Movies This Week: June 29 - July 5, 2012
The Fourth of July holiday week brings plenty of well hyped Hollywood product to your local multiplex, along with Matthew McConaughey's oiled glutes. I'll just stop there and move on to the special screenings.
Missing your high school days? You can't get them back, but you can revisit them via Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Fast Times at Ridgemont High at the Paramount on Thursday. They're perfect summer films; Bueller's antics are legendary, and Slackerwood editor Jette Kernion knows I can't mention Fast Times without also mentioning the watershed moment in film artistry that involves Phoebe Cates and a swimming pool. See the Paramount and Stateside calendar for details.
On a slightly more serious note, the Austin Film Society's Essential Cinema series continues with a screening of Soy Cuba on Tuesday at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. Soviet director Mikhail Kalatozov's 1964 documentary is known for its astounding cinematography as much as its pro-revolutionary rhetoric.
Your kids no doubt are bored with summer already; help them beat the heat at a free 3D screening of the superb Coraline on Sunday morning at Alamo South Lamar ... or any weekday morning through Thursday. This charming, wondrously animated fantasy about a young girl discovering an alternate version of her life will please any kid (or adult) looking for cinematic adventure.
Movies We've Seen
People Like Us -- In this family drama, a salesman discovers a sister he never knew about, leading both siblings to re-examine what they know about their family. Debbie praised the film in her review, saying People Like Us is "a thoughtful and compelling film that tugs at both the guitar and heart strings." (wide)
Your Sister's Sister -- Emily Blunt and the increasingly (and deservedly) ubiquitous Mark Duplass star in this story in which a young woman invites her friend to stay at her family's remote island cabin after his brother dies. A drunken encounter between him the woman's sister sparks plenty of relationship drama. Mike has lots of great things to say about the film in his review, calling it "a charming, funny and lovely diversion into an unlikely reality." (Arbor, Violet Crown)
Magic Mike -- Matthew McConaughey is a hoot in this Steven Soderbergh film about male strippers, but he's the only spark in a mostly dull film. There's plenty of beefcake, but no sizzle. As I said in my review (look for it this weekend), "When the guys aren't dancing, the film feels directionless and listless, like the strippers the morning after a drug-fueled all-nighter." (wide)
Ted -- Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis star in writer/director Seth MacFarlane's oddball comedy about a man whose teddy bear has been by his side since it came to life in his childhood. Rod says, "The character of Ted is skillfully brought to life in the able hands of skilled comedic writer MacFarlane. The character of Ted is believable -- you'd want to hang with him if given the chance." Look for his review this weekend. I'll add my two cents, actually two words: Mila Kunis. 'Nuff said. (wide)
Other Movies Opening in Austin
The Amazing Spider-Man -- In this latest installment of the Spider-Man franchise, Peter Parker is on a quest to learn why his parents disappeared when he was young. His journey leads him to his father's former partner, Dr. Curt Connors. Look for Mike's review when the movie opens on Tuesday. (wide)
Katy Perry: Part of Me -- Fans of Perry (Katy, not Rick) no doubt will flock to this documentary about the pop sensation. I'd be there for the opening on Thursday, but gosh darnit, I'll be out of the country. (wide)
Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection -- Perry's latest Aunt Madea film features an investment banker who becomes embroiled in his company's Ponzi scheme and is relocated to Aunt Madea's southern home for his protection. I've never gotten the appeal of Aunt Madea, but I give Perry credit for knowing how to please his audience. (wide)