Movies This Week: July 6 - 12, 2012
Folks are still buzzing about last week's openers with many men opting to enjoy Ted while their wives and girlfriends flocked to see Magic Mike. I received reports from both a girlfriend within the theater and a male friend sitting in the lobby of Flix Brewhouse -- "There are only women here!" -- making Magic Mike one of the most gender-specific audiences since Sex in the City hit the big screen. Personally I'm opting for a screening of the humorous Ted this week.
The Paramount Theatre supplies a double dose of Christopher Guest's comedies with Best of Show and Lockhart-shot Waiting for Guffman on Tuesday and Wednesday. Anyone who brings a pet supply donation from the Austin Pets Alive! wish list to any Best in Show screening will receive a film pass to use at a later date. Pet owners can also submit a photo of their favorite pup on Facebook to win prizes from local canine greats. Check the Paramount event calendar for specific dates and times.
Tomorrow (July 7) at 3 pm, the Austin Film Festival "Made in Texas Family Film Series" features a free screening of The Iron Giant with Central Texas filmmaker Tim McCanlies at the Texas Spirit Theater. Note that AFF's "Made in Texas Film Series" screenings that were scheduled for the second Wednesday of the month seem to have moved back a week for July -- more details about the upcoming screening of Talk Radio in our next Movies This Week.
Movies We've Seen
The Amazing Spider-Man -- This reboot of the Spider-Man franchise is getting mixed reviews from critics, but fans may enjoy the new perspective brought by the filmmakers, including Austin-born co-writer Steve Kloves. I'm intrigued to see fight choreography that uses actual stuntmen and actors rather than relying on CGI effects. Mike says in his review, "Amid the complaints, this film must be noted for its outstanding action work." (wide)
To Rome with Love -- Woody Allen's latest film since his endearing and magical lettre d'amour, Midnight in Paris, takes viewers on a journey through Rome through the romance and adventures of some of its residents and visitors. J.C. states in his review, "To Rome with Love definitely has its moments, and it certainly isn't bad, but it would have been nice to see all of its parts come together a little better." (wide)
The Do-Deca-Pentathlon -- The latest film from former Austinites Mark and Jay Duplass (Cyrus, Baghead) centers around two competitive brothers who hold their own private Olympics with 25 events. J.C. saw this film at SXSW and stated in his review "With The Do-Deca-Pentathlon, the Duplass brothers continue to prove that their movies are worthy of being paid attention to." (Alamo Drafthouse -- Slaughter)
Katy Perry: Part of Me -- This documentary follows international pop phenomenon Katy Perry both on and off-stage on her concert tour. Rod saw it and says, "Part of Me is not all bubblegum, sugar and unicorns, but takes a serious and unvarnished look at the reality of one of the world's most famous pop stars." Look for his review this weekend. (wide)
Other Movies Opening in Austin
Savages -- Oliver Stone directs and co-writes this crime drama about two pot growers who are forced to deal with the Mexican drug cartel and rescue their mutual girlfriend with help from a dirty DEA agent. (wide)