The Debt

Remake of ‘The Debt’ pays off

The Debt is the first movie in which Hollywood “It” actor Sam Worthington gets around to showing us what all the fuss was about, pre- Terminator, pre- Ava tar and pre- Clash of the Titans. As a guilt-ridden Holocaust survivor-turned-Mossad agent determined to bring a war criminal to Israeli justice, Worthington suggests vulnerability, compassion and layers of character that none of his action blockbusters allowed him to.

Masters of horror pick scariest movies

One of the great things about childhood is how easy it is to access the distinct delight of being scared out of your mind. Adults just have more trouble getting goose bumps. That’s because experience is the enemy of true terror. You may shriek the first time you see A Nightmare on Elm Street, but the second or third time you might only shudder. That’s why dedicated horror fans sometimes have a hard time finding a really nerve-rattling movie. They’ve already seen it all.

DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK (R) **

‘Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark’ (R)

Guillermo del Toro was 9 years old when he saw the 1973 TV movie Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, an experience that would help shape his adult psyche as a master craftsman in the fantasy and horror genres. Del Toro co-wrote and produced his affectionate yet ineffectual remake, but he handed the directorial reins to first-timer Troy Nixey. The finished movie still bears heavy traces of del Toro’s presence, which only makes watching it more frustrating.

THE FUTURE (R)

The Future (R)

The surreal dramedy The Future gives us a pair of characters who face it nervously.

Movies

F-bombs increase, even in PG-13 flicks

Those extra expletives you’re hearing at the multiplex these days aren’t just echoes. PG-13 movies, officially allowed one non-sexual F-word per script, are making increased use of that allotment — and more —as filmmakers work the rules in a world where R-rated comedies full of both male and female trash-talk have become a summertime staple.

Trivia quiz

Test your knowlege of ‘Fright Night’

Hollywood’s love of remakes continues with Fright Night, a resurrection of the 1985 film of the same name. How much do you know about the original?

Movies

How ‘The Help’ solidifies a new summer trend

For all the cliches about chick flicks, the form has actually taken some interesting turns in recent years. This August it took the latest, with The Help telling a story about friendship and loyalty against the backdrop of racism in the 1960s-era South.

One Day (PG-13)

One Day (PG-13)

By pretty much anybody’s evaluation, Dexter Mayhew (Jim Sturgess) is a jerk. He’s cocky and full of himself, a ladies’ man with appallingly low standards for bedmates (“breathing” seems to be the main qualification he seeks). He’s not dumb, but his ambition in terms of career centers largely on a ill-defined desire for fame. Many of his issues can be attributed to privilege, youth and an almost pathological revulsion toward thinking serious thoughts, factors that might fade if he matures. But during his young adulthood, even his mum thinks he’s something of a tool.

SENNA (PG-13)

SENNA (PG-13)

You don’t have to know a thing about Formula 1 racing to become engrossed by Senna. That’s because director Asif Kapadia has structured his documentary with the pacing, tone and fluidity of a feature film.

INTERACTIVE GAME

Play Harry Potter trivia

Beginning today, we will post a trivia question on Twitter @HarryPotterMH so you can test your wizardly skills and join the exclusive ranks of the Miami Order of Merlin First Class.

'True Grit' (PG-13)

Wordplay is the main draw in this talky but entertaining western

'I Love You Phillip Morris' (R)

Fact-based story defies belief, but lacks a little tenderness

'Monsters' (R)

Resourceful but derivative low-budget effort doesn't quite cut it

'The King's Speech' (R)

Exquisite acting and creative direction elevate this comic British drama