Movies This Week: Cave of Skateland Pirates

I suppose there's some assumption that every single potential moviegoer will be seeing the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie, since very little else is opening in Austin today. However, the indie choices are quite, well, choice, so those of you who don't want to watch Johnny Depp camping it up in 3D (wow, when I describe it that way I almost want to go) have some other excellent options.

In addition, don't forget that the Paramount's annual Summer Classic Film Series starts tonight with, natch, Casablanca. The selection this year is especially inspired so do check out the schedule. I just bought a Film Fan membership myself and hope to be over there as much as I can manage.

Movies We've Seen:

• Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides -- The fourth movie in the popular series based on a Disney World ride will certainly draw big crowds this weekend. I do like seeing Johnny Depp in action as Captain Jack, but am feeling a little tired of the series myself (and burned out on 3D extravaganzas). But Mike says it's the best film since the first one, so maybe I need to rethink this. (wide)
• Skateland -- This locally produced movie played SXSW in 2010 and is now seeing a theatrical release. It's a sweet drama about East Texas teenagers in the 1980s, obviously inspired by John Hughes and that crowd. Shiloh Fernandez and Ashley Greene star. We've got tons of coverage for you to read: Don's review, Debbie's interview with Austin writer/producer Brandon Freeman, Debbie's SXSW review, and some fun photos of the cast from SXSW. (Arbor, Tinseltown North and South)

Other Movies Opening in Austin:

• Bill Cunningham New York -- I didn't even know this documentary was screening in Austin until I read Kimberley Jones' review today in the Austin Chronicle. It's about longtime New York Times photographer Cunningham. (Arbor)
• Cave of Forgotten Dreams -- The latest film from Werner Herzog, which played SXSW this year, returns to Austin with a couple of choices for audiences: 3D at Violet Crown, and 2D at Arbor. Despite what I said earlier, I may have to pick the 3D for this one. (Arbor, Violet Crown)