Capsule reviews for Feb. 1

Girls Against Boys

There’s a muddled message somewhere amid the attempted provocation in this low-budget thriller from director Austin Chick (XX/XY), which tells a lurid story of revenge in which the women are the tough guys. In this case, it follows Shae (Danielle Panabaker), a bartender who becomes fed up with relationships and enlists the help of a co-worker (Nicole LaLiberte) to get even. It’s not really the film’s point to make us root for these characters or their twisted notions of justice, but despite obvious nods to Tarantino and the grindhouse genre, Chick doesn’t incorporate enough style or swagger to make it work otherwise. (Rated R, 87 minutes).

The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia

Besides having one of the worst titles in recent memory, this formulaic horror flick doesn’t have much originality to boot. Loosely connected to the original 2009 film, which was supposedly based on a true story, this uninspired sequel chronicles a troubled couple and their young daughter, who move into a historic home in rural Georgia that they soon learn is haunted by the former inhabitants who are hiding secrets about the property’s violent past. The film establishes some mild tension early, but turns into a compendium of cheap scares and ghost-story clichés. The cast includes Chad Michael Murray, Abigail Spencer and Katee Sackhoff. (Rated R, 100 minutes).

Sound City

Rock star Dave Grohl directed this energetic documentary that pays affectionate tribute to the titular grungy California recording studio where many iconic albums were created during the 1970s and 1980s before the rise of digital recording caused its decline. Among those most loyal to its analog equipment (including a legendary sound board) were Fleetwood Mac, Rick Springfield, Tom Petty, Neil Young and Nirvana. Interviews with those musicians and many others are mixed with plentiful archival footage in a film that offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the studio, but in the process chronicles a recent history of rock music that both fans and non-fans can appreciate. (Not rated, 107 minutes).