Seen and reviewed (Oct. 10)

New films this week:

– “Body of Lies” (rated R), an espionage thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe.
– “Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story” (not rated), a documentary feature about the late Republican strategist.
– “City of Ember” (rated PG), a science-fiction/fantasy film based on the popular novels.
– “The Duchess” (rated PG-13), a costume drama starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes.
– “The Express” (rated PG), a biographical sports drama about Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis.
– “Fireproof” (rated PG-13), an domestic drama with Evangelical elements, starring Kirk Cameron.
– “I Served the King of England” (rated R), a whimsical fable from the Czech Republic.
– “Quarantine” (rated R), a horror-thriller starring Jennifer Carpenter.

I was unable to see either “Fireproof” or “Quarantine.” The former was not pre-screened for critics in this market, while the latter was not pre-screened. That’s never a good sign.

And both “The Express” and “City of Ember” waste good material and good casts. The football drama about the fleet-footed athlete Davis is lumbering, while imaginative designs are not enough to redeem the gimmicky and cold “City of Ember.”

The performances are good in both “Body of Lies” (particularly Crowe’s) and “I Served the King of England.” But the latter film has some unfortunate modern tendencies and the nastiness of “Body of Lies” will turn off a lot of audiences.

As for “The Duchess,” it’s an encouraging step forward in the acting career of Knightley, who more than holds her own with the terrific Fiennes.

But the week’s best film is “Boogie Man,” which isn’t afraid to show its subject in a harsh light. It’s a fascinating piece that makes a strong case for “cleaner” political campaigning.

Which, if any, of these movies figure into your weekend plans?