Opening in Dallas today, Friday, September 9, 2011 (listed in order of priority):

• ‘Higher Ground.’ A woman’s spiritual journey through the years, directed by Vera Farmiga. An absorbing drama with an excellent cast. (Angelika Dallas, Cinemark West Plano.) My review at Twitch. | My interview with Vera Farmiga, also at Twitch. Recommended.

• ‘Shaolin.’ Mighty man of war Andy Lau must learn peace and understanding after he takes refuge in a Shaolin monastery. A broadly-entertaining historical action adventure, with Nicholas Tse and Jackie Chan in a supporting role as a kung fu cook; directed by Benny Chan. (Texas Theatre.) Recommended.

• ‘Bellflower.’ A man, a woman, a muscle car, a flamethrower, a love story, a horror movie. Shots of brilliance before it self-destructs, but still a distinctive vision. (Angelika Dallas, Cinemark West Plano.) My Dallas Film Now review. Recommended with reservations.

• ‘Chasing Madoff.’ The “ten-year struggle to expose the harrowing truth behind the infamous Bernie Madoff scandal.” A documentary, directed by Jeff Prosserman. (Angelika Dallas.) Not previewed.

• ‘The Happy Poet.’ “When Bill, the title character, secures a very small loan to start his dream business–a health food stand–his struggles as an idealistic micro-business owner begin.”  (Texas Theatre, Saturday and Sunday only.) Not previewed.

Wide across the Metroplex (listed in order of preference):

• ‘Contagion.’ An all-star cast deals with a quickly-spreading pandemic that threatens the existence of life on earth in Steven Soderbergh’s chiller thriller. My column on ‘Contagion’ in the context of recent plague movies at Twitch. Recommended.

• ‘Warrior.‘  Gavin O’Connor’s drama is ostensibly a fight flick, but it’s really a very strong drama with powerhouse performances by Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, and Nick Nolte. My review at Twitch. Recommended.

• ‘Creature.’ Teens collide with hillbillies and a legendary monster that eats people. An independent horror film with a very game cast is not able to salvage a script that lacks suspense or wit. My review at Twitch. Not recommended.

• ‘Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star.’ A comedy from the Adam Sandler dream factory. Help yourself. Not previewed.