Capsule reviews for Jan. 4

American Hangman

The verdict isn’t favorable for this moderately suspenseful but ultimately strained Canadian thriller, which might have played better on stage. It follows a retired judge (Donald Sutherland) who’s abducted and shackled in a basement by a madman (Vincent Kartheiser) with an ax to grind over a verdict in the courtroom. So he puts the magistrate on trial himself, via an encrypted live stream that allows a salacious online audience to determine guilt. Sutherland’s understated performance is terrific, but the screenplay by director Wilson Coneybeare becomes so wrapped up in its cynicism about media sensationalism and the criminal justice system that it loses its dramatic conviction. (Not rated, 98 minutes).

Bathtubs Over Broadway

The self-deprecating humor of Steve Young proves an ideal fit for this documentary about a quirky and amusing guy with a quirky and amusing hobby. Young is a former comedy writer for David Letterman who has amassed a voluminous collection of recordings of rare industrial musicals from yesteryear. So the film uses his curiosity to introduce the audience to these often ridiculously sincere productions with titles like “The Bathrooms Are Coming” that were once a staple of corporate sales conventions. Young even tracks down some of the actors and musicians who made a living at it. The result, while somewhat unfocused, is fascinating and frequently hilarious. (Rated PG-13, 87 minutes).

State Like Sleep

The dark side of fame provides a familiar backdrop for this thriller about a photographer (Katherine Waterston) prompted to investigate the mysterious death of her actor husband (Michiel Huisman), which is originally thought to be a suicide. As she uncovers a possible double life, she’s brought into contact with oddballs including a drugged-out nightclub owner (Luke Evans) and a nosy hotel guest (Michael Shannon). Although there are some sharp performances and intriguing narrative pieces along the way, the screenplay by director Meredith Danluck becomes sidetracked by tangents, and the film never establishes a sufficient reason for moviegoers to invest emotionally in these eccentric characters. (Not rated, 104 minutes).

The Vanishing

Despite the generic title, this slow-burning thriller generates some genuine tension within its isolated setting as it speculates about the circumstances behind a true-life disappearance. Specifically, it takes place circa 1938 on an island off the coast of Scotland, where a lighthouse captain (Peter Mullan) returns for the season with his longtime assistant keeper (Gerard Butler) and a young apprentice (Connor Swindells). Their loyalty to one another and to the job is tested, however, by some harrowing events that begin with a mysterious package washing ashore. Some contrived twists threaten to derail the momentum down the stretch, but Mullan and Butler provide depth with rich performances. (Rated R, 101 minutes).