Movies This Week: The Footloose Firefly Weekend Way

Need to get your "free" on? The Whole Foods Sunset Supper Cinema tonight features Hook at the Lamar location. On Wednesday, Cine Las Americas presents Rosa blanca (White Rose) plays at the MACC as part of its free "Literature in Mexican Cinema" series. Plus, you can find free screenings during the week as part at various Austin Public Library locations.

You have one more chance to catch Austin Chronicle cover-story filmmaker Heather Courtney's Where Soldiers Come From (Jette's review), on Saturday at the Alamo Drafthouse Ritz. If you haven't already seen it, it's another outstanding locally made film we can't recommend enough.

Cine Las Americas also presents Octubre at the Alamo Village on Sunday. While this movie isn't free, it did win the 2010 Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at Cannes. Check the Alamo website for more.

Movies We've Seen:

El Bulli: Cooking in Progress (pictured above) -- A documentary about the process of developing and delivering some of the most unique cousine at what was considered the world's best restaurant, as well as the imagination of chef Ferran Adrià. Read my review for more ... then go to dinner; you will be hungry. (Violet Crown)

Fireflies in the Garden -- This semi-autobiographical drama of family reconciliation was filmed in Austin, Bastrop and Smithville with an all-star cast. J.C. says, "Never judge a book by its cover and Fireflies in the Garden is a good example why." Read his review for details. (Cinemark Tinseltown)

Footloose -- New take on the classic Kevin Bacon dance classic. Mike says it's "one of the best remakes ever and a loving homage to the original." Look for his review this weekend. (wide)

The Thing -- A prequel to John Carpenter's classic horror film ... but is it worthy of the title? J.C. says the movie "burdens itself with the weight of its predecessor, and it collapses under all that pressure." Read his review this weekend to find out more.

The Way --Emilio Esteves wrote, directed and stars alongside his father Martin Sheen in this drama about a father who travels to Europe to recover his son's body. Mike saw it and says it's "one of the most mature, poignant, spiritual voyages I've had the privilege to watch. Anyone who has lost someone or who has personal demons to exorcise should see this film." Read his review, then go see the film. (Arbor, Barton Creek)

Weekend -- This SXSW Audience Award winner about a one-night stand that turns into a weekend won me over. J.C. calls it "a fresh and unique take on love in the 21st century." Read his review. (Violet Crown)

Other Movies Opening in Austin:

The Big Year -- Male bonding over bird watching. This movie stars Jack Black, Owen Wilson and Steve Martin ... and did not screen in advance for Austin critics. (wide)