Capsule reviews for Nov. 22

Cold Turkey

The latest serving of Thanksgiving family dysfunction comes via this dark comedy about a holiday gathering in which an esteemed family patriarch (Peter Bogdanovich) quietly drowns himself in liquor as his young wife (Cheryl Hines) and three adult children air their dirty laundry and expose past secrets and financial troubles. Bogdanovich’s intellectual character is more intriguing than the film itself, which feels more contrived than authentic in its exploration of familiar domestic territory. The script by director Will Slocombe features plenty of barbs and bickering, but neither the characters nor the story are consistently amusing or appealing. Their misery shouldn’t extend to moviegoers as well. (Not rated, 83 minutes).

Narco Cultura

Both enlightening and infuriating, this documentary originates in Juarez, Mexico, a border town in which almost 10 murders per day took place during 2011. Specifically, it examines perhaps the most dangerous job in this city of rampant drug cartels, police corruption and crime syndicates – that of a crime-scene investigator who must clean up the bodies while risking retribution. The film contrasts his story with that of a Los Angeles musician who has exploited the Mexican “narco” culture for profit. The result is uneven but compelling, as it examines the severity of the Mexican drug war while indirectly making an argument for strong border security. (Rated R, 103 minutes).