Capsule reviews for Nov. 1

Cellar Door

A thin premise doesn’t yield much meaningful tension in this twisty psychological thriller from director Vaughn Stein (Terminal) that offers a muddled look at trust, jealousy, and obsession. Looking to start a new family, John (Scott Speedman) and Sera (Jordana Brewster) are given their dream house by a mysterious benefactor (Laurence Fishburne) with the caveat that they can’t open the cellar door. But that prohibition fuels curiosity and suspicion that exposes past secrets while threatening to tear their relationship apart. The mildly intriguing premise feels strained at feature length, and all the red herrings and narrative misdirection feel like filler before the inevitable reveal. (Rated R, 97 minutes).

The Gutter

Feeling more like a sitcom pilot than a fleshed-out feature, this broad bowling comedy features scattered big laughs but runs out of steam. Walt (Shameik Moore) is a slacker who lands a job at a grungy bowling alley, where he begins an unlikely rise to tournament stardom. But Walt’s brash talent draws the attention of a vengeful former champion (Susan Sarandon) who wants to undermine his sudden fame. Poking fun at cultural stereotypes and political correctness with offbeat charm, the playful debut of sibling directors Isaiah and Yassir Lester starts with freewheeling irreverence before eventually settling into a more predictable underdog formula, resulting in a spare. (Rated R, 92 minutes).

Lost on a Mountain in Maine

Unsure how to shape a compelling narrative from its remarkable true-life source material, this faith-based combination of documentary elements with fictionalized re-enactments lacks subtlety and surprise. It’s set in 1939, when mischievous 12-year-old Donn (Luke David Blumm) becomes separated from his family when a storm strikes during a hiking trip. He relies on his instincts and prays for a miracle while hopes for a rescue dwindle. Meanwhile, his father (Paul Sparks) grapples with guilt. The titular backdrop is scenic, although the film’s attempts to get inside the head of its preteen protagonist during his harrowing ordeal doesn’t translate to consistent suspense. It’s only mildly inspirational. (Rated PG, 98 minutes).