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Movies

Title: "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" PG (epic battle action and violence)

Grade: D

Basic story: It's a year later in World War II Britain. The four Pevensie kids are home. But not for long. Narnia again needs them. A thousand years have passed, and the Telmarines (bad guys) are in control.

What you'll love: The effects are sharper, the New Zealand fairyland locations almost as impressive. But where's the heart, the angst, the magic? Basically, what money can't buy.

What you won't: Bland kid actors. Pedestrian directing. Lame villains. Stuff that matters only to reviewers and us adults.

Game

Title: "Battle of the Bands" Wii $50 Everyone

Grade: C-

Basic story: Almost famous: Form your own band — even a marching one — and travel the country taking on other wannabes.

What you'll love: -

What you won't: This game gets old quick. First, the Wii remote is no substitute for playing a fake guitar like in "Rock Band." Plus, new levels don't offer new challenges.

Comic

Title: "Batman #676" $2.99

Grade: B+

Basic story: The title of this new story arc says it all: "Batman R.I.P."

What you'll love: There are new costumes for Batman and Robin, new villains and a new Batmobile.DC Comics is calling this an "epic story." We know this much: Someone dies.What you won't: -

Cd

Title: Death Cab for Cutie "Narrow Stairs" $18.98

Grade: B+

Basic story: Going mainstream hasn't made these guys sell out. Instead, they still sound like an independent unit in their haunting, brilliant exploration of love's dark side.

What you'll love: Each of the 11 cuts is like a universe unto itself. The songs' only connecting thread is lyrical melancholia, courtesy of lead vocalist Ben Gibbard.

What you won't: Warning: The tunes take a few listens to absorb.

Title: Duffy "Rockferry" $10.49

Grade: B+

Basic story: Don't hate her because she's not Amy Winehouse. On her heralded debut, the Welsh singer has crafted a complex and complete album that channels '60s soul.

What you'll love: Despite some wonderful orchestral settings, it's Duffy's terrific voice that makes this album so satisfying and at times, truly amazing.

What you won't: -

Title: Elvis Costello & The Imposters "Momofuku" $13.98

Grade: B

Basic story: Costello's new album features mostly short, high-energy songs that hope to recall his halcyon heyday.

What you'll love: Mostly, it works. Bashed-out rockers such as "Mr. Feathers" bristle with tension, and harmony-heavy tunes such as "No Hiding Place" recall classic early '80s albums.

What you won't: At times, such as on "Harry Worth," Costello falls prey to the too clever punniness that is often his downfall.

Dvd

Title: "Indiana Jones — The Adventure Collection" $59.98

Grade: F

Basic story: With a new movie coming out next week, you just knew that a re-release of professor Henry Jones Jr.'s past achievements was inevitable.

What you'll love: Some solid extras here, including a session talking to Indy's women, Spielberg and Lucas give insight into each film, storyboards, galleries and the like.

What you won't: Let's call this what it really is: another way to fleece fans. There was a 2003 version that had all three movies, too. That was also called an "adventure" set.