AUSTRALIA **
When you name your movie after a country, it's pretty obvious that you're not trying to make a grungy little indie about, say, convenience stores. Baz Luhrmann's "Australia" is a big, bold historical epic with sweeping cinematography, grand passions and lots of cattle. Nicole Kidman is the starchy English chick who inherits a big spread, as well as hunky cow man Hugh Jackman. PG-13, 165 minutes

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BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA
What seems funny for the duration of a Taco Bell commercial do not necessarily make great cinema, as is the case with this tale of a pampered Southern California dog (voiced by Drew Barrymore) who endures various south-of-the-border misadventures before discovering her lost tribe at an Aztec ruin. The vocal cast is rounded out by Andy Garcia, Cheech Marin and Placido Domingo. PG, 91 minutes

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I'VE LOVED YOU SO LONG ***
Kristen Scott Thomas won raves for her role in this subtle French-language film in which she plays a woman released from prison after 15 years. She seeks refuge with the family of her sister as she attempts to re-enter the world, one agonizing step at a time. Director Philippe Claudel takes his time revealing the nature of her crime, keeping the focus on its aftermath. PG-13, 117 minutes

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