Capsule reviews for May 2

Bad Johnson

A movie that feels like it was conceived during the latter stages of a frat party, this sex farce takes a one-joke premise that isn’t very funny to begin with, and drags it out to agonizing feature length. It follows Rich (Cam Gigandet), an arrogant womanizer who gets his comeuppance when his penis mysteriously detaches itself and takes on human form, as a slacker who sets his owner on an unlikely road to redemption. But as bad as things are for Rich and his limp sidekick, the audience really gets the shaft courtesy of a script that’s completely devoid of inspiration, even given its outrageous concept. (Not rated, 88 minutes).

Belle

A striking performance by Gugu Mbatha-Raw in the title role highlights this handsomely mounted period piece based on the true story of a mixed-race woman raised in 18th century London by the aristocratic family of Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson), where she becomes a wealthy heiress and a social outcast because of racial tension at the time. Eventually, she becomes an outspoken advocate of British abolitionism as she befriends a young lawyer (Sam Reid). The film works as both an intimate character piece and as a broader glimpse into socioeconomic conflicts regarding tolerance and perception. The sharp cast includes Emily Watson, Sarah Gadon and Miranda Richardson. (Rated PG, 104 minutes).

Decoding Annie Parker

Samantha Morton’s audacious portrayal of the title character boosts this mildly inspirational but sentimental true-life drama about Parker, whose battle with cancer causes her to cross paths with a geneticist (Helen Hunt) trying to link her DNA research to a possible cure. It’s a heartfelt portrait of two strong women that ultimately is more predictable than edgy. The uneven screenplay captures Annie’s sense of isolation even as she tries to maintain an update perseverance, but it short-changes the fascinating scientific aspects of the story. Some powerful moments, both happy and sad, are lost in the shuffle. The cast includes Aaron Paul, Alice Eve and Rashida Jones. (Rated R, 91 minutes).

Ida

A powerful exploration of the clash between cultural traditions and religious freedom, this atmospheric black-and-white drama from director Pawel Pawlikowski (My Summer of Love) offers both rich imagery and compelling drama. It follows a young nun (Agata Trzebuchowska) in 1960s Poland whose faith is tested when she visits her aunt (Agata Kulesza) prior to taking her vows. Together they uncover a dark secret about their Jewish heritage dating back to World War II. The pace is deliberate, but this low-budget gem continues to build tension both internally and externally, and the performances from both of the women are riveting. It’s bleak and austere yet rewarding. (Rated PG-13, 80 minutes).

Walk of Shame

Elizabeth Banks exhibits more charm and dexterity than is deserved by this labored farce in which she plays a Los Angeles news anchor whose drunken one-night stand with a bartender (James Marsden) leads to her being stranded on the streets with no phone, car or money. Consistently being confused for a hooker, she becomes desperate as an audition looms for the biggest job opportunity of her career. The one-joke premise is completely detached from reality and generates more groans than laughs. And in fact, the opening-credit montage featuring real-life news bloopers is funnier than anything in the script by director Steven Brill (Without a Paddle). (Rated R, 94 minutes).