Capsule reviews for March 21

Anita

It’s been more than two decades since Anita Hill’s name dominated the headlines for her accusations of sexual harassment against Clarence Thomas during his Supreme Court confirmation hearings. That chronological distance brings a unique perspective to this insightful documentary by Oscar-winning director Frieda Lee Mock (Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision), which chronicles Hill’s life both before and after she became a celebrity in 1991, through revealing acquaintance interviews and abundant archival footage. The film too easily celebrates her legacy instead of more incisively exploring the controversy in her story, yet the discussions of political power and gender equality at its core still resonate. (Not rated, 95 minutes).

Blood Ties

More domestic drama than police procedural, this compelling drama from French director Guillaume Canet (Tell No One) takes place in 1970s Brooklyn and a dedicated cop (Billy Crudup) whose older brother (Clive Owen) can’t escape the world of organized crime that has landed him in prison several times. As their paths cross, their loyalties are consistently challenged. These are compelling characters — if not likable ones — and the portrayals by Owen and Crudup bring an intriguing dynamic to their relationship. Even when the uneven script sometimes veers off course, the film offers a fresh take on familiar territory with its gritty period texture that feels authentically evocative. (Rated R, 127 minutes).

Cheap Thrills

Combine Jackass and The Most Dangerous Game, and you might get something resembling this disturbing thriller about the economically-fueled desperation of Craig (Pat Healy) and Vince (Ethan Embry), two ex-classmates whose chance encounter with a wealthy gambler (David Koechner), whose birthday celebration for his trophy wife (Sara Paxton) involves a night in which both men endure countless sadistic and humiliating stunts for money. It’s even more gross and unsettling than it sounds, but the socioeconomic context adds some depth and suspense to the proceedings. It’s not for all tastes, but solid performances help smooth out some of the rough patches in the script. (Not rated, 87 minutes).

Jodorowsky’s Dune

A unique slice of film history is unearthed in this documentary about Chilean filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky’s failed attempt to make an absurdly ambitious adaptation of the science-fiction novel Dune during the 1970s. Film buffs will appreciate the interviews with the director and several of his intended collaborators on a big-budget folly that was doomed to fail from the start, as well as discussion about the unmade epic’s legacy and influence. Fanboys will enjoy the insight into what the film would have looked like. And everyone else can marvel at Jodorowsky himself, who speaks with such passion and conviction that he turns into a lovably eccentric madman. (Rated PG-13, 88 minutes).

McCanick

This low-budget crime drama strains to be edgy but winds up with a mix of contrivances and clichés, telling the story of a corrupt urban narcotics detective (David Morse) whose crumbling personal life has led to an obsession with capturing a petty criminal (the late Cory Monteith) who is hiding secrets. Behind the scenes, however, things are worse, as the cop tries to put aside a tragedy involving his young partner (Mike Vogel) while hoping to reconcile with his estranged son. Morse’s live-wire energy is a match for his unhinged character, but the muddled screenplay doesn’t offer much beyond predictable confrontations and unfocused rage. (Rated R, 96 minutes).