"August Rush" (***) Freddie Freemore of "Charlie and the Chocolate Family" and "Finding Neverland" fame stars as a youngster in a film similar to the musical "Oliver." Music is an important ingredient, so is sentiment as the young hero searches for the parents he never really knew. Robin Williams co-stars as a street musician who takes homeless kids under his wing so he can use them, not just befriend them. PG

"Sleuth" (***) Michael Caine stars in a remake of the intriguing battle of wits film he made in 1972. Caine now plays the role Laurence Olivier played in 1972, making the character more devious and dangerous when he finds out his wife has a secret lover. Jude Law plays the lover, the character Michael Caine played in the original. PG-13

"This Christmas" (**1/2) A predominantly black cast turns a typical Christmas movie into a complicated family affair. All the relatives gather to celebrate Christmas with a reunion party in which secrets are revealed, love affairs disclosed and old grudges re-opened. Thanks to a likable cast, this offbeat film is still enjoyable family fare. PG-13