* BLIND RECOMMENDATION OF THE WEEK *

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnussus
Terry Gilliam. Action / adventure / science fiction / fantasy. Good word from reliable critics (i.e. people I know). I’m going. Tell a friend. Popcorn optional.

Theaters: Angelika Dallas, AMC Stonebriar, AMC Grapevine, AMC Parks at Arlington, AMC Grand 24, AMC Firewheel, AMC Mesquite 30, AMC Valley View, Cinemark West (Plano), Cinemark 17 (Webb Chapel), Cinemark 24 (Plano).

* CRITIC’S CHOICE *

Broken Embraces
Pedro Almodovar’s mesmerizing melodrama brims over with bittersweet, tragic romance. Penelope Cruz is scary good.

(Opens at Ft. Worth Modern Art; continues at Landmark Magnolia and Angelika Plano.)

* REPERTORY *

Gremlins
Joe Dante’s joyful ride makes a nightmare scenario nothing but nutty fun. With Phoebe Cates at her career best, explaining why she doesn’t celebrate Christmas. Midnight Madness at the Inwood Theatre in Dallas.

* OPENING WIDE *

Leap Year
Creaky, entirely predictable comedy – and not in a good way. Amy Adams salvages several scenes, but otherwise entirely missable.

Other releases, not previewed: Daybreakers (vampires), Youth in Revolt (teens).  See Now Playing for other films in current release.