Movie & Television Reviews

Taking a step back within its own chronology, the series now continues with an origin story for one of the main characters in the last outing, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (Warner Bros.).

Some games are no fun, like playing cat and mouse with homicidal maniacs. Such is the desperate fate that befalls the main characters in the penny dreadful “The Strangers: Chapter 1” (Lionsgate). Why moviegoers would want to bear witness to their meaningless ordeal, however, remains a mystery.

John Krasinski wrote, directed and plays a prominent role in the generally wholesome fantasy “IF” (Paramount). Yet, while the good intentions behind his film are evident, it ends up registering as a sweet but flawed piece of entertainment, one that gets in its own way by trying too hard to be liked.

What’s on the cards for viewers of the horror flick “Tarot” (Screen Gems)? As it turns out, not much. While the bloodletting on display in this inept production is relatively restrained, the characters are cardboard and the mythos explaining their bedevilment lame.

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

The values promoted in Josh Friedman’s script are certainly on target. And it’s easy to root for youthful Noa and his allies. Yet the pace is slow and there’s a lumbering feel to the proceedings.

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