Here’s a movie that one hesitates even to mention by title:  “Zack And Miri Make A Porno.” Sounds sleazy, doesn’t it? And there’s no question that you don’t take Grandma to this one. But it’s not as hard-core as it appears. This comedy was written by Kevin Smith, of “Clerks” fame, so you know there’s going to be a slacker element — casual, irreverent, characters on the margins of propriety and the socially acceptable. No different here.

“Happy-Go-Lucky” is a British comedy that doesn’t try to conform to Hollywood standards. Therefore, we have a primary character in a sitcom who isn’t really a raving beauty, or particularly young, just kind of the working girl next door. Sally Hawkins, 30-something, plays Poppy, a north London elementary school teacher who is determined to be upbeat, even when those around her aren’t. It’s not like she isn’t capable of being serious (she finally has to end the uncomfortable relationship with her dour, angry driving instructor), it’s just that she won’t let herself be dragged down by the doldrums of uneventful living. She’s a refreshing presence, just going shopping with her gal pals, or on a first date, or dealing with a grouchy cashier in a bookstore. She’s the kind of person we’d like to know, and to be around, even if her endings aren’t always happily ever after.

“Changeling” is definitely not happily ever after. Angelina Jolie plays Christine Collins, a single Mom of the 1920s, whose young son disappeared from home one Saturday while she was at work. What follows is her harrowing experience with the Los Angeles Police Department, who first did nothing, then didn’t believe her, then tried to pawn off another kid as hers, and then considered her crazy when she wouldn’t accept him as her own. 

The first question that has to be asked is “Why now?” Why release a biopic about a sitting president, right at the end of his second term, and just a couple of weeks before the election for his successor? The answer is obvious: This movie isn’t just about the perceived buffoonery of our 43rd President. It’s also about the whole dangerous collection of manipulators, cynics, lightweights, sycophants, and dim functionaries around him; a collection which, by implication, would still be sniffing the hallways of power were the impending election to proceed in a particular way. Ah, now we get it. This is Oliver Stone’s political statement, under the guise of a documentary-looking caricature study.

            “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” is one of those cute little talking animals movies, featuring (the voice of) Drew Barrymore as the upscale, uppity Beverly Hills dog who winds up lost and alone in Mexico City. But she is saved despite herself, learns some self-reliance and some humility, and now we all like her a lot more, plus she has a better perspective, as well. Of course it’s a parable. But it’s sweet and kind-hearted, and the whole family can enjoy it, which in itself is rare enough.