Movies Now

At a moment when many are struggling to sift through their own feelings of empathy and upset, filmmaker Debra Granik knows what to prioritize.

In years past, the summertime box office could always be counted on to deliver at least one mainstream comedy smash that would break out of the pack of superhero films, action spectacles and rampaging giant-monster epics.

Think: “The Hangover,” which pulled in $277 million domestically in 2009. Or “Ted,” which grossed $219 million in 2012.

Miloš Forman Remembered A lineup of films by the Czech director, who died this year. Man on the Moon (1999), June 24, 7:30 p.m. (with special guests, screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski and actor Danny DeVito). Loves of a Blonde (1965) and Black Peter (1964), June 28, 7:30 p.m. (discussion with “Blonde” co-writer Ivan Passer). One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), June 29, 7:30 p.m.

Filmmaker J.A. Bayona remembers the first time a movie changed his life.

The year was 1978. The movie was “Superman,” from director Richard Donner. Bayona was 3 years old. One image in particular etched itself into his young consciousness by bringing the impossible so vividly to life.

In his first three films, “Metropolitan,” “Barcelona” and “The Last Days of Disco,” writer-director Whit Stillman established himself as the clear-eyed, sharp-witted chronicler of young people of a certain class.

Movie recommendations from critics Justin Chang and Kenneth Turan.

American Animals This based-on-fact story of how a quartet of bored college kids looking for kicks and meaning in their lives plan a rare book robbery is one of the summer's freshest, most entertaining films.