Capsule reviews for Jan. 23

Clika

Considering the innovative sound of Mexican hip-hop group Herencia de Patrones, it’s a shame their venture into narrative filmmaking is so formulaic and predictable. Frontman JayDee plays a small-town California musician with dreams of making it big to help his struggling family. Running drug shipments to clients for his uncle (Cristian Gutierrez) leads to his big break artistically and financially, but when he becomes addicted to the lavish lifestyle, he learns the hidden costs. Rough around the edges yet bolstered by a rich cultural authenticity, the earnest coming-of-age drama adheres to a generic rags-to-riches framework. It’s not nearly as compelling when the tunes aren’t playing. (Rated R, 82 minutes).

H Is for Hawk

Although their majestic avian co-star steals the show, the human actors bring emotional grounding to this bittersweet saga of grief and healing from director Philippa Lowthorpe (Misbehaviour) that tugs too aggressively at the heartstrings. Cambridge professor Helen (Claire Foy) processes the death of her photographer father (Brendan Gleeson) by reminiscing about their shared affinity for birding. She finds comfort in training a goshawk that provides support and companionship, and provides unlikely hope amid her lingering guilt and anguish. With feisty charm, Foy’s committed portrayal anchors a tender and heartfelt film that promotes special animal bonds, yet uneven narrative momentum prevents the nonlinear script from taking flight. (Rated PG-13, 115 minutes).

In Cold Light

Dialing back the vigilante action in favor of a character-driven examination of criminal legacies and fractured family dynamics this downbeat Canadian thriller nevertheless bogs down in cliches and contrivances. Ava (Maika Monroe) is a drug dealer trying to navigate an uncertain future following her prison release. She tries to reconcile with her twin brother (Allan Hawco) and father (Troy Kotsur), a deaf ex-rodeo cowboy. However, after witnessing a tragedy and being framed, she’s forced to confront her past with a ruthless crime boss (Helen Hunt). Despite some stylish visual flourishes along the way, the material offers more talk than action without anything new to say. (Rated R, 96 minutes).