Short Takes

SHORT TAKES

Condensed from Daily News movie critic Gary Thompson's reviews, unless noted otherwise.

BEARS. Disney story about mama bear and her cubs has sweeping vistas, remarkable wildlife photography, playful narration by John C. Reilly. (G) B Reviewed by Daily News wire services.

TRANSCENDENCE. Romance between woman and machine is a "Her" for dummies. Johnny Depp is the "him" - a scientist who uploads his brain to a computer. (PG-13) C- Reviewed by Daily News wire services.

UNDER THE SKIN. Scarlett Johansson is quietly very good as a man-hunting alien in odd, creepy indy. Yes, there are nude scenes, but mostly we watch her drive a van in the rain. (R) B

A HAUNTED HOUSE 2. In sequel to Marlon Wayans horror-spoof, Malcolm starts over with new girlfriend and new "dream home." You can see where this is going, right? (R) C Reviewed by Daily News wire services.

ALAN PARTRIDGE. Darkly comic movie brings Steve Coogan's BBC character to the big screen, hilariously. Not familiar with Mr. Partridge? Imagine Ron Burgundy with a brain. (R) B+

DRAFT DAY. Football movie with no football in it glorifies front-office gamesmanship. With Kevin Costner. (PG-13) C

OCULUS. In horror flick, mirror causes dangerous delusions in those around it. (Does Joan Rivers have one?) Director Mike Flanagan has ghoulish fun with the premise, but it wears thin. (R) B-

RIO 2. Songs from Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae transform animated feature, set in the Amazon jungle, into jaunty musical. Could use more jokes, though.(G) B

DOM HEMINGWAY. Jude Law packs on pounds and goes over the top to play larger-than-life ex-con. Starts fun, then takes schmaltzy wrong turn. (R) C+

JOE. Nicolas Cage does some real acting again in story of violent ex-con who protects vulnerable teen. They get a nice rapport going, then movie gets weird. (R) B-

RAID 2. Bigger, longer sequel to cult hit Indonesian action movie. After two hours of mayhem, you'll long for the taut original. (R) B

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER. Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Natasha (Scarlett Johansson) are spring's cutest couple. Want action? It's got that, too. (PG-13) B.

ISLAND OF LEMURS: MADAGASCAR. Short, slick bit of nature edutainment, with Morgan Freeman's voice. (G) B Reviewed by Daily News wire services.

NOAH. Darren Aronofsky's epic mash-up is provocative take on Old Testament story. (PG-13) B+

SABOTAGE. Assassins are killing members of Arnold Schwarzenegger's elite DEA squad. (R) C+

LE WEEK-END. Long-married couple's Paris getaway turns into volcanic referendum on their pressurized marriage. (R) B+

DIVERGENT. Romantic rapport between Theo James and Shailene Woodley helps overcome rocky franchise start. Keep your eyes on these two rising stars. (PG-13) B-

MUPPETS MOST WANTED. Spy caper has the gang touring Europe, with plenty of stars - including Tina Fey and Ricky Gervais - helping out. Bret McKenzie's songs lack last film's sparkle. (PG) B-

THE LUNCHBOX. Worthy successor to "Babette's Feast" and "Big Night" pairs passion for food and life - in this case Indian food in Mumbai. With Irrfan Khan ("Slumdog Millionaire," "The Life of Pi").(PG) A- Reviewed by Daily News wire services.

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL. Latest twee film has Wes Anderson trifling with (gulp) Nazism. Ralph Fiennes is very good as M. Gustave, concierge.(R) B-

MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN. Animated 3-D feature, from the director of "The Lion King," turns the Jay Ward original into a funny, moving story of a dog and his boy. (PG) B