Long Shot
NYT Critic’s Pick R Comedy, Romance Directed by Jonathan Levine
The improbably yet perfectly paired stars play old friends who unexpectedly find love in this charming (and a bit vulgar) romantic comedy.
By MANOHLA DARGIS

Meeting Gorbachev
NYT Critic’s Pick Documentary Directed by Werner Herzog, Andre Singer
Werner Herzog’s latest documentary is centered on Mikhail S. Gorbachev, who helped bring the Cold War to an end.
By BEN KENIGSBERG

Hesburgh
NYT Critic’s Pick Documentary Directed by Patrick Creadon
A man of the cloth, a man against racism: “Hesburgh” tells the story of a tireless civil rights champion.
By GLENN KENNY

Shadow
NYT Critic’s Pick Action, Drama, War Directed by Yimou Zhang
Zhang Yimou’s film, set during the “Three Kingdoms” era in Chinese history, features head-spinning palace intrigue and spectacularly inventive violence.
By GLENN KENNY

— Of Possible Interest —

Ask Dr. Ruth
Documentary Directed by Ryan White
Ryan White’s rose-tinted portrait of Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the irrepressible sex therapist and Holocaust survivor, leaves no room for naysayers.
By JEANNETTE CATSOULIS

UglyDolls
PG Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Musical Directed by Kelly Asbury
Voiced by the likes of Kelly Clarkson and Janelle Monáe, singing plush toys populate this a neon-colored fable of self-love.
By GLENN KENNY

Peter Mayhew, the Actor Behind Chewbacca’s Mask in ‘Star Wars,’ Dies at 74
Mr. Mayhew, who played the Wookiee Chewbacca in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, died at home in Texas after having a heart attack.