Seen and reviewed

New films in theaters this week:

– “Clash of the Titans” (rated PG-13), a remake of the 1981 fantasy based on Greek mythology. Shown in 2-D and in 3-D.
– “The Last Song” (rated PG), a romantic drama written by Nicholas Sparks. Miley Cyrus stars. (Released Wednesday.)
– “Mother” (rated R), a revenge-thriller about a possessive mother. Korean with subtitles.
– “A Prophet” (rated R), an acclaimed, gangs-in-prison thriller from France. French with subtitles.
– “The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry” (rated PG), an independently produced, religiously themed drama starring Gavin McLeod.
– “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too?” (rated PG-13), a dysfunctional couples drama from the playwright-turned-filmmaker.

Perry’s latest was not pre-screened for critics, though it is a sequel to one of his more accomplished (but not necessarily better) films.

And despite its earnestness and good intentions, “Jonathan Sperry” is dull and heavy-handed. It’s more akin to a filmed sermon than an actual cinematic narrative.

Poster art courtesy Touchstone Pictures

Still, it’s miles better than “The Last Song,” yet another shamelessly manipulative Sparks romance tale. Cyrus might be a bad actress, but for a change, hers is not the film’s worst performance.

The week’s two art-house releases are quite good, fortunately. “Mother” comes from the maker of the acclaimed horror movie “The Host” and has a good central performance. “A Prophet” has a terrific acting ensemble and is very provocative. However, both are very R-rated as well.

Poster art courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

As for the “Titans” remake, it’s surprisingly shoddy and makes you want to want the original just to compared the two. Also, the 3-D effects — this film was converted to that format after it was shot — look terrible. Those wanting to see a 3-D film should check out last week’s “How to Train Your Dragon.” It’s a lot better and more fun movie than this one.

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