REEL TIME: Meryl turns out a snorefest and Dolly gets upstaged

This week's new releases may include big-screen heavy-hitters like Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster and Mark Wahlberg, but you should be leery about letting the big-name hype draw you toward the ticket booth. Today, with the help of our critics, we're charting the six new releases from most- to least-worthy of your time and hard-earned dollar bills.

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REEL TIME: Meryl turns out a snorefest and Dolly gets upstaged

POSTED: Friday, January 13, 2012, 4:00 PM

Filed Under: Movies

3. If you were excited to see Joyful Noise because you couldn't wait for a dose of big-boobs screen Dolly Parton, Gary M. Kramer says you better simma down. "Parton, who’s all down-home grit and charm, is underused, save for a lovely duet." This "enjoyable comedic drama," he says, "is Queen Latifah’s show all the way." He praises Queen for her compelling speeches and poignant ballads, and director Todd Graff for choosing the "infectious" tunes that make the film fun and sing-a-longable. It also stars New Jersey native Dexter Darden (read Kramer's interview with him), so that makes up for the unfortunate lack of boobs Dolly moments. Read the rest of his review here. (Pearl, UA 69th Street, UA Grant, UA Riverview)

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