“The Ghost Writer”: A ghostwriter (Ewan McGregor) hired to complete the memoirs of a former British prime minister (Pierce Brosnan) uncovers secrets that put his life in jeopardy. Roman Polanski’s latest doesn’t demand much from the viewer, but its smart dialogue, nimble syncopations, and tricky suspense are thoroughly satisfying. (2:08; PG-13 for language, nudity/sexuality, violence and a drug reference) • • •

“Kick-Ass”: A potty-mouthed middle-schooler trained in weaponry and weird sidelong glances teams up with a teenage dork in a wetsuit to fight crime in this popping, propulsive comic book adaptation about wanting to be a superhero even if your only power is invisibility in front of hot girls. (1:57; R for brutal violence, language, sexual content, nudity and drug use – some involving children) • • 1/2

“A Prophet”: A Cannes winner and Oscar nominee, French filmmaker Jacques Audriard’s extraordinary prison drama traces a young French Arab’s rise through the ranks of power behind bars. (2:29; R for violence, profanity, sex, nudity, drugs, adult themes) • • • •

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid”: A workmanlike adaptation of the popular illustrated tween novels about the Everyboy stuck in the middle of middle school. With Zachary Gordon and Robert Capron. (1:33; PG for rude humor and language) • • 1/2

Also available: “After.Life,” “Sweetgrass,” “To Save a Life”