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“After the Storm”

B A man is divorced and ends up as a private detective who utilizes his skills to spy on his ex and her new boyfriend. The film is more downbeat than the director’s previous efforts, his character more inscrutable and his pacing more languid. Starring Abe Hiroshi and Yoko Maki. Directed by Hirokazu Kore-Eda. In Japanese with subtitles. (G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle) Not rated. At Landmark’s Midtown Art. 1 hour, 57 minutes.

“The Assignment”

No review available in time for publication. A hitman is given a lethal assignment and is doublecrossed then finds out he’s actually been surgically altered and now has the body of a woman. Starring Michelle Rodriguez, Tony Shalhoub and Anthony LaPaglia. Directed by Walter Hill. Rated R for graphic nudity, violence, sexuality, language and drug use. At Plaza Theatre. 1 hour, 35 minutes.

“Going in Style”

B Three former steel workers plan a bank heist after their pension disappears during a buyout. It’s not a laugh out loud comedy, but it will make you smile the whole way through. Starring Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Alan Arkin and Ann-Margret. Directed by Zach Braff. (Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle) Rated PG-13 for drug content, language and some suggestive material. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 36 minutes.

“Queen of the Desert”

C British noblewoman Gertrude Bell traveled throughout the Arab world and contributed to the formation of the modern Middle East. The story is great, but the film falls a bit flat. Starring Nicole Kidman, James Franco and Robert Pattinson. Directed by Werner Herzog. (Walter Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle) Rated PG-13 for brief nudity and some thematic elements. AMC Barrett Commons and AMC Sugarloaf Mills. 2 hours, 8 minutes.

“Smurfs: The Lost Village”

D+ While the Smurfs try to prevent Gargamel from capturing them to turn them into gold, Smurfette goes on a journey of self-discovery. The movie has some imaginative pleasures, but the movie ends up like a kind of family-friendly psychedelic trip. Starring voices of Demi Lovato, Rainn Wilson and Jack McBrayer. Directed by Kelly Asbury. (Pat Padua, Washington Post) Rated PG for mild action, rude humor and a color palette offensive to the eye. At metro theaters. 1 hour, 21 minutes.