Movies This Week: Wartime Panda Hangover
Two sequels and three indies ... that's a typical summer movie weekend for you in Austin. One of the sequels is trying to be as raunchy as possible, one is trying to entertain entire families, including grown-ups. I personally would rather see silly animated kung fu spoofery than a bunch of guys dealing with the dumb things they do while drunk, but your mileage may vary. And if none of that sounds appealing, you'll find plenty of new and continuing indie films in town. Personally, I may see Bridesmaids again if I can persuade my husband to accompany me.
Don't forget that the Paramount is showing a great mix of Lone Star movies this week as part of the Texas Film Commission 40th Anniversary lineup. On Saturday, Robert Rodriguez will introduce Spy Kids and Richard Linklater will introduce Dazed and Confused (pictured above). [Update: Rodriguez will also give the Sat. audience a first look at the trailer for Spy Kids 4.] And if you really need a bargain movie experience, check out our Guide to Free (and Cheap) Summer Movies in Austin.
Movies We've Seen:
The Hangover Part II -- As the tagline tells us, the Wolf Pack is back. One of these movies was enough for me, and judging by the similarity of the trailers for the original and the sequel, I won't be missing much. Mike says in his review that while he was disappointed with many things about the movie, it's worth seeing "if you have a thick skin and enjoy a good shock treatment." (wide)
Kung Fu Panda 2 -- I'm much happier that the Furious Five are back, especially since Elizabeth is so pleased with the sequel in her review. I was pleasantly surprised by the first movie and look forward to the continuing adventures of Po the panda and his gang. I may even brave a 3D screening on Elizabeth's recommendation. (wide)
Other Movies Opening in Austin:
The First Grader -- This feature is based on a true story about an 84-year-old veteran in Kenya determined to get formal schooling, starting from the beginning. (Arbor)
Nora's Will (Cinco dias sin Nora) -- This Mexican film won an audience award at Cine Las Americas 2009 and now returns to Austin for a theatrical run. A Jewish family has to deal with their mother's death at the beginning of Passover. For more details, read Marjorie Baumgarten's review in the Austin Chronicle -- it's their "pick of the week." (Arbor)
Winter in Wartime (Oorlogswinter) -- This Dutch drama about a teenage boy joining the French Resistance during WWII is finally opening in Austin. Apparently the 2008 movie was so popular in the Netherlands that it outgrossed one of the Twilight movies. (Arbor)