From heart-warming to intense, the Lantern has it

Above : Emilia James and Marlee Matlin star in “CODA,” which opens Friday at the Magic Lantern. (Photo/Apple TV+)

Boasting four new movies, one of which is a Korean import, the Magic Lantern Theatre continues to live up to its promise – to provide the region with an intriguing selection of independent, art and/or foreign films.

If only there were a superhero or two among the bunch.

Ah well, here are Friday’s Lantern openings:

“Wild Indian” : Two Native American men, once childhood friends, must resolve a murderous crime committed decades ago that still haunts one of them. Directed by Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr. and starring Michael Greyeyes and Chaske Spencer.

Harper’s Bazaar critic Tomris Loffly : ” ‘Wild Indian’ pulsates with well-calibrated tension and a rare kind of vitality in its shrewd examination of today through the eyes of history.”

“Escape From Mogadishu” : It’s 1991, the setting is Mogadishu, Somalia, and the staffs of both the South and North Korean embassies are trying to get out the country … alive. Directed by Ryoo Seung-wan in Korean with English subtitles.

Houston Chronicle critic Cary Darling : “An involving and suspenseful action-thriller that Ryoo Seung-wan handles with flair, capably staging big action scenes - like the final, nerve-rattling drive to potential salvation – while not neglecting the human stories at their heart.”

“Mogul Mowgli” : Fresh off his powerful turn in “Sound of Metal,” Riz Ahmed plays a British-Pakistani rapper torn between his burgeoning career, a serious illness and his status as a man caught between two cultures. Directed by Bassam Tariq.

Variety critic Guy Lodge : “Ahmed affirms his standing as one of Britain’s most vital, risky actors, even in a role we thought we’d already seen him play.”

“CODA” : Remaking the 2014 French film “La Famille Belier,” director and co-screenwriter Sian Heder gives us a story of a teenager – a child of deaf adults or CODA – who wants to forge her own life but feels an obligation to her family. Starring Emilia Jones and a trio of real-life deaf actors, led by Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin .

Chicago Reader critic Becca James : “A coming-of-age story meant to move. And while the beats of the film may be predictable, it’s no less affecting.”

That’s the lot. So far.