Capsule reviews for Nov. 27

Beatles 64

It’s fun to revisit the Beatlemania cultural juggernaut from six decades ago, although this time-capsule documentary from director David Tedeschi (The 50 Year Argument) doesn’t provide much new insight or perspective. The film combines archival footage shot by the Maysles Brothers during the band’s whirlwind tour of the United States, highlighted by the infamous “Ed Sullivan Show” appearance — which drew 73 million viewers — with new interviews reflecting on group’s lasting connection to its fans. There’s nostalgic appeal to the backstage footage chronicling the quartet’s rapport and charisma, but other than reveling in an enduring episode of American pop-culture lore, it sings a familiar if catchy tune. (Not rated, 106 minutes).

Dear Santa

Jack Black’s manic energy generates some goofy laughs in this holiday comedy from director Bobby Farrelly (Champions) with a thin premise that’s otherwise short on seasonal cheer. It follows a nerdy and dyslexic preteen (Robert Timothy Smith) whose spelling error on a letter to Santa routes it instead to Satan (Black), who shows up in his bedroom with designs on taking the youngster’s soul after wreaking some havoc first. The film fares better when engaging in subversive mischief — thanks in part to the odd-couple chemistry between its stars — than as an earnest coming-of-age tale complete with family woes and girl trouble. Its gifts are fleeting. (Rated PG-13, 107 minutes).

Sweethearts

Endearing performances only slightly elevate this raunchy coming-of-age comedy above some of its formulaic narrative trappings. It follows best friends Jamie (Kiernan Shipka) and Ben (Nico Hiraga), college freshmen who devise a plan to simultaneously break up with their overbearing significant others back home over Thanksgiving break. But as others inadvertently become involved in their scheme, it leads instead to a chaotic adventure with unforeseen consequences for their codependency. Straining to be edgy and quirky, it manages some scattered big laughs yet fails to distinguish itself amid the glut of teenage romantic comedies in the social-media age. The relationships never feel authentic enough to care. (Rated R, 97 minutes).