“ OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL” (PG): Sam Raimi directs this special effects-intensive fantasy, based on L. Frank Baum’s novel, about a small-time magician (James Franco) who is whisked away to a distant land where he has the power to become a great wizard.

“ DEAD MAN DOWN” (R): Noomi Rapace reunites with her “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” director Niels Arden Oplev playing a woman who plots revenge by seducing the partner (Colin Farrell) of a mob boss who did her wrong.

“ EMPEROR” (PG-13): Tommy Lee Jones is Gen. Douglas MacArthur and Matthew Fox is Gen. Bonner Fellers in this World War II drama about Japan’s surrender and the fate of Emperor Hirohito.