,” Carter comes to the aid of a Martian princess in this sci-fi adventure. Crowds have liked this more than the critics. Also stars Lynn Collins and Willem Dafoe.

Safe House (R)

A safe house is attacked where a young CIA agent is looking after a fugitive. They run for it. The critics are mixed on this action flick. Stars Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, and Robert Patrick.

The Secret World of Arrietty (G)

Japanese animated fantasy film based on English children’s book author Mary Norton’s novel “The Borrowers.” When a tiny borrower named Arrietty makes friends with a young boy many times her size, she must also shield her family from his towering elders. Liked by critics and viewers alike. Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi. Starring the voices of Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, and Will Arnett.

This Means War (PG-13)

Two best friends and top CIA operatives, determined to win the heart of a sexy blonde bombshell, turn their secret-agent skills against each other, blind to the trail of wreckage they leave in their wake. Not a critics’ favorite but a crowd-pleasing action film. Starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, and Tom Hardy.

The Vow (PG-13)

A car accident puts a young woman (Rachel McAdams) into a coma. She wakes up with memory loss and her husband (Channing Tatum) has to work to win her heart again. McAdams and Tatum get good marks for their work.