>The Beach Leonardo DiCaprio, as an American backpacker, suffers moral angst on an island paradise in Thailand. Movie never clicks, leaving viewers as stranded as Leo. (R)

Eye of the Beholder Femme fatale Ashley Judd stabs her victim and sobs, "Merry Christmas, Daddy!" She's a mess. So is this thriller. (R)

Galaxy Quest This silly but smart comedy is a surefire way to beat winter's blahs. Sigourney Weaver and Tim Allen star. (PG)

Gun Shy An undercover agent (Liam Neeson) finds his job has given him a jittery stomach. Sandra Bullock (who also produced) is a doctor's assistant who gives him an enema. We kid you not. Possibly a good script by TV vet Eric Blakeney, but he never should have been allowed to direct. (R)

Magnolia Follows the intersecting lives of nine residents of contemporary L.A. Way too long (three hours), but Tom Cruise and ensemble cast deliver. (R)

Stuart Little More Home Alone (with a mouse replacing Macaulay Culkin and cats subbing for the bad guys) than E.B. White's classic children's story, but small fry love it, so we'll just sit quietly and eat our popcorn. (PG)