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Capsule reviews of recent releases playing in area theaters. For older movies, see the Movie Directory. A star (*) denotes a movie recommended by our critics.

* THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA:

PRINCE CASPIAN

Those plucky Pevensie children make an impressive if somewhat repetitive return in this second installment. Wicked King Miraz (Sergio Castellitto) has driven the Narnians of old underground and set out to murder Narnia's rightful ruler, the young and handsome Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes). Once again, the four young crusaders do battle with the forces of evil, and once again they prove that a ragtag team can overcome swords and catapults through the sheer force of goodness. The Pevensies still make for terrific tween protagonists, and Aslan, the majestic mythical lion voiced by Liam Neeson, is still a breathtaking manifestation of the Cat Upstairs. (PG, 137 minutes) University Mall Theatres.

-- Ann Hornaday

* DR. SEUSS' HORTON HEARS A WHO!

A computer-animated feature that strikes an amiable balance between honoring the text and the dictates of contemporary animation, the film is as good as one could hope for in this era of post-literate impatience. It does honor the book's flavor and spirit with a bright, funny treatment. Voice performers Jim Carrey (as Horton) and Steve Carell (the Mayor) play their roles just right, without making the movie about them. In the McCarthy era in which the book was written, people saw pointed commentary in its depiction of the fascistic qualities in the people of Who-ville (who refuse to believe there is a world beyond the mini speck of dust on which they live). In a subtle but effective way, the movie sounds a central message: We shouldn't be tone deaf to other people's realities. All in all, it's a sweet, guileless experience for young viewers and even their adult chaperons. (G, 88 minutes) Contains nothing objectionable except one mild profanity. University Mall Theatres and Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse.