The Norwegian directing team of Joachim Roenning and Espen Sandberg, whose biopic of World War II resistance fighter Max Manus was a huge hit on home turf, have turned to another native hero for "Kon-Tiki." One of the most-vaunted escapades of the 20th century, Thor Heyerdahl's 1947 Peru-to-Polynesia expedition by raft gets glossy big-screen treatment in this efficiently told action-adventure. Delivering visual drama and understated character study, sometimes in disappointingly formulaic fashion, the feature has its incisive moments but falls short as both epic and intimate portrait.

Summer is coming, but all our dogs still need exercise. Here are some tips on how to beat the heat with your dog.

Robert Redford does his most compelling work in some time as both actor and director in "The Company You Keep," a tense yet admirably restrained thriller about a fugitive forced out of hiding after 30 years to prove his innocence. Adapted with clarity and intelligence by Lem Dobbs from Neil Gordon's novel, and lent distinguishing heft by its roster of screen veterans, this gripping drama provides an absorbing reflection on the courage and cost of dissent.

It may be a “tale as old as time,” but "Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” will never feel old hat to generations of new children or eternal fans of romance and fairytales.

"The Sapphires" is missing a lot — detailed characters, a unique narrative arc, half-plausible scenes of the Vietnam War — but it's got two uncommon things going for it: genuine charm and Chris O'Dowd. They are not mutually exclusive.

The first image you see in "The Place Beyond the Pines" is of Ryan Gosling's shirtless torso, ripped and tatted atop a skin-tight pair of leather pants.

Rory is 21 pounds of pure goodness, happiness and love. Resisting his charms is pointless. One look into those precious light-colored eyes and you will be hooked. Rory is one handsome boy with such a wonderful and joyful personality. He loves everyone he meets — dog and human alike. He always appears to have a smile on his face and a wagging tail.

Walter Salles' "On the Road" was made with noble intentions, finely-crafted filmmaking and handsome casting, but, alas, it does not burn, burn, burn.

A spider crawls up the leg of 18-year-old India Stoker (Mia Wasikowska) early in Park Chan-wook's English-language debut, "Stoker," and she regards it passively, intrigued.

This week's "Jack the Giant Slayer," a 3-D retelling of the Jack and the Beanstalk legend, contains all the elements of the classic tale: farm boy, beans, giants, etc. But along for the ride is a new character, Princess Isabelle, played by Eleanor Tomlinson.

Amadeus is one of those dogs that if his striking color, scruffy hairdo, or very cute under bite doesn’t capture your heart his wonderful demeanor will. He has a gentle soul that is full of life and he is happy to spend the time with you no matter what it entails. Walks are a favorite thing to do, but he also can be very happy sitting in your lap soaking up love and attention. He is a great riding companion, sitting in the seat beside you just watching the world go by. Amadeus enjoys playing fetch and has become quite good at it. He has been a perfect house guest in foster care. He’s house trained, doesn’t bark, is a pretty low maintenance guy that enjoys hanging out with his human friends. He is looking for a home with daily walks, games of fetch, snuggle time, and of course a life of love. He promises to be your best friend and love you for all the days of his life in return.

Samson is a gentle boy who loves to spend time walking, running and playing outside. He is also very curious and amiable: he loves to say hello to people, dogs and just about any bush or tree that he passes. He is a happy boy — his tail never stops wagging on walks. He would be a super buddy for an energetic person. This outgoing, active, handsome, affectionate guy is a great dog, now he just needs a family of his own to make him complete. He is looking for an active home, with daily morning walks or jogs — weekend hikes would be a big bonus. While he could live without another dog it would be ideal for him to have another young, active dog for him to play and romp with so he can burn off some energy. Samson will need help with his leash manners and not jumping on folks to greet them.

Carlos is a very handsome short-haired, black and white adult male, about 10 years old. The photographs don’t do him justice. Unfortunately, he was recently returned to the shelter due to circumstances his family couldn’t avoid. Carlos has a way of looking at you that just grabs your heart. He is a quiet guy and likes to be close to his people, but not necessarily a lap cat. When he wants your attention he’ll follow you around and wait for you to sit down so he can have some attention. Carlos does need a patient person to adopt him as it takes him a bit to adjust to new surroundings. He doesn’t ask much from his humans but to love him. Carlos is FELV/FIV tested negative, neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations.

