Movies This Week: A Maid Called Extraordinary Legion

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So many eyes are on Park City, Utah, as it's Sundance time, but that doesn't mean there aren't films opening in Austin this week.

Extraordinary Measures -- Sick kids and gravitas. It's just not my thing.  But if you like those kinda movies, Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser probably bring it.  (wide)

Legion -- Much more my style, but unfortunately the film had no advance screening in Austin. Paul Bettany plays a fallen angel who fights to save mankind by saving an unborn child. It looks like a mashup of The Prophecy and Resident Evil, but I still want to watch it. (wide)

The Maid -- Sundance-winning Chilean black comedy about a maid 23 years with the same family (pictured above) facing the servitude that's been her life. It's Oscar shortlisted and is laden with awards, so if you don't fear the subtitles, it's a must-see. (Arbor) 

Red Cliff -- Austin Film Festival selection directed by John Woo and starring the very talented Tony Leung in a action/history lesson about a legendary battle ending the Han Dynasty. (Dobie)

Tooth Fairy --  The Rock, excuse me, Dwayne Johnson, dresses up in tights and a pink tutu to learn some life lesson. I am thankful I don't have kids to drag me to this one. (wide) 

A Town Called Panic --  This crowd pleaser at Fantastic Fest is shortlisted for an Oscar. It's based on a Belgian TV series and is one of the most delightfully absurd films ever. If you're inner child isn't laughing along with the ridiculous antics of Cowboy and Indian, as their attempt to do something for their roommate Horse's birthday, your inner child is dead. Check out Jette's review at Cinematical (it was one of her top films of 2009). (Alamo Ritz)

To Save a Life -- It's "inspirational," which makes me cringe. It didn't screen in advance, which makes me think there's a built-in audience out there. Apparently it's the story of a big man on campus who gets humble after a neglected friend turns himself into a headline. (wide) 

Veer -- Indians versus Brits in this period piece about a hero who doesn't trust the Brits.  (Cinemark Tinseltown 17)

Check our event calendar for special film events, and our personal picks below. Don't forget you can always alert us to special screenings, new film series, etc. 

Debbie:  I love old Twilight Zone episodes, but especially "To Serve Man." On a different note, one of my favorite 91.7 KVRX college radio programs of the mid-nineties was a dub music program by The Dub Vendor, Andy G. Therefore, I'm quite intrigued by the To Serve Man Dubstep Sci Fi Screening at Alamo Lake Creek next Thursday. 

Jenn: "Cheval!"  With some Nutella. Or waffles.

Jette: Agreeing with Jenn. Can't wait to see A Town Called Panic again.