The Choral (out Jan 1) is well-intentioned but trying too hard. Set in World War I, it's the tale of an English choirmaster (Ralph Fiennes) who rubs a few people up the wrong way because of his beliefs, work history and sexuality. For the most part it's a formulaic screenplay where the dialogue lacks spontaneity. The film’s highlight is a final-act sequence involving Tony Award winning actor Simon Russell Beale. Grade: B-.