Movies This Week: Please Give the Karate A-Team the City of Emergency
What is with this heavy weather? Intense thunderstorms, July's sweltering heat in early June? At least we have plenty of theaters to chill in. Many films are holding their own from the blockbuster wannabees to the indies getting the time to find their audiences. But there are a few new ones to check out.
The A-Team (pictured above)-- Guaranteed to be a man-cave must-have, but with Bradley Cooper shirtless for half the movie, there's plenty for the ladies to look at, too. Joe Carnahan revives the much-beloved 80s TV staple, with an all-star cast and following Hannibal Smith's philosophy: "Overkill is underrated." Read my review for more. (wide)
Karate Kid-- This reimagining has incited protests (including one in Austin tonight). Despite the misnomer (it's now kung fu, not karate), this overlong, over produced story full of cliches isn't as bad as feared. In fact, cast against type Jackie Chan in a serious role and Jaden Smith shine when they can overcome the overpolished dialogue and story. Still, it's at least 20 minutes too long with too many prettified training montages that are a bit creepy considering the star is supposed to be 12 years old. See Debbie's review for more. (wide)
Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders -- The title says it all about this 2008 documentary focusing on a non-profit organization full of medical professionals who risk their lives to help others. (Dobie)
Please Give -- This light indie drama starring the always-watchable Catherine Keener will not make my list of top films for 2010, but contains some incredible vignettes in this character-driven study of confused priorities. Ignore the overlight story, and watch it for the outstanding portrayal of family dynamics, from mother and teenage daughter to granddaughters caring for their ancient grandmother. See Jette's review for more. (Arbor, Lamar)
The City of Your Final Destination -- Director James Ivory is back with his third feature since producing partner Ismail Merchant passed away, but he's still working with frequent collaborator Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. This time they've adapted a Peter Cameron book about a young doctoral candidate attempting to write a biography who has to get clearances first. The cast includes Anthony Hopkins, Laura Linney, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Hiroyuki Sanada. (Arbor)
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.
Elizabeth -- Next Thursday Black Narcissus is showing at the Harry Ransom Center (free) as part of the Center's Making Movies Film Series. Deborah Kerr, madness, sexual tension, nuns, and Technicolor ... this movie's got it all, really.
Jenn -- I may finally catch Exit Through the Gift Shop. Yeah, I'm a late starter. And busy. But people are still raving about it.
Jette -- Alamo Free Summer Kids Camp is showing the delightful Coraline in 3D at the South Lamar theater, Monday through Thursday at 11 am. A 3D movie for free, how can you top that? And it's one of the only movies I have ever preferred in 3D over traditional 2D.