Movies This Week: Micmacs and More

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As I'm preparing this, you'd think there was some nepotism going on, but honestly, it's not. It just so happens that Don got to review several limited release films over the last few weeks and they all seem to be opening today. And me, well, one of my reviews has been embargoed since March. But it's all good ... you get to read about what we've been seeing below. 

Cyrus -- Mark and Jay Duplass (The Puffy Chair) hit the mainstream with name stars in their latest relationship twister, but they maintain their offbeat roots as John (John C. Reilly) finds new love with Molly (Marisa Tomei), then meets her son, Cyrus (Jonah Hill). The Duplass brothers' deft touch for making uncomfortably realistic comedy continues. Read Don's review for more. (Arbor, Alamo Lamar)

Grown Ups -- Adam Sandler, David Spade and Rob Schneider cancel out Steve Buscemi, Selma Hayek and Maria Bello in this infantile reunion comedy. And it's directed by Richie Brockleman, err, Dennis Dugan. Um. Yeah. Don sacrificed his dignity to watch this one, so read his review for more to see if my analysis is on target. (wide)

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work -- The iconic comedian and home shopping diva is exposed in what's touted as both an intimate portrait and a scathing expose of the entertainment industry. Don's review can show you just how accurate that really is. (Arbor)

Knight and Day -- It's summer, so it's time for spies, romance and action, all in one. So Tom Cruise's Roy Miller isn't Jason Bourne, it's a summer movie, just go with it, and don't look too closely for logic breaks.  Read my review for more. (wide)

Micmacs -- Oh, Jeunet!  The man behind Delicatessen and Amélie brings his absurdist delights to revenge films that wowed crowds at Butt-Numb-a-Thon and SXSW, including the critics. Jeunet fans will notice references to his earlier work in this sweetly silly revenge comedy.  For more, read my review.  (Arbor, Dobie, Alamo Lamar)

Trash Humpers -- A special three-night engagement this week as part of SXSW Presents, Harmony Korine's latest follows a group of elderly semi-mutants. Let's just say unlike Knight and Day, there is no doubt to the origin of the title on this one. (Alamo Ritz)

Winter's Bone (pictured above) -- This SXSW 2010 selection has had low-key buzz ever since it screened. I wish I could tell you more about this thriller that focuses on a girl who tries to keep her family intact, but I haven't see it yet.  Directed and co-written by Debra Granik (Down to the Bone), it's probably safe to say this isn't a superficial filial thriller. (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.

Debbie --  I've loved the Flaming Lips ever since I saw them perform at Liberty Lunch in 1995. I thoroughly enjoyed The Fearless Freaks, a documentary about the band that premiered at SXSW 2006. New outdoor film venue Cinema East is featuring a free screening on Sunday, June 27. Filmmaker Bradley Beesley offers an intimate look at the band from Oklahoma, not just onstage but in their daily lives. Check out Jette's article on Cinema East's free summer film series.

Don -- I've seen the preview for Trash Humpers several times; obviously, it's a very odd film. I don't know whether it's odd in a good or bad way, but I'll be heading to the Alamo Ritz next week to find out.

Jette -- I'm feeling oddly tempted to stay up late for this week's Weird Wednesday selection, the 1971 film Preacherman, after reading Lars' description. In addition, I'm thinking of heading to The Highball on Saturday at 5 pm for "The Dude Imbibes," a pub quiz based entirely on The Big Lebowski. There's even a costume contest, and I may sample my first White Russian since high school.