MOUNTAIN MOVIE REVIEWS

Flags of Our Fathers (Rated R)

Even as victory in Europe was finally within reach, the war in the Pacific raged on. One of the most crucial and bloodiest battles of the war was the struggle for the island of Iwo Jima, which culminated with what would become one of the most iconic images in history: five Marines and a Navy corpsman raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi. The inspiring photo capturing that moment became a symbol of victory to a nation that had grown weary of war and made instant heroes of the six American soldiers at the base of the flag, some of whom would die soon after, never knowing that they had been immortalized. But the surviving flag raisers had no interest in being held up as symbols and did not consider themselves heroes; they wanted only to stay on the front with their brothers in arms who were fighting and dying without fanfare or glory. 'Flags of Our Fathers' is based on the bestselling book by James Bradley with Ron Powers, which chronicled the battle of Iwo Jima and the fates of the flag raisers and some of their brothers in Easy Company.

Flicka (Rated PG)

Sixteen-year-old Katy McLaughlin (Alison Lohman) dreams of fulfilling her family legacy by working on her father's ranch in modern-day Wyoming. Katy finds a wild mustang, which she names Flicka, and sets out to make her a riding horse. But Flicka and Katy are more alike than she could have imagined. Like Katy, Flicka has a disdain for authority and is not about to give up her freedom without a fight. Based on the classic novel by Mary O'Hara.

Man of the Year (Rated PG-13)

Acerbic performer Tom Dobbs (Robin Williams) has made his career out of skewering politicians and speaking the mind of the exasperated nation on his talk show. He cracked scathing jokes at a fractured system night after night...until he came up with a really funny idea: why not run for president himself?

After a flip comment, Dobbs ignites a grassroots movement that puts him on the ballot. Hot on the campaign trail, he debates elected drones and says exactly what frustrated voters have often thought. November 2nd later, the muckraker wins--only to learn that a computer voting error gave him the victory. With time ticking on the inaugural clock, Dobbs has a big decision to make: should he go back behind the mike or stay in the Oval Office?

Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Beginning (Rated R)

It's 1969. The conflict in Vietnam has exploded to immeasurable proportions, and 18- year-old Dean Hill's (Taylor Handley) number is up. But first, Dean, his brother Eric (Matthew Bomer) and their respective girlfriends, Bailey (Diora Baird) and Chrissie (Jordana Brewster) head across Texas for a final fling of serious fun.

Soon after their journey begins, the spirited foursome are spooked by a menacing pair of bikers, Holden and his girlfriend, Alex. When Alex chases the group's jeep, propelling them into a serious accident, Chrissie is thrown from the vehicle. As Alex attempts to rob the injured trio, Sheriff Hoyt (R. Lee Ermey) arrives on the scene. Hidden in the nearby brush, Chrissie watches as the sheriff kills Alex in cold blood and then taunts her friends before ordering them into the back of the patrol car.

Hoyt heads to the Hewitt family home where Thomas, who is being groomed to become the terrifying monster known as Leatherface (Andrew Bryniarski), and the rest of the Hewitt clan await. In an effort to save her friends, Chrissie attempts to convince Holden to help her, but he is on a one-man rampage to avenge his girlfriend's death. As Chrissie witnesses the horrors inflicted by the Hewitt family upon the people she loves, she realizes she is their only hope of survival.

The Guardian (Rated PG-13)

After losing his crew in a fatal crash, legendary Rescue Swimmer, Ben Randall (Kevin Costner), is sent to teach at "A" School, an elite training program for Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers. Wrestling with the loss of his crew members, he throws himself into teaching, turning the program upside down with his unorthodox training methods. While there, he encounters a young, cocky swim champ, Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher), who is driven to be the best. During training, Randall helps mold Jake's character, combining his raw talent with the heart and dedication required of a Rescue Swimmer. Upon graduation, Jake follows Randall to Kodiak, Alaska, where they face the inherent dangers of the Bering Sea. In his initial solo rescue, Jake learns firsthand from Randall, the true meaning of heroism and sacrifice, echoing the Swimmer's motto..."So Others May Live!"

Jet Li's Fearless (Rated PG-13)

The story of Huo Yuanjia-a fighter who represented Chinese martial arts to a nation; a man who fought his way out of darkness and into history.Yuanjia, a young boy whose father is a great fighter, wants to follow in his footsteps, but his father refuses. The boy steals his father's Wushu manual and teaches himself how to fight. When his arrogance and love for violence leads to the murder of his mother and daughter, Yuanjia, stricken with grief, leaves his home and wanders for thousands of miles. He's taken in by strangers whose kindness and generosity enable him to forget his pain and his violent history.