Capsule reviews: `Tooth Fairy' and others

Capsule reviews of films opening this week:

"Creation" — A pretty small film considering its huge themes — evolution vs. divinity, essentially, Darwin vs. God. Small actually benefits here in presenting what is, for many, a black-and-white debate about whether life on Earth developed through nature's random opportunism or the guiding hand of a supreme maker. Director Jon Amiel casts the matter in personal terms as Charles Darwin (Paul Bettany) wrangles with the book that would spread the theory, his own loss of faith over the death of a daughter (Martha West) the backdrop to his struggle. Darwin's chief conflict is what his theory means for his departed daughter and the conviction of her deeply religious mother (Bettany's real-life wife Jennifer Connelly) that the girl's soul lives on eternally. Bettany and newcomer West beautifully capture the sweet joys of a father and a bright, favored child, along with the momentous deprivation when she's no longer there. PG-13 for some intense thematic material. Running time: 108 minutes. Three stars out of four.

_ David Germain, AP Movie Writer

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"Extraordinary Measures" — This medical drama has been marketed as another "Blind Side," a true story about quiet heroism, doing the right thing and overcoming great odds. But imagine if "The Blind Side" had focused on the legal processes necessary for Michael Oher's adoption instead of the football and spunky Sandra Bullock and you have an idea of the strange path "Extraordinary Measures" takes on its road to inspiration. The movie tells the fictionalized story of the Crowley family, whose two youngest children are afflicted with Pompe disease, a metabolic disorder that leads to muscle degeneration and short life expectancy. The dad (Brendan Fraser) decides to fight for a cure, partnering with an eccentric scientist (Harrison Ford) to beat the clock and save his kids' lives. The filmmakers strangely focus on funding and paperwork instead of the human drama with a lot of time spent watching Ford and Fraser bicker and make investor presentations. The debut feature of CBS Films, who, next time, might want to deliver a film that veers a little farther from the kind of fare people can watch at home for free. PG for thematic material, language and a mild suggestive moment. 104 minutes. Two stars out of four.

_ Glenn Whipp, For The Associated Press

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"Tooth Fairy" — Following the big-screen exploits of elves and bedroom monsters, tooth fairies were inevitably ready for their close-up. "Tooth Fairy" steals liberally from "Monsters Inc." and "Elf," among many others. It's very much what you'd expect: a tale of optimism overcoming disbelief; family fare with comical casting (Julie Andrews as a Fairy Godmother); The Rock in a tutu. But despite its predictability and pat Hollywood cliche, "Tooth Fairy" is mostly charming, thanks largely to the toothy grins of Dwayne Johnson (aka The Rock) and Stephen Merchant, the British comedian and Ricky Gervais sidekick. Johnson plays a minor league hockey player who's summoned to Tooth Fairy duty (Merchant plays his guide) to penalize his dream-dashing ways. Obvious puns (some from Billy Crystal in a cameo as a veteran fairy) and fully expected redemption follow. Johnson, a human Buzz Lightyear, and the spindly Merchant make the obvious material surprisingly winning. PG for mild language, some rude humor and sports action. 101 minutes. Two stars out of four.

_ Jake Coyle, AP Entertainment Writer