Capsule reviews for Sept. 10

The Alpinist

Following in the footsteps of the Oscar-winning Free Solo, this daredevil documentary focuses on Canadian climber Marc-Andre Leclerc, whose conquests include some of the world’s most dangerous alpine peaks without the use of ropes or other safety equipment. Although the film struggles in probing Leclerc for background information — at least his girlfriend is more forthcoming — it does capture his philosophy on risks and rewards. The problem lies with director Peter Mortimer structuring the doc around his own pursuit of filming Leclerc rather than simply allowing his subject’s accomplishments to speak for themselves. The breathtaking visuals, and the harrowing sense of wonder, is overshadowed in the process. (Rated PG-13, 92 minutes).

Dating and New York

Unfortunately, there are no character counts limiting the dialogue in this romantic comedy about angst-ridden millennial singles seeking love in the social-media age. It follows Milo (Jaboukie Young-White) and Wendy (Francesca Reale), whose meeting on an online dating app leads to a “friends with benefits” arrangement while they confide in one another about their respective romantic failures — and suppress their mutual attraction. The woefully predictable screenplay by rookie director Jonah Feingold enables both characters to prattle on without providing any fresh or meaningful relationship insight. That might make them perfect for each other, but after the film’s breezy charm wears off, so does our rooting interest. (Rated PG-13, 91 minutes).

Queenpins

Even at a discount, this lackluster comedy never finds a budget-friendly balance of humor and heart. Apparently inspired by a true story, it centers on a suburban homemaker (Kristen Bell) and her best friend (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), who are the last people you’d expect to be the masterminds behind a coupon caper worth millions. Eventually, their Robin Hood scheme for red-up consumers gets the attention of vengeful a postal inspector (Vince Vaughn) and a loss-prevention officer (Paul Walter Hauser). The film manages some scattered big laughs along the way, but by aiming for broad gags rather than edgy satire, it doesn’t offer much to chew on. (Rated R, 110 minutes).

Small Engine Repair

Strong performances and bursts of sharp dialogue can’t erase the familiarity of this testosterone-fueled drama, expanded from a one-act play by John Pollono. He also stars in this version as Frankie, an ex-con in New Hampshire whose two best friends (Jon Bernthal and Shea Whigham) have a falling-out during a bar fight, requiring Frankie’s deception to organize a reunion at an auto-repair shop. Naturally, not everything goes as planned. Obviously influenced by the likes of David Mamet and Martin McDonagh, the film generates some mild tension and intriguing blue-collar character dynamics even as the narrative momentum meanders. However, the bittersweet climax lacks an emotional punch. (Rated R, 103 minutes).

The Voyeurs

The latest variation on Rear Window doesn’t disguise its lurid intentions, although this far-fetched melodramatic thriller never creates much erotic heat. After an ophthalmologist (Sydney Sweeney) and a music producer (Justice Smith) move into a Montreal loft together, they begin to watch the uninhibited photographer (Ben Hardy) and his wife (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) across the street. It’s not long before curiosity turns to obsession with dangerous consequences. As the screenplay by director Michael Mohan unspools some ridiculous final-act twists, it’s highly unlikely you’ll care about any of these seedy characters or their fate. They might enjoy spying on each other, but moviegoers will feel differently. (Rated R, 116 minutes).

The Wonderful: Stories from the Space Station

Although many of its images were shot miles above the Earth, the emotions in this straightforward documentary remain accessibly grounded. The concept is simple yet insightful — compiling anecdotes from astronauts who have lived and worked aboard the International Space Station during the past two decades, offering an insider’s perspective on the cosmos that most of us will never experience. Although some segments are more compelling than others, the film effectively sparks our collective sense of wonder while celebrates the ongoing efforts of these voyagers to advance science. Plus, it spotlights the cooperative spirit and multicultural camaraderie that has been vital to achieving those breakthroughs. (Not rated, 126 minutes).