Capsule reviews for Dec. 25

45 Years

The title reflects the duration of the marriage between Geoff (Tom Courtenay) and Kate (Charlotte Rampling), whose seemingly idyllic life on a British farm is quietly thrown into turmoil after he receives a letter that references the death of an old flame. Both of them become obsessed about past secrets for the wrong reasons in the week leading up to an anniversary celebration. Rampling’s powerful performance radiates with authenticity and emotional complexity, and so does the screenplay by director Andrew Haigh (Weekend), which explores commitment and marital longevity without resorting to clichés or simple resolutions. As it builds momentum, the result is both heartfelt and haunting. (Rated R, 95 minutes).

Point Break

An international extreme-sports highlight reel masquerading as a high-stakes action movie, this remake manages an unlikely feat by actually dumbing down its 1991 original. The basic story is the same, as it follows Utah (Luke Bracey), a young FBI agent and motocross enthusiast who develops a rapport with fellow daredevil Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez) as a method of infiltrating his gang of high-tech financial terrorists. Any potential subtleties, surprises or plot intricacies are jettisoned by director Ericson Core (Invincible) in favor of macho posturing and elaborate globetrotting 3D stunts. The result provides an occasional jolt of eye candy while the brain is left gasping for air. (Rated PG-13, 114 minutes).

Where to Invade Next

The latest agitprop documentary from director Michael Moore employs his usual dose of sardonic wit to tackle a variety of provocative topics, as he travels throughout Europe to explore how other countries are superior to the United States with their outlook on military spending, corporate greed, labor unions, school lunches, incarceration, xenophobia, religious freedom, racial and gender equality, and the war on drugs. His tendency to cherry-pick sometimes renders the result muddled and idealistic, with some vignettes more effective than others. Yet while it’s gentle by his standards, Moore wraps it into an amusing and persuasive package, even if it feels like preaching to the choir. (Rated R, 110 minutes).