Capsule reviews for Aug. 26

Chasing Madoff

This documentary is an example of compelling subject matter undermined by incompetent presentation. It tells the story of the whistleblowers who worked for years to bring down Madoff, the Wall Street investment advisor who pleaded guilty in 2009 to cheating investors out of billions of dollars in a massive Ponzi scheme, only to have their evidence ignored by the government. The film argues Madoff would have been caught sooner had the SEC not been negligent. The interviews offer some intriguing stuff, but director Jeff Prosserman doesn’t trust his own material, instead cramming the screen with as many re-enactments and visual gimmicks as possible. (Not rated, 91 minutes)

Swinging with the Finkels

Ill-conceived British sex comedy stars Martin Freeman and Mandy Moore as a London couple that takes to swinging as a method of spicing up their stagnant sex life. The film has elements of slapstick comedy (such as a sequence involving a cucumber being used in a method other than food) and would-be heartfelt relationship drama (including a dramatic subplot about another couple’s infidelity), but it fails at both. The gags consistently fall flat, and there’s no meaningful insight into contemporary romance. Even worse, it’s almost laughably tame considering the subject matter, enough to make most viewers cringe. Also stars Jonathan Silverman, Melissa George and Jerry Stiller. (Rated R, 82 minutes)

Tales from the Golden Age

Romania has been delivering some of the most cutting-edge European films for several years, and this anthology of shorts from five different directors, including Cristian Mungiu (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days), showcases some of that talent. Each segment takes place during the ill-fated Ceaucescu regime in the 1980s, mostly telling working-class stories of struggle against political oppression. In particular, the film interprets some of the urban myths from the era to powerful cumulative effect. The structure makes the impact hit-and-miss, since some vignettes are better than others, but give the filmmakers credit for bringing a dark sense of humor to some tough material. (Not rated, 155 minutes)