Ty's picks for Friday, Dec. 15

"The Pursuit of Happyness" -- I wasn't expecting much going in, certainly not a tough, observant, surprisingly unmelodramatic study of striving and single fatherhood in the 80s. Will Smith is quietly excellent in the lead.

"Charlotte's Web" isn't a four-star classic, but I liked it a bit better than Wesley did, if only because I've possibly read the book more recently. (Actually, I've been on an entire E.B. White kick lately, but that's another story.) The movie's another wholesome, sensible adaptation from Walden Media ("Holes," "Because of Winn-Dixie," "The Chronicles of Narnia") -- not remotely close to "Babe," but I still cried like a little girl at the end. Sue me.

"Inland Empire" is still playing at the Brattle. C'mon, I dare you. I double-dog-dare you.

Interesting screening at the Harvard Film Archive Saturday night: "Marrakech Inshallah," an impressionistic documentary about a documentary that addresses culture clashes and artistic imperialism. I think. I haven't seen it, but it sounds fascinating. Filmmakers Steffan and Christian Pierce will be at the screening.

"The Aura" is still playing at the MFA this weekend, and there's an 11 a.m. Sunday screening of Doug Block's terrific documentary "51 Birch Street." Both highly recommended.