Capsule reviews for Oct. 14

Chalet Girl

There’s not much substance to this British romantic comedy starring Felicity Jones (who shines in the upcoming Like Crazy) as a teenage skateboarding star who takes her talents to the snow thanks to a new job at a ski chalet. At first awkward in her new surroundings, she prepares for the high-stakes snowboarding championship at the resort while dealing with romantic complications involving her boss (Ed Westwick). There are some charming moments along the way, but mostly it’s harmless fluff from director Phil Traill (All About Steve) filled with predictablefish-out-of-water clichés. Watch for appearances by Bill Nighy and Brooke Shields among the supporting cast. (Not rated, 96 minutes).

Father of Invention

Kevin Spacey elevates this otherwise subpar comedy with his lead performance as Robert Axle, an inventor and infomercial pitchman (think Ron Popeil) who is sent to prison after one of his workout products causes widespread customer injuries. Upon his release, he is humbled and tries to reconnect with his young daughter (Camilla Belle) by living among her roommates while he gets back on his feet. While Spacey rises above the material and his character has decent comic potential, the film is a predictable story of redemption that strains credibility while providing sporadic laughs. Also stars Heather Graham, Virginia Madsen and Johnny Knoxville. (Rated PG-13, 93 minutes).

The Woman

Those who like their horror flicks to be gratuitously disgusting might find some merit in this twisted low-budget effort from writer-director Lucky McKee (May). It centers on a mild-mannered lawyer (Sean Bridgers) who kidnaps a mute cannibal (Angela Bettis) from the woods under the guise of reforming her. But he actually has a more sinister plan in mind involving his teenage son (Zach Rand) and his own dark fantasies. Perhaps most disturbing is McKee’s nonchalant approach to violence and torture. The film’s primary motivation is shock value, but it’s too detached from reality to generate any emotional connection with viewers, and the ending is a mess. (Rated R, 102 minutes).