Capsule reviews for Feb. 24

Bitter Harvest

Lovers torn apart by conflict. One of the most tried-and-true cinematic formulas is given another whirl in this woefully heavy-handed period piece about the Holodomor, a genocidal attack on Ukraine by the Stalin regime during the rise of the Soviet Union in the 1930s. That’s when an artist (Max Irons) joins a resistance movement to help free working-class Ukrainians from starvation while trying to reunite with his childhood crush (Samantha Banks). Any intriguing historical context is jettisoned in favor of absurd embellishments that lack subtlety and authenticity. Worse, the film’s slick ineptitude exploits the efforts of the real-life freedom fighters it aspires to salute. (Rated R, 103 minutes).

Punching Henry

A showcase for the unique comic and musical talents of its star, this deadpan comedy finds Henry Phillips essentially portraying himself, as a struggling performer playing empty clubs while awaiting a breakthrough that never comes. That’s until he meets a reality-show producer (J.K. Simmons) who presents Henry with a show concept that’s more mean-spirited than self-deprecating, causing him to choose between art and commerce. Inside jokes and cameos abound as Phillips provides some solid laughs with his genuine stage and screen presence, which balances bumbling antics with offbeat charm. The result is endearing but also an incisive look at redemption and the fringes of fame. (Not rated, 95 minutes).

Rock Dog

Considering the title, you’d at least expect that this lackluster animated comedy would have better music. Instead, this off-key adventure never finds a consistent rhythm, in either its audio or visuals. Bodi (voiced by Luke Wilson) is a young Tibetan Mastiff who develops an affinity for rock music and leaves home against the advice of his disapproving father (J.K. Simmons) to track down a reclusive rock-star cat (Eddie Izzard) in the big city. Plenty of anthropomorphic animal hijinks ensue, which ultimately makes it feel more familiar than fresh. At any rate, despite lessons for kiddos about following your dreams, the film’s humor most often falls flat. (Rated PG, 80 minutes).