Movies This Week: The Book of Lovely Zombie Spies

in

Back into the post-holiday swing of things, yet? There's not much out there new film-wise, but it's another week, and more new releases.

The Book of Eli --  Post-apocalyptic tale about a lone man who takes on a corrupt town with desperate townsfolk. Keep an eye out for Debbie's review. (Wide)

The Lovely Bones -- The novel by Alice Sebold blew me away. Peter Jackson's film adaptation, not so much, with some of the least energetic performances by otherwise good actors. However, that doesn't apply to Saoirse Ronan, who doesn't seem able to deliver anything but engaging performances.  From what I can tell, those who like it seem to be those who haven't read the book. Read my review for more details. (wide)

A Single Man -- The plot on IMDb says it's about an English professor who tries to go about a typical day in 1960s Los Angeles while still mourning the sudden death of his partner. I see it has Colin Firth, Matthew Goode and Julianne Moore in it. Enough said ... by me. Jette has more to say in her review. (Arbor, Alamo South Lamar)

The Spy Next Door -- Jackie Chan. Babysitting. As a spy. Wait, excuse me, former spy. Is this a remake of The Pacifier? (wide)

Zombie Girl: The Movie -- Austinite Emily Hagins made her first feature film, Pathogen, at the ripe old age of 11. Curious about that? Check out this limited run of a festival favorite at Alamo Ritz for four days. Who knows, maybe local directors Justin Johnson, Aaron Marshall, or Erik Mauck might be there, or Zombie Girl herself. (Alamo Ritz)

Chance Pe Dance -- Bollywood dance fare about Sameer, an energetic hopeful who finds himself teaching dance to uninterested kids as he struggles to get his big break. (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. 

And now, our picks of the week:

Debbie:  The trailer for The Lovely Bones looks interesting enough to tempt me to see the movie this weekend. Also planning a girls' outing to see Leap Year.

Jenn: I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted. But I can't help thinking I need to see Weird Wednesday this week, because with a title like Lord Love a Duck, the film kinda begs to be seen. 

Jette: Without a doubt, I cannot miss seeing Heavenly Creatures in a theater. Peter Jackson's 1994 film, which I think is his very best, is playing at Alamo Ritz on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey are incredible. Don't miss this.