Screening Room: “Prisoners,” “Short Term 12,” “Thanks for Sharing”

KANSAS CITY, Mo —

1. PRISONERS
Warner Bros.
(R)

SHAWN
“Prisoners” is a more than intense thriller that’s relentless in delivering misery. It’s Suffocating. Darker than dark. A painful experience that happens to be a smartly executed movie.

RUSS
A first-rate cast and stomach-knotting tension elevate the flawed but intriguing kidnapping film “Prisoners.” Hugh Jackman and Terrance Howard play friends whose daughters go missing on Thanksgiving Day.

SHAWN
The question the film brilliantly poses is what would you do? Who would you become if the unimaginable happened. At its core “Prisoners” is a Charles Bronson era vigilante flick. On the surface it exist as part “Seven” part “Zodiac” part “Silence of the Lamb.”

RUSS
There are plot holes and frustrating coincidences in this stark and overlong drama, but it raises some interesting moral conundrums that should provide for interesting post-movie coffee talk.

RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags

2. SHORT TERM 12
Cinedigm Entertainment
(R)

RUSS
A star-making turn by actress Brie Larson is the main attraction of the credible drama “Short Term 12.” Larson plays a worker at a facility for troubled teens who’ve fallen through the cracks of the foster care program.

SHAWN
Brie Larson is incredible and transforms a mediocre movie into an intriguing watch.

RUSS
This could have easily degenerated into an after school special, but terrific performances and a realistic and thoughtful approach make “Short Term 12” a memorable and touching movie.

SHAWN
Very moving and thought provoking.

RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags

3. THANKS FOR SHARING
Roadside Attractions
(R)

RUSS
Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins and Josh Gad play men participating in a 12-step program for sex addicts in the comic drama, “Thanks for Sharing.”

SHAWN
Everything about this movie felt forced and came across false.

RUSS
It’s well-acted and there are moving scenes, but the odd, herky-jerky pace and awkward moments may have some saying, “No, Thanks” to “Thanks for Sharing.”

SHAWN
I thought the acting was below par and yes too many awkward moments and not enough funny ones. No thanks.

RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags

ALSO OPENING THIS WEEK, Chris Brown and Laz Alanso star in the hip-hop dance flick, “Battle of the Year;” “Populaire” is a French throwback romantic comedy; “Salinger” is a documentary about the reclusive author J. D. Salinger; Dorothy and friends return in the 75th Anniversary edition of “The Wizard of Oz” in IMAX 3-d.