A playful, elegantly made little horror film, “Mama” teasingly sustains a game of hide-and-seek as it tantalizes the audience with fleeting apparitions of the title character while maintaining interest in two deeply disturbed little orphan girls. Being sold primarily on the name of its godfather, Guillermo del Toro, this Canadian-Spanish co-production from Universal is refreshingly mindful of the less-is-more horror guidelines employed by 1940s master Val Lewton, not to mention Japanese ghost stories, but the PG-13 rating might prove too restrictive for the gory tastes of male core genre fans. Still, less bloodthirsty female teens could make up the difference at the box office, as the film provokes enough tension and gasps to keep susceptible viewers grabbing their armrests or the arms of those next to them.

Tang is a gorgeous Champagne orange tabby who was rescued from the pound when his owner died without provisions made for him. His color is very rare. Tang is playful and gets along well with other cats. He has been tested, fixed, and has all his shots.

Colby is a very handsome short-haired gray boy, about 8 years old. He became homeless when his family experienced a crisis.

Chuckles is a very handsome 3-year-old Beagle ready to entertain one and all. When he was rescued he was so scared and very, very thin. He’s eating a healthy diet now and just starting to put on weight. Chuckles is very shy at first when he meets new people and other dogs, but all he needs is some love and a new forever home to make him happy.

Dawson is a long-haired black and white adult boy. He is very affectionate and loves to be around people. He also loves being brushed. Dawson loves his humans but does not enjoy being with other cats. He’d like to be the only cat in the home, which is why he’s been waiting a while for a forever home. Most homes have another kitty and Dawson hasn’t budged on his stand for a home with no cats.

Seeking gift ideas for that music lover this holiday season, check out the following box set reviews from The Associated Press:

Duke is absolutely wonderful and still learning that humans can be a good thing. He is still nervous around quick movements. Love and patience from the wonderful volunteers will help him overcome this. Even though Duke has not had the best start at life he still has a smile on his face that is very contagious. Spend any amount of time with this mellow fellow and you too will be sporting a smile on your face. You can tell that Duke is just happy to be alive and would love nothing more than a person to be a companion to. Long walks or sitting just watching the world go by would make this boy happy as long as he is with you.

Duke is one handsome fellow. Absolutely wonderful is how the volunteers describe him. Duke is still learning that humans can be a good thing and is still nervous around quick movements. Love and patience from the wonderful AZ RESCUE volunteers will help him overcome this. Even though Duke has not had the best start at life he still has a smile on his face that is very contagious. Spend any amount of time with this mellow fellow and you too will be sporting a smile on your face. You can tell that Duke is just happy to be alive and would love nothing more then a person to be a companion, too. Long walks or sitting just watching the world go by would make this boy happy as long as he is with you.

Bobby is a very handsome 3-year-old Pomeranian who thinks he is still a puppy. He is playfully silly all the time, and when he’s worn out, he will lay faithfully at your side gazing up at you as if to say, “I’m ready for more fun!” Bobby is a clean slate and will excel with obedience training. He weighs 11 pounds and is a long and tall boy with a great coat and nice white teeth. Bobby would love an active home with a yard to play in. He is neutered, current on vaccinations and has a microchip.

Riley loves to stare right back at you, as if to say, “Hello, would you please rub my belly?” Yes, belly rubs are one of Riley’s favorite things. In addition to being handsome, Riley has excellent leash manners, rides well in the car, gets along with other dogs, and is a pretty mellow fellow. Once outside, Riley is happy to explore the yard, rolling on the grass, and looking for all the bugs and lizards that might be visiting. But once he’s had his exercise he’s content to lay on a dog bed or next to you on the sofa.

Rocco may be a small man, but he’s the “Leader of the Pack” at Potato Chips Pomeranian Rescue in Ahwatukee because he’s a Chihuahua. He’s manly, social and has a fine spirit about him. This 8-year-old has a soft, wavy coat, with a distinguished touch of gray. He’s 6 pounds of muscle. Rocco is neutered, current on vaccinations, and has a microchip.

London • Bubbling with excitement, devotees of Harry Potter enter Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, The Making of Harry Potter with a sharp warning: You’ll never look at quidditch the same way.