Capsule reviews for Nov. 13

Heist

Robert DeNiro is among the actors slumming it in this formulaic crime thriller, playing the unscrupulous manager of a riverboat casino that’s robbed by an insubordinate card dealer (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), who steals dirty money to pay his daughter’s medical bills. The titular scheme is covered essentially in a single montage, with the bulk of the film consisting of a generic cat-and-mouse chase involving the police, some henchmen and a runaway bus. The incoherent result is more tedious than exciting as it leads to a preposterous climax. The cast includes Dave Bautista as an accomplice, Gina Carano as a cop and Morris Chestnut as an enforcer. (Rated R, 92 minutes).

James White

Strong performances help bring a powerful authenticity to this low-budget drama of guilt, grief and arrested development that centers on the title character (Christopher Abbott), an unemployed New York slacker forced to change his reckless ways after his estranged father dies and he becomes the caretaker for his mother (Cynthia Nixon) after she’s diagnosed with cancer. The resulting instability affects all his relationships, including those with his best friend (Scott Mescudi) and his new girlfriend (Makenzie Leigh). The script by rookie director Josh Mond finds poignancy without turning manipulative during James’ downward spiral, and he shows some genuine visual flair while dealing with familiar themes. (Rated R, 87 minutes).

Kilo Two Bravo

There are some rough patches in this gritty war drama, but the intimacy and authenticity in this true-life tale of British soldiers more than compensate. It takes place in Afghanistan in 2006, when a three-man platoon tries to disable a Taliban roadblock, only to face a more harrowing rescue mission once a detonated landmine leaves them stranded. The screenplay by Tom Williams (Chalet Girl) is more focused on character-driven moments than elaborate battlefield conflicts, yet he ratchets up the tension effectively. And rookie director Paul Katis incorporates the stark Middle East landscapes in a way that’s both immersive and harrowing while saluting military courage and sacrifice. (Rated R, 108 minutes).

Man Up

It’s far-fetched, generally predictable and overly reliant on broad gags. Yet this breezy British romantic comedy somehow succeeds, due in part to winning performances by its two leads. Jack (Simon Pegg) is a slick-talking divorcee who arrives at the train station to meet his young blind date. Instead, by accident he meets Nancy (Lake Bell), a timid single woman who decides to play along with the confusion, leading to a night of hijinks before the truth comes out. Beneath its slapstick exterior, there’s a sincere sweetness that balance out the forced quirks. Plus, even though you know how things will turn out, it’s amusing along the way. (Rated R, 88 minutes).

Song of Lahore

More depth and context could have given a better rhythm to this documentary about classical Pakistani musicians who take a unique route to preserve a dying art form. Yet there are plenty of poignant notes along the way, as the aging members of Sachal Studios try to revive a form of instrumental music that was popular before oppressive government restrictions caused it to die out. Hope comes in the form of an invitation from legendary jazz musician Wynton Marsalis for the men to perform at Lincoln Center, if only they can adapt their style accordingly. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the unifying power of creative expression. (Rated PG, 82 minutes).