The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Alexander" (Warner Bros.)
Ambitious historical epic which explores the life of Alexander the Great (Colin Farrell), the fabled fourth-century B.C. Macedonian conqueror, chronicling his rise to power, stunning military victories and empire expansion, with breaks in the sword-and-sandal action for some Freudian forays into his bisexuality and estranged relationship with his conniving mother (Angelina Jolie) and roughhewn royal father (Val Kilmer). Though this "Alexander" is far from great, director Oliver Stone's visually impressive film features spectacular, though graphic, battles and lavish re-creations of antiquity which somewhat balance its epic flaws, which include campy acting and dialogue, a plodding pace and an interminable running time of three hours. Strong battlefield violence and associated gore, an attempted rape, several implied gay sexual situations, one involving shadowy rear nudity, an explicit straight bedroom scene and generalized background debauchery. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adult would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"Christmas With the Kranks" (Columbia)
Delightful yuletide comedy about a Chicago couple (Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis) who boycott Christmas after their daughter leaves home to join the Peace Corps, sparking unforeseen reactions from their militantly merry neighbors (led by Dan Aykroyd). The film is based on the novella "Skipping Christmas" by John Grisham. Director Joe Roth delivers a dose of holly-jolly fun that is, by turns, extremely funny and poignantly tender, and its warmhearted message of selflessness, family and coming together as a community clearly embodies the truest spirit of the season. Some suggestive humor, comic violence and mildly crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

"National Treasure" (Touchstone)
Unevenly entertaining action adventure about a fortune hunter (Nicolas Cage), who steals the Declaration of Independence, which he believes holds the key to unlocking a 200-year-old mystery surrounding a fabled treasure hidden by America's Founding Fathers. Combining Indiana Jones-inspired action sequences with "Da Vinci Code" intrigues involving secret societies like the Freemasons, director Jon Turteltaub has crafted a fun but forgettable popcorn film. Recurring action violence and some frightening images. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

"Seed of Chucky" (Rogue Pictures)
Schlocky fifth installment of the "Child's Play" campy horror franchise, in which foulmouthed, killer doll Chucky (voiced by Brad Dourif) and his bloodthirsty bride (voiced by Jennifer Tilly) are resurrected by their gender-confused offspring (voiced by Billy Boyd), setting the stage for another murderous rampage. Directed by Don Mancini, the formulaic gorefest sinks to new lows by saddling this go-round's mindless mayhem with an irreverent subplot involving the virgin birth. Gratuitous gore and violence, sacrilegious and sexual humor, including a masturbation scene, brief shower nudity and rough and crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

"What The Bleep Do We Know?"
(Lord of the Wind Films)
Part documentary, part narrative film which uses a loose story line about an unfulfilled wedding photographer (Marlee Matlin) as a launching pad for discussions of quantum physics, the intersection of science and spirituality, and the underlying nature of reality. Directed by William Arntz, Betsy Chasse and Mark Vicente, the docudrama incorporates amusing animated segments and interviews with academics to explore its difficult subject matter in a lively and engaging manner. However, while the film raises some interesting questions, its arguments often become muddled by New Age mysticism which promotes private spirituality over traditional organized religion. Mild sexual content and a few crude expressions. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

-- CNS