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“Black Panther”

AThe king of Wakanda has to figure out how to decide how he’s going to aid in the liberation of black people throughout the world while also protecting his country. It’s a superhero film that is exhilarating, beautiful and genuinely moving. Starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan and Lupita Nyong’o. Directed by Ryan Coogler. (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service) Rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture. At metro theaters. 2 hours, 14 minutes. PARENTS GUIDE Great for older kids and teens, but too action-filled for very small children.

“Detective Chinatown 2”

CThe detective duo is back, this time in NYC to find the perpetrator of a series of ritualistic murders. The special effects are first rate, but the script blasts through reams of plot. Starring Baoqiang Wang, Liu Haoran and Natasha Liu Bordizzo. Directed by Cheng Sicheng. In Mandarin with English subtitles. (Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle) Rated R for brief language. At Regal Hollywood 24, AMC Sugarloaf Mills and AMC Southlake. 2 hours, 1 minute.

“Early Man”

B+ Caveman Dug and his sidekick hatch a plan to save their valley from Lord Nooth who is threatening to move in in a winner-take-all soccer match. The animated film combines weirdly funny comedy with a sweet story about what it means to depend on others. Starring Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston and Maisie Williams. Directed by Nick Park. (Rick Bentley, Tribune News Service) Rated PG for rude humor and some action. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 29 minutes. PARENTS GUIDE Fine for kids of all ages.

“The Female Brain”

Review unavailable at time of publication. A neuroscientist is studying the biochemistry of the female brain with three couples as subjects when her own synapses start to fire when a handsome new subject joins her study. Starring Whitney Cummings, Alysia Reiner and Cecily Strong. Directed by Whitney Cummings. Not rated. At AMC Southlake. 1 hour, 38 minutes.

“Happy End”

C+ An elderly man is looking for help from his family in ending his life and finds that his 13-year-old sociopathic granddaughter may be willing to help. The film signals a return of form for the director, who here favors the vinegary outlook on life. Starring Isabelle Huppert, Jean-Louis Trintignant and Fantine Harduin. Directed by Michael Haneke. In French with subtitles. (Michael O’Sullivan, Washington Post) Rated R for sexuality, strong language, disturbing thematic material and violence. At The Springs Cinema & Taphouse. 1 hour, 47 minutes.