A highly-praised performance in a well-received drama leads a bevy of indie film openings.

• ‘Short Term 12.’ Brie Larson has received many critical plaudits for her turn as a concerned adult working with troubled kids. Not previewed. (Angelika Dallas)
• ‘Drinking Buddies.’ Prolific director Joe Swanberg’s latest is a comedy about two couples facing challenges in their relationships. With Olivia Wilde, Jake Johnson, Anna Kendrick, and Ron Livingston. Not previewed. (Angelika Dallas)
• ‘Afternoon Delight.’ A stay-at-home mom becomes obsessed with saving a stripper. With Kathryn Hahn, Juno Temple, Not previewed. (AMC Northpark, Cinemark West Plano)
• ‘Bounty Killer.’ Post-apocalyptic story of lethal bounty hunters. Not previewed. (AMC Valley View)
• ‘Laughing to the Bank.’ Brian Hooks stars. Not previewed. (AMC Grapevine Mills, UA Grand Prairie)
• ‘Money for Nothing.’ Documentary about America’s national bank. Not previewed. (AMC Northpark)
• ‘Winnie Mandela.’  Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard star in a bio-pic about the South Africa activist and leader. Not previewed. (AMC Valley View, AMC Grapevine Mills)

Opening in wide release:

• ‘Riddick.’ Vin Diesel returns as the titular action-minded character in David Twohy’s second science-fiction sequel to ‘Pitch Black.’ Review forthcoming. Recommended with reservations.
  
• ‘The Ultimate Life.’ Sequel (and prequel) to ‘The Ultimate Gift,’ starring Drew Waters, Bill Cobbs, David Mann, Ali Hillis, and Peter Fonda. Not previewed.