Movies This Week: Dear John with Love

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It is a very, very light week for movie releases, folks, at least in Austin. There are several movies getting limited release, but only two new regular-run films in town that I can see. And with the SXSW features lineup announced, we're all distracted anyway. 

Here's what's opening in Austin theaters this week:

Dear John -- A serviceable romance about a serviceman and the coed who loves him. It's Nicholas Sparks through and through, but despite that, it's not bad. Channing Tatum does big and broody sensitive guy well, and he and Amanda Seyfried have solid chemistry.  It's a little romance that despite tripping up at the start of the third act, is an entertaining journey. And it has a refreshing twist I won't spoil. Read Debbie's review for more details.(wide)

From Paris with Love -- Am I the only one tired of John Travolta playing the same foul-mouthed tough guy? Every time I see the trailer, I am reminded of Broken ArrowThe Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 and Swordfish. That's not an endorsement.   

The Yes Men Fix The World -- Alamo Ritz is showing this latest film from Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno, aka the Yes Men, all week long. The film first played Austin during SXSW 2009.

In addition, An Education is back in theaters, following its Oscar nominations for Best Actress (Carey Mulligan), Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. Check out Jette's review from 2009.

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.

Here are our picks for this week:

Debbie: Sorry I missed An Education first time around, so we'll be catching that film this weekend.

Jette: Have you seen A Town Called Panic yet? It's still playing nightly at Alamo South. Cheval! Cowboy! Indian! Why it wasn't nominated for an Oscar, I'll never know.