As a mystery in which no one is who they appear to be, the psychological horror film “The Housemaid” (Lionsgate) has a lot of entertaining suspense to offer viewers. Yet the movie is also a gory revenge fantasy that dabbles in grotesquery and sadistic behavior, thus severely circumscribing its appropriate audience.

With the Vatican’s Nativity scene and huge Christmas tree glittering in the Roman sun behind him, David Henrie reflected on the joy of giving during the Advent season.

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.

“Avatar: Fire and Ash” (20th Century), the third film in the always visually rich franchise that got its start in 2009, brings forward thematic elements that had previously been kept in the background and that viewers of faith will find it impossible to accept and difficult to dismiss. As a result, it requires careful evaluation by mature movie fans.

True to form, SpongeBob emerges from his latest escapades smarter, wiser, pleased with his newly acquired skills and with increased loyalty to his friends. So, although the script’s humor may often fall short, the franchise’s beguiling charm remains.

Having first gained fame for his role on the landmark CBS-TV sitcom “All in the Family” (1971-79) in which he played Archie Bunker’s Polish American son-in-law, Mike Stivic — whom the cranky bigot dubbed “Meathead” — Rob Reiner helmed his first film in 1984. His work crossed various genres and included a number of features now regarded as classics.

When Rian Johnson was still writing the script for his new “Knives Out” movie, he turned to his aunt and uncle for help. They are Catholic, and his latest murder mystery would take place in a Catholic church.

Clues and conundrums aren’t the only things that need to be sorted through in the murder mystery “Wake Up Dead Man” (Netflix). An equivocal, though ultimately positive, portrayal of faith marks this third film in the “Knives Out” franchise that began in 2019.

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.

Fancy the chance to return to the haunted pizzeria moviegoers were first able to tour in 2023? Then the horror sequel “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” (Universal) is the film for you. Alas, all but the franchise’s most devoted fans will likely find this second serving in the series not only thin-crusted but cold and stale as well.