Movies Update. We have really been catching up on the flicks at the theatre, on DVD and on cable lately. Here's a very brief rundown of what we've seen, and it ain't the Summer blockbusters either kids. W

District B-13. The latest action film written by Luc Besson (Unleashed, The Professional, Transporter 2) utilizes the French martial art of Parkour. This basically means the action has its stars gymnastically utilizing their environment by jumping over, under, and around everything in their path. Violent, but not overly so, stylish, funny and very creative, despite cartoonish characters and a very simple plot. Best action movie in ages. B+.

Prarie Home Companion. The public radio show comes to the screen via Robert Altman's world of ensemble chaos. A great cast Mery Streep, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Kline, Virginia Madsen, Tommy Lee Jones, Woody Harrelson, and host Garrison Keillor bring the show to life. The film is laid back, cozy, nostalgic, very funny, and even surreal. Altman at 80 still delivers a great movie. A.

The Notorious Bettie Page. A superficial but fun biopic of the infamous 1950s pinup queen. Gretchen Mol is fantastic as Bettie, but the film never delves very deep into her psyche. It does provide a very vivid recreation of the era and its morality. A lot of what was sexy or taboo back then seems silly or even innocent now. B.

The Beauty Academy of Kabul. Very touching documentary about a group of American women who open a beauty school in Afghanistan to help the local women regain some of their social freedoms lost during the Taliban rule. Eye-opening and even shocking in it's depiction of what daily life in Kabul is like. B+.

Mrs. Henderson Presents. Delighful comedy-drama based on the true story of a rich woman in World II who creates the first theatre in London to feature a nude revue. Judy Dench has the time of her life as Mrs. Henderson, and Bob Hoskins chews the scenery as her frustrated manager. Funny, sexy and touching. A real unnoticed gem. A.

King Kong. The biggest waste of money in the history of movies. Over-long by two hours. Why remake a perfect film in the first place? Horrible casting, disappointing visual effects considering the budget and three and a half hours of my life I'll never get back. Fall of the damn building already! Yech! D-.

Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story. Another surreal British comedy from actor Steve Coogan and director Mmichael WInterbottom, the creators of the brilliant 24 Hour Party People. This one is a film about the filming of a movie based on the unfilmable novel Tristram Shandy. The movie switches back and forth between scenes from the movie being made and the daily life of those making it. Coogan plays himself and slowly loses his grip on reality. Very unusual and often very funny. A-.