Cary Darling

Ridley Scott's sequel to his 2000 film 'Gladiator' lacks the predecessor's gravitas but nonetheless remains mostly a fun ride.

'Bird' with Barry Keoghan,'Ghost Cat Anzu,' 'Hello, Love Again' and 'Luther: Never Too Much' are also hitting our screens.

The road-trip dramedy about two cousins finding their Jewish roots in Poland seamlessly moves from mirth to melancholy and back again.

'Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration,' 'Memoir of a Snail,' 'Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom,' 'Elevation' and 'Small Things Like These' also open.

The man who made '12 Years a Slave' shows the trauma of a family living with the reality of German bombing. Saiorse Ronan, Paul Weller, Elliott Heffernan star

The Houston-shot 'Reality Bites,' a restoration of 'Basquiat' and the area premiere of Houston director Haley Elizabeth Anderson's 'Tendaberry' are highlights

The first episode of the anticipated, Texas-shot series will be shown at the festival's opening night on Nov. 7. Co-creator Christian Wallace will do a Q&A.

Also showing will be the indie films 'Sheepdog' starring Vondie Curtis-Hall and the documentary 'Behind the Lines' based on the books by Andrew Carroll.

The Houston-shot 'Deliveries from Eva,' 'Average Joe' and "Daaaaaalí!' are also landing on our screens.

Houston Cinema Arts Festival features 'The Spook Who Sat by The Door' and Houston director Haley Elizabeth Anderson's 'Tendaberry,' John Waters' 'Hairspray.'