Movies This Week: Meek's Borrowed Beaver Thor

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Hobo with a Shotgun

The summer movie season is underway this week with a brand-new Hollywood comic-book movie, Thor, directed by blockbuster moviemaker Kenneth Branagh. (I wish he'd go back to Shakespeare.) However, here in Austin we have plenty of new indie movies too, if you're not in the mood for something big and loud and 3D.

Movies We've Seen:

  • The Beaver -- Scripted by Austin TV and film writer Kyle Killen, this twisted comedy/drama premiered at SXSW. I liked it well enough -- yes, even Mel Gibson, who handles a beaver hand puppet better than you'd think -- but wished it were a little edgier. Read Jenn's review for a slightly different point of view. (Arbor)
  • Meek's Cutoff -- This AFF 2010 selection returns to Austin for a theatrical release. Directed by Kelly Reichardt, who brought us Wendy and Lucy and Old Joy. Don enjoyed the movie very much, noting in his review that although it is set in late 19th century Oregon, it is not your typical Western. (Arbor, Violet Crown)
  • Something Borrowed -- Judging by Elizabeth's review, this romantic comedy was only watchable for Kate Hudson, and the costuming would appall the Go Fug Yourself chicks. You want to watch something entertaining about best friends and weddings, wait for Bridesmaids next week. You'll thank me later.(wide)
  • Thor -- Another Marvel comic-book adaptation, another stepping-stone to the Avengers movie ... but directed by Kenneth Branagh, with a cast that includes Anthony Hopkins and Stellan Skarsgard. And it's in 3D. Read Mike's review to find out why he was impressed. (wide)

In addition to new movies, I'd like to point out a few notable holdovers. The documentary American: The Bill Hicks Story is in its third week at Alamo Drafthouse Village -- apparently it's more popular than expected. Locally shot music doc Echotone (Debbie's review) returns to Alamo Ritz for a few days, then finishes the week at Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar. And Fantastic Fest 2010 selection 13 Assassins (my review), which sold out the Ritz multiple times in the past week (I felt lucky to get a decent seat on Monday night), moves over to Alamo on South Lamar. Yes, the Takashi Miike samurai film is on VOD too, but I've seen it twice in a theater and can't recommend it enough.

Other Movies Opening in Austin:

  • Hobo with a Shotgun -- Somehow we all missed this faux-exploitation movie when it played SXSW (you know what a wuss I am about midnight screenings) but it's back in town for a theatrical run. It may be a Canadian movie, but its origin heavily involves Austin. (Alamo Ritz)
  • Jumping the Broom -- Another wedding-related comedy, this one starring Angela Bassett. Did I mention you should see Bridesmaids next week? (wide)
  • There Be Dragons -- Roland Joffe directed this drama about a journalist who investigates events in the Spanish Civil War that relate to his father. Look for a review from Mike in the next few days. (Arbor, Tinseltown North)
  • 100% Love -- It's a Bollywood romance ... that's about all I can find out. (Tinseltown South)