Movies This Week: Imaginarium of Crazy Broken Daybreaker Youth

Unlike last week, it seems like a backlog of late-2009 releases is finally hitting Austin. Take your pick, there's something for everyone. 

Broken Embraces -- Pedro Almodóvar's latest and most sedate film. Technically sound, emotionally distant, it makes me want to see one of his crazier films. Find out more about the film from my review. (Arbor)

Crazy Heart -- There's been a lot of praise for Jeff Bridges's performance, but I don't see him stretching any acting muscles on this one. The plot's weak, and a major plot point involves an unlikely romance with one of the most convoluted women characters written for a major release in years. Debbie's review. (Arbor)

Daybreakers -- The Spierig brothers are at it again, mixing up genres, this time on a bigger scale, and with a great take on vampires.  As a fan of Undead, I knew they'd mix things up, but they surpassed my expectations.  If you like vampires, or viral horror, you're gonna come out of the theater happy. This one holds up on second viewing, too. Debbie's review. Also, check out my interview with the Spierigs. (wide)

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus -- Terry Gilliam's latest is perhaps his most mature and most imaginative, with the late Heath Ledger's last performance. Gilliam had to get very creative in filming the final scenes, but Heath's friends pull through. Jette's review. (wide)

Leap Year -- Another opening weekend, another romance. This one has promise, with two charismatic leads (Amy Adams and Matthew Goode, pictured above).  Girl goes to Ireland on leap year to force Guy to say Yes ... but there's a hitch or two. (wide)

Youth in Revolt -- Based on the C.D. Payne novel, a lot of people at Austin Film Festival were impressed with Michael Cera's alter-ego performance, but to me, it was only a variation on a theme. (wide)

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. 

And now, our picks of the week:

Jette: I've got tickets to see Harmony and Me on Sunday night at Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar, even though I saw it previously and reviewed it at Austin Film Festival. The Austin-shot film is playing nightly through Thursday, and Austin Film Society members get a discount on Monday, so check it out.

Debbie: I loved Imaginarium, and will see it again!

Jenn: Monster Squad. I've seen it, it's fun, and the idea of seeing it with filmmakers and cast members, this is a perfect activity for a Saturday night.