Capsule reviews for Nov. 10

Amanda and Jack Go Glamping

You could create a drinking game from the number of times the word “yurt” — which is admittedly amusing — is uttered in this lackluster relationship comedy about struggling author Jack (David Arquette) and his wife, Amanda (Amy Acker), who decide upon a luxury camping trip as a method of rekindling the spark in their marriage. But when their trailer winds up double booked by a flirty resort owner (Adan Canto), the getaway turns into a group outing, much to David’s chagrin. The screenplay by director Brandon Dickerson provides some scattered quirky laughs, although it strains to be heartwarming and stumbles while attempting to satirize the social-media age. (Not rated, 91 minutes).

Daddy’s Home 2

A few humiliating knocks to the groin must be worth the payday for a top-notch cast in this low-brow sequel that adds a holiday flavor to the patriarchal pugilism. This time, Brad (Will Ferrell) has made good with Dusty (Mark Wahlberg), the father of Brad’s stepchildren. But the chaos resumes with the arrival of both Brad’s lovable dad (John Lithgow) and Dusty’s bullying papa (Mel Gibson) with plenty of hate to go around. The result overdoses on testosterone-fueled misogyny with a barrage of slapstick gags that feels strained and predictable. Lacking both good taste and good cheer, it reeks of a cash grab for all involved. (Rated PG-13, 99 minutes).

Mayhem

If you think you’re having a bad day at the office, watch the predicament of the law clerk in this ultraviolent revenge saga from director Joe Lynch (Everly). Derek (Steven Yeun) is fired after becoming the scapegoat for an act of incompetence toward a client. But his attempts to confront executives over the injustice and regain his job are thwarted by the spread of a mysterious virus that causes his co-workers to act out their most prurient and violent impulses. The film skewers white-collar corporate snobbery through its abundant brutality and gore, gleefully choreographed to maximize the visceral impact. The intense result is exhausting yet amusing. (Rated R, 86 minutes).

The Price

You can see why Seyi (Aml Ameen) is stressed out — he’s created a rift with his Nigerian immigrant parents over his father’s recent stroke, he takes desperate measures to avoid the latest round of layoffs at a Wall Street firm, his Adderall prescription is running out, and he’s taking out his frustrations on his new girlfriend (Lucy Griffiths). Plus, his character deserves a more intriguing film than this well-intentioned debut from director Anthony Onah, which lacks subtlety and surprise while as the obstacles mount during Seyi’s downward spiral fueled by corruption and corporate greed. Ameen’s performance is heartfelt, yet the film needs more polished insight. (Rated R, 91 minutes).

Thelma

What begins as a captivating character study winds up muddled and emotionally distant in this deliberately paced coming-of-age melodrama from Norwegian director Joachim Trier (Louder Than Bombs). Thelma (Eili Harboe) is a shy college student in Oslo whose strict religious upbringing prompts supernatural occurrences and sends her into panic-induced seizures when she drinks alcohol or flirts with a female classmate (Kaya Wilkins). The resulting examination of spirituality and independence is mildly unsettling and provocative, yet ultimately bogs down by trying to juggle too many disparate elements, with the tension gradually dwindling as a result. Trier only sporadically puts a fresh twist on familiar material. (Not rated, 116 minutes).