Movies This Week: Expendables Get Scott Love
Wow, apparently that special Scott Pilgrim screening with the director and cast last night was nutcluster. We were going to cover the event, but couldn't bear the idea of waiting in an hour-long (at least) line in triple-digit weather. I hope it lives up to the hype. We were able to get to other films opening in town this week, though, including a few lesser-known films you might enjoy.
The Dry Land -- Uneasy homecoming of a Texas vet, starring America Ferrera and Wilmer Valderrama written/directed by former Austinite Ryan Piers Williams. Read Don's review. (Arbor)
Eat Pray Love -- Adapting the best-selling book about a woman travelling the world in search of herself has more people talking than Under the Tuscan Sun. Elizabeth can tell you how faithful and effective the adaptation was (or was not). (wide)
The Expendables -- Such a man-cave movie there's even a man-cave in this romanticized actioner featuring some of the hottest action stars around (past and present). Check out Debbie's review. (wide)
Get Low (pictured above) -- I had to miss this complex, beautifully crafted period drama starring Robert Duvall at SXSW, but I'm really glad I saw it recently. If you like smart, funny, heartbreaking films, you will, too. Check out my review. (Arbor, Lamar)
Peepli Live -- Bollywood drama about two poor farmers considering suicide to pay off a government loan on the eve of national elections who spark a media frenzy when someone suggests they suicide in order to pay off a government loan. Nominated for a World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. (Tinseltown 17)
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World -- The internet has been geekgasming over the books for months, and the screenings in town have been insane, including last night's special Fantastic Fest/AICN screening with director Edgar Wright and the cast. (wide)
Check out our personal picks below. Don't forget you can always alert us to special screenings, new film series, etc.
Debbie -- I read Eat Pray Love awhile back and although I wasn't sure about seeing the film adaption, how can I resist a Eat Pray Love Feast at the Alamo Drafthouse in my neighborhood? It will be my first dining experience at Lake Creek since Tim League took over as Alamo Drafthouse CEO, so I'm optimistic to see an improvement in the food and service at this location.
Don -- I really enjoyed a special Austin Film Festival screening of The Dry Land on Tuesday and highly recommend this gritty indie about the ravages of post-traumatic stress disorder, playing at the Arbor.
Elizabeth -- My ticket is already purchased for The Red Shoes. The new restored print of this British technicolor classic is showing at the Paramount this weekend. It should be gorgeous! [Jenn can confirm from BNAT 2009, it is, and well worth seeing.]
Jenn -- Cinema Cocktails with the Thin Man at the Alamo Ritz on Saturday. I love that movie, and having cocktails when watching is a great way to cool off on a hot afternoon.
Jette -- Going to The Red Shoes at Paramount and maybe Ran too if time permits. (Helluva double feature there.) In addition, Don and I have tickets for Sunday night's Alamo Cinema Club screening (at Ritz) of the Preston Sturges 1944 comedy The Miracle of Morgan's Creek. And which learned film scholar will be discussing this classic movie with us? Joe Bob Briggs. Can't wait.