Capsule reviews for July 19

The Act of Killing

This documentary from director Joshua Oppenheimer is stunning, not just in terms of quality, but perhaps more so in subject matter. It’s a bold and ambitious glimpse into wartime motives and an insightful probe into the minds of murderers that profiles various celebrated leaders of an Indonesian death squad who contributed to a 1965 genocide, challenging them to re-create their massacres within various cinematic frameworks. The result might sound like a glib gimmick, but the nonchalant lack of remorse from the oblivious subjects ranges from heartbreaking to infuriating. It’s a gut-wrenching and emotionally exhausting look at impunity that resonates far beyond its obscure central conflict. (Not rated, 115 minutes).

Blackfish

It’s always easier to turn a blind eye to things such as this — the obvious mistreatment of captive killer whales who are forced to perform at theme-park shows for family entertainment. That realization brings a certain level of discomfort to this compelling documentary that probes the dangers involved for animal trainers, chronicling specific incidents involving one ill-tempered whale responsible for three human deaths. Through an impressive mix of interviews and archival footage, director Gabriela Cowperthwaite focuses her criticism on Sea World. Although her efforts feel one-sided, they’re also persuasive, and might cause moviegoers to change their perspective on those wholesome Sea World marine shows. (Rated PG-13, 83 minutes).

Only God Forgives

This brutal and unpleasant low-budget revenge thriller is an extreme exercise in style over substance that reunites director Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive) with star Ryan Gosling, who plays a seedy drug smuggler operating an underground boxing club in Bangkok while trying to track down a ruthless criminal who murdered his brother. Despite some occasionally powerful imagery, the result is more lurid than suspenseful and more pretentious than profound. Gosling looks bored, and even the gratuitous violence and gore is compromised by the fact that it’s so bloody tedious. God might forgive Refn and Gosling for this mess, but moviegoers might not be so kind. (Rated R, 90 minutes).

Turbo

The outcome is as predictable as the premise is outrageous in this crowd-pleasing 3D animated comedy about a garden snail who dreams of escaping the monotony of his life and winning the Indianapolis 500. He earns his chance after a freak accident involving nitrous oxide during a street race. Yes, the references are that obvious in this fast-paced, visually sharp underdog story that might appeal to young boys (who will line up for the plush toys and action figures) but isn’t funny or clever enough for adults, especially in the crowded marketplace for animated films. The voice cast includes Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti and Maya Rudolph. (Rated PG, 96 minutes).

Ways to Live Forever

Abundant good intentions help to smooth out some of the rough spots in this cutesy story about a precocious 12-year-old boy’s battle with leukemia. Sam (Robbie Kay) lives in Scotland with his parents, who seem to struggle with the psychological effects of his terminal illness worse than their inquisitive son, who spends his days chronicling his dreams and artistic abilities with a friend (Alex Etel) who shares his affliction. The film, adapted by Spanish director Gustavo Ron from a novel by Sally Nicholls, is more uplifting than sentimental, even if it never exactly feels authentic. The cast includes Ben Chaplin, Emilia Fox and Phyllida Law. (Rated PG-13, 95 minutes).