“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.

Just about everyone enjoys a Christmas holiday with all the trimmings, including Santa’s ho ho ho and Rudolph’s red nose. But the preparatory time of Advent can serve as an invitation to explore more deeply the true spiritual meaning of the Incarnation and to focus more intently on the virtues that reflection on that mystery should promote.

As winter weather arrives across North America, viewers may appreciate the chance to watch a program set in sunny Mediterranean climes. The four-episode first season of the detective series “Kostas,” currently streaming on Acorn TV, fits the bill.

“Train Dreams” presents the ordinary, little life of its protagonist as quiet, quick, easy to miss, and yet extraordinary. Based on a novella with the same name by Denis Johnson, “Train Dreams” follows Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a taciturn logger and railroad worker in the Pacific Northwest, as he experiences love and loss.