BY DARLENE DONLOE

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

This month’s movie offerings run the gamut. There’s a touching, off-the-beaten-path drama, a wild comedy starring a television star, a spy thriller, an action flick, an amazing animation, a documentary about an activist and legendary publisher, and a suspenseful kind of sci-fi thriller that will have you wondering if you’re dreaming.

Hollywood has mixed it up. There’s something for everyone.

“Salt” — Both Angelina Jolie and Chiwetel Ejiofor rock in this spy thriller about a CIA officer whose loyalty is being questioned by her superiors. Hold on to your seats. This film goes from zero to 60 in three seconds! “Salt” gets an E (excellent). It is currently in theaters.

“Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel” — This documentary takes an intimate insider’s look into the life of the founder of the Playboy empire. Hefner not only advocated civil rights, he put his money where his mouth was. He hired comedian Dick Gregory to perform in front of an audience that wasn’t expecting someone of his hue. On his television program, he featured black performers like Sammy Davis, who mingled and socialized with white people — something that, until then, wasn’t done. This movie gets an E (excellent) and will be in theaters July 30.

“The Kids Are All Right” — This quirky dramedy stars Annette Bening and Julianne Moore, a married couple whose children track down their sperm donor father (Mark Ruffalo). A wonderful film showing a different family dynamic. It gets an O (OK). It will be out in theaters July 7.

“Get Low” — Robert Duvall is brilliant in this drama about a man who, after having lived a hermit life for three decades, decides to throw his own funeral so he can attend. The film is set in 1930s Tennessee. It also stars Sissy Spacek and Bill Murray. This movie gets an E (excellent); out in theaters July 30.

“Inception” — Don’t blink while watching this film because you’ll surely miss something. The mind is invaded through dreams. Excellent special effects. A winner! Leonardo DiCaprio stars. “Inception,” currently in theaters, gets an E (excellent).

“Dinner For Schmucks” — Steve Carell is a funny dude. The film is obviously a vehicle for Carell to work his comic chops. A rising exec has to find a boob to bring to his boss’ monthly “Dinner for Idiots.” This movie gets an O (OK).

“The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” — Once again, good and evil are at odds. It’s up to a sorcerer (Nicolas Cage) and his apprentice to right the wrong. Kids will probably find this film appealing. This movie, now in theaters, gets an L (likable).

“Despicable Me” — A 3-D, CGI-animated feature, this is one of the best movies of the year. Steve Carell (“The Office”) voices the character, Gru, who in his quest to be the best thief decides to steal the moon. Pharrell (The Neptunes) has written a first-rate soundtrack to accompany the film. Other voices include: Jason Segel, Russell Brand and Julie Andrews, among others. “Despicable Me” is currently in theaters and gets an E (excellent).

The Donloe Scale, D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likable), O (OK/Outstanding) and E (excellent).