As scripted by Mark Bomback, “White Bird” effectively tugs at the heart by showcasing altruistic heroism in the face of dire evil.

The upshot is a long, grim, ultimately unrewarding slog made suitable for few — more by its gritty atmosphere than by an accumulation of objectionable ingredients.

The insensate botch of “Megalopolis” (Lionsgate) is structured like a fable, pitting the self-doubt and moral descent of a tortured modern-day architect against the debauchery of ancient Rome.

Cast aside any concerns about the dangers of artificial intelligence — “The Wild Robot” (Dreamworks) has arrived, a Mary Poppins bot ready to chase your cares away in this warm and fuzzy animated adaptation of the bestselling children’s book by Peter Brown.

As allegorical horror films about woodland isolation complicated by demon-infestation rate, “Never Let Go” (Lionsgate) checks off all the unpleasant boxes.

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.

A Catholic priest who had gameshow fans “swooning,” according to one entertainment reporter, told OSV News he hoped his recent television appearance helps give “a positive impression of the church” and clergy in general.

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 Killer’s Game” (Lionsgate) is a potentially entertaining, albeit ridiculous, action comedy. Unfortunately, the criminal mayhem the movie lightheartedly showcases involves stomach-churning images of gore and dismemberment that quickly cancel out any fun that might be had from it.

Any connection between the animated adventure “Transformers One” (Paramount) and the great Catholic historian Lord Acton may seem unlikely. Yet director Josh Cooley’s film is a cautionary tale that fully vindicates the Victorian scholar’s famous observation that power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.