“Hostiles” (**1/2 out of four) was an intermittently powerful and affecting drama set in 1892 when a tough U.S. Cavalry officer (Christian Bale) is tasked with escorting a dying Cheyenne chief (Wes Studi) and a widow (Rosamund Pike) through dangerous territory back home where they face peril and death at almost every turn. Beautiful photography and some moments of emotional power about killing and being killed are muted by overlength and film’s meandering pace. Strong final scenes, however, make you realize that this was overall a journey worth taking. Max Richter’s haunting Muzak score is a definite plus as well.