The Devil's Backbone An intriguing ghost story, with much more on its mind than just wrathful wraiths, is set in an orphanage during the Spanish Civil War. Spine-tingling and worth seeking out. Guillermo del Toro (Mimic) directed, and Marisa Paredes stars. (R)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Though special effects outweigh the magic, fans of J. K. Rowling's books, both big and small, will be thrilled by the wee wizard's onscreen antics in this exceedingly faithful adaptation. (PG)

Heist Eureka. David Mamet's first-rate thriller about a gang of thieves. Stars Gene Hackman and Danny DeVito. (R)

Monsters, Inc. Boo-tiful for kids. (G)

Tape High school pals (Ethan Hawke and Robert Sean Leonard) meet in a hotel room to grapple with their past. Crisp, comic and clever. (R)

The Wash Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre saunter through a dopey comedy. (R)