Movie & Television Reviews

A torrent of degraded sexual jokes overwhelms the few successful one-liners in “Scary Movie” (Paramount), a slipshod send-up of recent horror films and various other aspects of pop culture.

Given that the franchise it extends dates back to the 1982 release of a Mattel line of action toys and that its protagonist’s moniker, when in superhero mode, is He-Man, sensible viewers will not approach the adventure “Masters of the Universe” (Amazon MGM) expecting brilliant insights into the human condition.

“Backrooms” (A24) is that rarity among contemporary horror films, an intelligent and unsettling psychological study that doesn’t substitute wallowing in blood for the work of evoking real chills. While the movie is mostly free of graphic imagery, however, it does include some briefly intense mayhem.

Capsule reviews of theatrical movies available now for streaming or scheduled for broadcast on network or cable television during the week of June 14, as well as notes on TV programming for the same week.

Nate Bargatze, best known for his stand-up work, co-wrote and stars in the domestic comedy “The Breadwinner” (Sony). Although mostly wholesome, the film is also, unfortunately, sorely lacking in laughs.

For British meteorologist James Stagg (Andrew Scott), the central figure in the fact-based World War II drama “Pressure” (Focus), the “longest day” was probably not the eventual date of the Allied invasion of Normandy. Instead it was likely the day he had to advise that the greatest amphibious landing of troops in history be postponed.

Capsule reviews of theatrical movies available now for streaming or scheduled for broadcast on network or cable television during the week of June 7, as well as notes on TV programming for the same week.

Writer-director Guy Ritchie puts a twist on the heist movie with “In the Grey” (Black Bear). Although clever, the film is also harshly violent. So it can only be endorsed for grown viewers who don’t object to a steady barrage of gunfire, the occasional explosion and the sight of blood here and there.