Opening in Dallas today, Friday, August 12, 2011 (listed in order of priority):

• ‘The Guard.’ Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle star as a tough Irish cop and a wily FBI agent, respectively, teamed up to deal with international drug smugglers in Ireland. (Landmark Magnolia, Angelika Plano.) Not previewed. John P. Meyer reviews at Pegasus News.

• ‘The Names of Love.’ Young French woman sleeps with right-wing men to convert them to left-wing politics … until she falls in love. It looks darling, and Dallas loves sexy French-language romantic comedies. (Angelika Dallas.) Not previewed.

• Doc Weekend. Documentaries that have not received local releases are showcased all weekend. Tonight: ‘Memphis Heat,’ ‘Transcendant Man,’ and ‘Echotone.’ (Details at Texas Theatre.) Not previewed.

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

• ’30 Minutes or Less.‘ Pizza delivery driver Jesse Eisenberg gets a bomb strapped to his chest, forcing him to rob a bank with the help of best friend Aziz Ansari. Fast, furious, and funny. My review at Twitch. Recommended.

• ‘Final Destination 5.’ The latest installment in the series is the best since the first sequel, which means it’s rowdy fun for the hardcore horror crowd. In very agreeable 3D at select theaters. My review at Twitch. Recommended.

• ‘The Help.’ Well-meaning and well-acted comedy / drama about race relations in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1963. The crowd-pleasing premise implies that black people depended upon white people leading the way to win liberation from racial segregation. My review at Twitch. Recommended, with reservations.

• ‘Glee: The 3D Concert Movie.’ The cast from the hit TV show takes to the stage to sing songs of empowerment and cut up backstage. Help yourself. Not previewed.