Freeze Frame: “Onward” (PG), “The Banker” (PG-13), “Emma.” (PG)

Second-rate Pixar movies are still better than most of their animated rivals. “Onward” is a likable comic fantasy aimed at boys in the same way that “Frozen” was aimed at girls. Chris Pratt and Tom Holland provide the voices for brother elves from an otherworldly suburbia who embark on a magical quest. It’s funny and sweet-natured, but the movie magic in “Onward” is limited.

Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson star in “The Banker,” a well-meaning true story about two African American men who get into trouble when they use a white front man to help them open a bank in Texas in the 1960s. This movie should have been riveting, but its impact is limited by a meandering pace.

Counting “Clueless,” “Emma.” marks at least the sixth adaptation of Jane Austin’s classic 1815 novel. Anya Taylor-Joy is fine in the title role of the bright but naïve young woman whose social manipulations sometimes backfire. This stylish version takes a while to establish emotional momentum, but “Emma.” ultimately hits the right notes.

Ben Affleck stars in “The Way Back,” a sports drama about an alcoholic who attempts redemption by becoming the coach of the flailing high school basketball team he once played for. Although it tosses up a lot of clichés, Affleck’s empathetic performance gets nothing but net.

Also opening this week, “Ordinary Love” is a cancer drama starring Liam Neeson and Leslie Manville. “Extra Ordinary” is a wacky supernatural comedy starring Will Forte. “The Jesus Trolls” is a comedy starring John Turturro featuring the bowling character he played 22 years ago in “The Big Lebowski.” “Beneath Us” is a horror thriller about undocumented workers held captive by wealthy Americans. “Greed” is a Steve Coogan comedy about a fashion billionaire’s 60^th birthday party. “Foxtrot Six” is a sci-fi action flick from Indonesia.

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