Capsule reviews for March 6

Buzzard

The central character in this dark comedy about a man’s descent into madness is so compelling that you can forgive him for being so creepy and disturbing. Marty (Joshua Burge) is a fledgling con artist battling an intense bout of paranoia that forces him into his co-worker’s basement, and ultimately on to the streets of Detroit to rebel against anybody who stands in his way, accompanied by plenty of heavy-metal music. While the overall impact is somewhat muddled, Burge and director Joel Potrykus join forces on a memorable portrayal of a man whose adventures are punctuated by scenes that are alternately shocking and sad. (Not rated, 97 minutes).

Faults

There are indeed some faults, but not enough to derail the fascinating mind games being staged in this low-budget drama bout Ansel (Leland Orser), a fledgling author and huckster expert on cults who is recruited by the desperate parents of a young woman (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) who has been brainwashed and escaped to a commune. It gradually becomes apparent that everyone involved in the attempt to reunite the family has different motives. The screenplay by director Riley Stearns (Winstead’s real-life husband) is assured and thoughtful for a debut. Despite a gimmick ending, the film maintains a sense of humor without exploiting or dumbing down the material. (Not rated, 89 minutes).

Merchants of Doubt

The latest agitprop documentary from director Robert Kenner (Food Inc.) might not be filled with eye-opening revelations, but it’s still insightful and persuasive in its efforts to critically examine the role of lobbyists and spin doctors with regard to public perception of social issues, most notably climate change. Specifically, Kenner dissects how scientific evidence gets swallowed up by corporate interests who use buzzwords and diversionary tactics to feed political agendas. And as usual, the truth becomes secondary to money and power. The film turns repetitive in spots and clearly is taking sides, but it assembles the abundant interviews and statistics into a compelling package. (Rated PG-13, 96 minutes).

October Gale

Two vulnerable strangers try to rescue one another in this low-key thriller about a widowed doctor (Patricia Clarkson) who retreats to a remote Canadian cottage to sort through her grief. Not long afterward, a mysterious drifter (Scott Speedman) washes ashore with a gunshot wound, and as secrets are gradually revealed about both characters, weather and other circumstances intensify their peril. The film generates some modest tension and takes advantage of some lovely scenery — and both actors have their moments — but the deliberately paced script by director Ruba Nadda (Inescapable) eventually ditches its character-driven approach in favor of far-fetched plot twists and melodramatic contrivances. (Not rated, 91 minutes).

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The same demographics that inspired a sequel comprise the target audience for this breezy follow-up, which again chronicles the denizens of a retirement community in India where some bickering British seniors find their daily routines revitalized. In this installment, young owner Sonny (Dev Patel) is looking to expand to a second location, but mostly it just follows the same formula that made its predecessor a breakout hit. While the bittersweet and excessively convoluted screenplay lacks freshness, returning director John Madden (Shakespeare in Love) brings some visual flair, and there’s plenty of chemistry among the superb veteran cast including Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and Richard Gere. (Rated PG, 122 minutes).