Movie guide alt: Independent, limited release and foreign-language films

Ratings by the Motion Picture Association of America are: (G) for general audiences; (PG) parental guidance urged because of material possibly unsuitable for children; (PG-13) parents are strongly cautioned to give guidance for attendance of children younger than 13; (R) restricted, younger than 17 admitted only with parent or adult guardian; (NC-17) no one younger than 17 admitted.

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“Aka Doc Pomus” — A documentary portrait of the Brooklyn-born blues singer and songwriter Jerome Felder, better known as Doc Pomus. Directed by William Hechter and Peter Burke. (1:39) NR.

“All Is Lost” — When his boat is wrecked in the middle of the Indian Ocean, a lone sailor must rely on his limited resources and strength of will to survive. With Robert Redford. Written and directed by J.C. Chandor. (1:47) PG-13.

“All the Boys Love Mandy Lane” — A group of high-schoolers are thrilled when their beautiful, reclusive classmate joins them for a weekend party on a secluded ranch, but soon the revelers start turning up dead. With Amber Heard and Anson Mount. Written by Jacob Forman. Directed by Jonathan Levine. (1:30) R.

“American Promise” — This documentary chronicles two African-American boys’ educational experiences over 13 years, beginning in kindergarten at the prestigious, largely white Dalton School in New York City. Directed by Joe Brewster and Michele Stephenson. (2:15) NR.

“Big Ass Spider” — A 50-foot alien arachnid escapes from a military lab and rampages across Los Angeles. With Greg Grunberg, Lombardo Boyar and Ray Wise. Written by Gregory Gieras. Directed by Mike Mendez. (1:20) PG-13.