Movies This Week: Country Made in Summer Casino Season

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How 'bout that cedar fever? Me, I've managed to avoid allergies for over a decade, but this week they are kicking my sinuses to kingdom come and back. Thank goodness there are theaters to hide in where the pollen count is hopefully lower.

Movies We've Seen:

Casino Jack -- I wish I liked this biopic from Austin Film Festival better, it's got all the makings: Kevin Spacey in an outrageously real role in a contemporary cautionary tale about a man who helped contribute to the current financial and political climate. Read Don's review for more. (Arbor)

Country Strong -- Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw headline this country music drama. Of all the film formulas, the aspiring country star has got to be one of my least favorite. Will this (along with TRON: Legacy) help Garrett Hedlund become a star? Read Mike's review to find out. (wide)

Made in Dagenham -- This perfect serviceable period piece is about an equal rights strike that brought Britain to its knees in the 1960s, but there are two things you should know. First, the fact that it got made is a testament to its relevance. Second, Sally Hawkins gives an outstanding performance that will be robbed if she doesn't win awards. Read Elizabeth's review for more. (Arbor)

Other New Movies:

No One Killed Jessica -- Bollywood thriller about a murdered model and her sister trying to bring the killer to justice. (Tinseltown 17)

Season of the Witch -- Witches, knights and the Black Plague, as played by Nic Cage. You already know if you're going to see it before I finish writing this sentence. Look for Mike's review this weekend. (wide)

Summer Wars -- Do you like your anime dubbed (Lamar) or subtitled (Ritz)? It's your choice with this Fantastic Fest 2010 selection about a "Nerdling pretending to be the boyfriend of a schoolmate on her summer trip to her aging grandmother's house." Jette reviewed the movie for Cinematical. (Lamar, Ritz)

Other Special Screenings:

In lieu of staff picks this week, Jette has recommendations for a few notable movie events in Austin:

  • Blue Starlite Drive-In is celebrating Elvis's birthday on Saturday with a screening of Blue Hawaii at 6 pm. Stick around and watch the 1969 True Grit adaptation at 8 pm (which has nothing to do with The King). You can now pay and reserve in advance if you're actually driving in to see movies at Blue Starlite; pedestrians and cyclists can pay at the door.
  • SXSW Presents is bringing Enter the Void back to Austin -- the uncut festival version -- on Saturday at Alamo Ritz, and then on weekdays next week at Alamo Village.
  • Movie Monday at Alamo Ritz this week is Lou Adler's 1981 punk classic, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains. See an amazingly young Diane Lane and Laura Dern! Hear great punk music! Would you pick this or Country Strong for your Struggling Musician film?
  • Austin Film Society starts a new Essential Cinema series this week: "Agnes on Agnes: Le Cinema du Varda," on Tuesday nights at Alamo on South Lamar. This Tuesday's Agnes Varda selection is the 1985 film Vagabond.
  • This month's AFS Documentary Tour film is My Perestroika, playing Wednesday night at Alamo on South Lamar. Filmmaker Robin Hessman will be in attendance. Get tickets now, since the Doc Tour films nearly always sell out.
  • The Paramount starts a run of classic movies this month with a noir double-feature next Thursday and Friday: Out of the Past and Laura.