17 Again Its too bad for 17 Again, Burr Steers engaging but pedestrian comedy, that young Zac Efron doesnt have a little bit more Lindsay Lohan in him. Efron is effortlessly diverting as an adult trapped in a teens body. But, unlike Lohan who gave a rich performance as another adult trapped in a teens body in the 2003 remake of Freaky Friday Efron has no edge. And although that edgelessness might prolong his career, it keeps 17 Again from having anything surprising to say about teenage life in 2009. Rating: Three stars. (PG-13)

The Class Director Laurent Cantet turns his camera on a French schoolroom and the nightmare that is the contemporary adolescent student body. But the real subject is the teacher, Mr. Marin (Francois Begaudeau). Youre afraid for him, you admire him, you want to know how he does it. And, most of all, you want to know why. The effect of Cantets faux-doc, hand-held shooting style is one of intimacy but also suspense. As the relationship between teacher and class ebbs and flows and explodes and degrades, one never knows what is going to happen or where it might come from; the use of close-ups implies that you cant be everywhere, your eyes cant see everything. Rating: Four stars. (PG-13)

I Love You, Man Paul Rudd is a phone book actor, meaning hes just one of those guys who could stand there and read a phone book and wed laugh. Just watch him in the first few scenes of I Love You, Man, when his character, Peter Klaven, listens in on a raunchy conference call between his fiancee, Zooey (Rashida Jones), and her best girlfriends. Or listen as he makes up fake guy-talk when he goes on a first man-date with Sydney Fife (Jason Segel), the shambling Lost Boy whom Peter befriends in hopes of finding a best man for his wedding. I Love You, Man features the usual quota of jokes involving masturbation, projectile vomiting and flatulence. But is it worth it? Yes, thanks to Rudd and Segel (and some terrific cameos). DVD Extras: Includes deleted scenes, outtakes, and gag reel. Rating: Three and a half stars. (R)

COMING UP: Movies scheduled for national release Aug. 18 include Hannah Montana: The Movie, Last House on the Left and Tyson. Check with local video stores for availability.

The Washington Post (ratings by Roger Ebert, The Chicago Sun-Times)