Capsule reviews for Sept. 30

Denial

The relevance of the subject matter elevates the uneven execution of this straightforward chronicle of the British libel trial involving Georgia college professor Deborah Lipstadt (Rachel Weisz) whose book includes accusations that British historian and Hitler apologist David Irving (Timothy Spall) is intentionally misleading in his claims denying the Holocaust. The process becomes emotional for the Jewish professor, especially when her lawyer (Tom Wilkinson) suggests some unusual tactics. While structured as a courtroom procedural, director Mick Jackson (The Bodyguard) smartly recognizes that the film’s intrigue lies not in the bickering of two polarizing authors, but in a broader investigation of social boundaries and freedom of speech. (Rated PG-13, 110 minutes).

Flock of Dudes

You might ditch your friends, too, if they’re anything like the obnoxious “bros” in this stale comedy from rookie director Bob Castrone about male bonding and arrested development. It follows Adam (Chris D’Elia), a fledgling writer who’s in his 30s but finds himself resorting to sophomoric shenanigans whenever he’s around his slacker friends. Broke and lonely, the quartet makes a formal agreement to “split up” for six months in an attempt to grow up by growing apart. Despite some scattered laughs, the scattershot film squanders an ensemble cast of comedians whose skills don’t translate here and whose characters aren’t worth investing any emotional attachment. (Not rated, 96 minutes).

Harry and Snowman

You don’t need to be an equine aficionado to fall in love with both of the title characters in this breezy and uplifting documentary. It follows Harry deLeyer, a Dutch immigrant who settled in the United States after World War II and rescued an Amish plow horse that was headed to the glue factory. Improbably, he trained the horse in show jumping and became a champion while facing the best in the world. Although the film lacks depth in spots, its straightforward approach capably tells the inspiring underdog story through interviews (including deLeyer) and archival footage. The bond between man and horse is charming. (Not rated, 84 minutes).