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

ATL (Warner Bros.)
Familiar but satisfying coming-of-age-in-the-'hood drama set in Atlanta about a 17-year-old aspiring graphic artist forced to shoulder the load of raising himself and his wayward kid brother after their parents' death, a burden complicated by the younger boy's involvement with a local drug dealer and his own budding, star-crossed romance. His only release is roller skating with his friends. Despite a cliched script, director Chris Robinson's film is visually vibrant and wins over your emotions with its appealing performances and positive themes about the bonds of family and friendship, owning up to responsibilities, holding on to dreams and taking pride in your roots. Some violence and sexual situations, including an implied encounter between minors, suggestive roller-skating choreography, drug content, an instance of rough language and some crude language and humor. (A-III, PG-13)

Brick (Focus)
Gritty low-budget murder mystery set in Southern California about a high school loner whose obsessive search for his missing ex-girlfriend leads to danger and deception, with a list of suspects that includes her junkie boyfriend, a manipulative socialite, a drug dealer and a volatile thug. Inspired by the crime novels of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett, director Rian Johnson cleverly gives the high school movie a noir twist, combining the teen and classic detective genres, resulting in a hard-boiled hybrid that proves intriguing despite its modest trappings, though its slangy dialogue may take some getting used to. Some violence, including several rough beatings and a shooting, recurring drug content, unflattering portrayal of authority figures, underage drinking and smoking, and sporadic crude language. (A-III, R)

Friends With Money (Sony Classics)
Perceptive comedy-drama set in Los Angeles about three couples and their single underachieving friend (a particularly fine Jennifer Aniston) who serves as a catalyst for the women to rethink their own relationships and priorities. Director-writer Nicole Holofcener skillfully balances the various plotlines, painting an accurate view of contemporary society as she explores the themes of marriage, career, relationships, self-esteem, mortality, facing life's realities and yes, money. Pervasive conversational rough and crude language and expressions, some profanity, a permissive view of premarital sex, implied off-color sexual activity, a running gag about a character's presumed homosexual orientation and a marital breakup. (L, R)

Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing &
Charm School (Samuel Goldwyn)
The wish of a dying man leads an emotionally scarred widower to a dance class where he --- and later his fellow bereavement group mates --- finds fulfillment, and, in his case, love. Director and co-writer Randall Miller's compassionate film has touching moments and several redemptive situations, and is well acted by its impressive cast, but its jagged pace, often-stilted dialogue and washed-out color palette make the film ultimately more dreary than uplifting. A few rough and crude words and expressions, a nongraphic premarital sexual encounter, fleeting sexual banter, a car wreck and a bloody victim, a suicide theme and the dispersal of cremated remains. (A-III, PG-13)

On a Clear Day (Focus)
Poignant story of middle-aged Glasgow shipbuilder, laid off from his job, who finds solace in swimming, decides to cross the English Channel and, with the help of his mates, trains for the 20-miles-plus stint, unbeknown to his wife, who's secretly hoping to be a bus driver, and grown son, who mistakenly believes his father blames him for the death of his sibling when they were children. Director Gaby Dellal's film is finely acted, wonderfully photographed by David Johnson who favors revealing close-ups, and conveys positive messages about forgiveness, taking chances, conquering fears, following your heart, and standing up for your beliefs. A few instances of conversational profanity, rough and crude language, and partial locker-room nudity preclude viewing by the youngest adolescents. (A-III, PG-13)

---CNS