Movie Reviews

Much of the dialogue in the somber “Joe Bell” (Roadside) sounds as if it could have been engraved on stone tablets.

The horror sequel “Escape Room: Tournament of Champions” (Columbia) turns out to be a case of cinematic recidivism.

Independent British filmmaker Andrew Haigh (“45 Years”) adapted the BBC production from his fellow countryman Ian McGuire’s acclaimed 2016 novel.

There’s a strained tone to “Space Jam: A New Legacy” (Warner Bros.), director Malcolm D. Lee’s sequel to the 1996 sports comedy.

“As an addition to the Marvel Comics cinematic universe, the origin story “Black Widow” provides the expected elements of large-scale special effects and intrepid derring-do.”

“The Mysterious Benedict Society” is based on the popular novels by Trenton Lee Stewart, the program is an engaging mix of adventure and humor that follows a quartet of spunky tweens as they navigate the tricky waters of maturity, building relationships and learning to trust — all the while saving the world.

“While unsuitable for group catechesis, ‘Lourdes’ will touch the hearts and renew the spirits of individual moviegoers.”

Nondenominational religious flourishes and an emphasis on the value of family offset occasionally intense showdowns and some unsavory vocabulary in “F9: The Fast Saga” (Universal).