Capsule reviews for June 12

Broken Land

It tackles a hot-button issue with heartfelt sincerity, although contrivances and calculations compromise the emotional impact of this even-handed drama set along the Texas border. That’s where Carson (David Morse) is a widowed rancher who discovers a young immigrant (Jaklyn Bejarano) illegally on his property. Initially bitter and hostile, Carson reluctantly nurses her back to health, causing friction with his estranged son (Bill Heck), a border patrolman. Along their shared road to compassion and catharsis, the performances generate sympathy and humanity during moments of quiet introspection. Yet while rookie director J.T. Walker captures the rugged landscapes, the lightly plotted film winds up more predictable than insightful. (Rated PG-13, 98 minutes).

The Furious

Ratcheting its vintage martial-arts influences into bloody, pulpy overkill, this genre thrill ride is a celebration of diverse fighting disciplines that compensates for narrative predictability with go-for-broke audacity. It follows a mute handyman (Miao Xie) whose precocious young daughter is abducted by human trafficking syndicate. Police indifference and corruption prompt his quest for vigilante revenge at all costs, Uncertain who he can trust, he lets his feet and fists do the talking. The videogame-style mayhem becomes repetitive, yet while the screenplay is derivative, the dazzling action choreography injects a relentless intensity and visceral excitement that incentivizes our investment in the survival of our resilient heroes. (Rated R, 113 minutes).

Honeyjoon

Lush tropical scenery and deeply felt performances enhance the dramatic texture of this slight yet affecting travelogue about grief and mother-daughter dynamics. After her husband dies, Lela (Amira Casar) takes their anniversary vacation to the Azores anyway, with her daughter, June (Ayden Mayeri) as her substitute companion. As Lela struggles to find closure while dealing with memories of her oppressive Persian homeland, June is more focused on having fun and flirting with a tour guide (Jose Condessa). Can they reconnect and find emotional common ground? The screenplay by rookie director Lilian Mehrel adeptly juggles tones and avoids cheap sentiment, giving its relationships a universal resonance. (Not rated, 75 minutes).

O Horizon

Exploring the convergence of technology, grief, and mental illness, this science-fiction drama can’t reconcile its heartfelt intentions with its sentimental tendencies. Abby (Maria Bakalova) is a neuroscientist following in the footsteps of her esteemed late father (David Strathairn), whose recent death weighs on her. Abby discovers an experimental new app that enables her to call an AI version of her dad, which forces her to cling to the past instead of looking to the future. Bakalova (Bodies Bodies Bodies) seems miscast, and the screenplay by director Madeleine Sackler (O.G.) probes closure and starting over in a way that’s shallow and gimmicky rather than poignant or profound. (Not rated, 107 minutes).

Stop That Train

Essentially a big-screen spinoff of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” this showcase for some of the reality show’s most popular stars should satisfy fans, but for those not on the same campy wavelength, it’s likely to feel strained and irritating. RuPaul Charles plays the female president (in an obviously alternate reality), but the story primarily follows Tess (Ginger Minj) and Deedee (Jujubee), who work as sassy stewardesses aboard a high-speed passenger train hurtling toward Los Angeles during a storm, who must unite with their first-class counterparts to save the day. As directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray), the film’s irreverent vibe balances out the uneven joke hit-to-miss ratio. (Rated R, 92 minutes).