Movies This Week: Away We Go, from Browncoats to Pure Imagination

No bike rally this week, so it's safe to be back on the streets again. Well, relatively speaking. It's certainly quieter, isn't it?

Opening this Week

Away We Go is the first-run film to see this weekend. It's a sweet, snarky, and smart road trip romantic comedy about a young couple (Maya Rudolph, John Krasinski) expecting their first baby. Unhappy in their living situation, and suddenly with no local connections, they embark on a transcontinental journey to find the perfect place to raise their child, near either friends or family. The film unfolds as a caustic examination of family value archetypes.

From Allison Janney's caustic (and hysterically funny) negligence to Maggie Gyllenhall's excessively new-age parenting philosophy, there's a lot to see that's both obvious and subtle. While Krasinski frequently falls into a Seth Rogan impersonation, Maya Rudolph steals every scene she's in, even if she's only widening her eyes -- whether it's a 'in-law' with belly appropriation issues or judgmental airline reps. This is one you'll regret not seeing in theaters, as it's bound to be on a lot of "Best of" lists. It's already topping my mental list for the best releases this year.

Year One is just the opposite. Run, don't walk, away. It's the caveman village idiot's re-imagining of History of the World: Pt I. I'll give it credit for one thing: it's helped me solidify why I dislike Jack Black and Will Ferrell movies so much. They always act like they're on a stage, and always seem to assume their audience is slow on the uptake. Michael Cera is the angst-y younger version of those same flawed characters. The dialogue would get a film student kicked out of school, it's so bad. What scares me is how many people were laughing throughout the film, but maybe it was schadenfreude.

The Proposal, Sandra Bullock's latest has an interesting pedigree. It's written by Eagle Eye producer Pete Chiarelli, directed by Anne Fletcher (27 Dresses), and its executive producers include Lost, Alias, and Star Trek writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, I'm not sure what to think. Jette caught an advanced screening earlier this week, and you can read her review on Cinematical.

Easy Virtue may have an even smaller audience than Away We Go, but if you enjoy early 20th-century period films, or Noel Coward, or music, make a point to check it out. Between World War I and II, domestic skirmishes involving a new bride and a controlling mother-in-law drag the entire household into a war of wills and comedy of errors. Director Stephan Elliot (The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert) has assembled an outstanding cast, including Kristin Scott Thomas (I've Loved You So Long), Jessica Biel, Ben Barnes (Stardust), and the ever popular Colin Firth (Love, Actually). Love Actually costar Kris Marshall, playing Furber the butler, silently but very expressively steals every scene he's in. When he does speak, the humor is even drier than his sardonic tongue-biting.

Only the second time Coward's play been captured on film, (the first being a silent film by Alfred Hitchcock), Easy Virtue is more of a comedy than the melodrama that the synopsis might imply. It's light-hearted snark and observation on outdated mores, with a mix of authentic period music and newer songs re-imagined to fit, including Rose Royce's "Car Wash," Billy Ocean's "When the Going Gets Tough," and a hefty selection of Noel Coward-penned tunes.

On to specific film events -- remember, this is not a comprehensive list, but just the highlights.

Friday

Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory plays on the Whole Foods rooftop Friday night. Special 'feast' deals are available for $15, but are optional. Admission to the movie is free. I happen to love both versions of this Roald Dahl story, but Gene Wilder's coy Wonka (as opposed to Johnny Depp's neurotic one) has a special place in my heart. If you miss it, you can always catch the movie again at the Deep Eddy Pool Splash Party Movie Nights in July.

Remix Austin! is hosting a free screening of Sita Sings the Blues, which was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award as well as being an official selection at last year's Austin Film Festival. I regretfully had to miss the AFF screening because of schedule logistics, and it's been on my "need to see" list ever since. Remix Austin sponsors local Creative Commons and remix culture events. The screening starts at 7 pm at Channel Austin.

Saturday

Federico Fellini's 8 1/2 was rained out last week, so Alamo is adding two shows this weekend at the Ritz. This is not only a classic film, but the black-and-white cinematography really enhances the surreality of the film. Saturday's screening is at 1:30 pm, still early enough for brunch, which seems perfect to me.

This weekend is Gene Kelly heaven, with Singin' in the Rain and An American in Paris at the Paramount Summer Film Series Expect the screenings to be packed.

Sunday

It's Father's Day on Sunday. If you haven't picked out a gift, take your dad to Alamo Ritz for a special screening of The Royal Tenenbaums. You have the option of a feast, or regular admission. The Wes Anderson film is also playing on Monday and Wednesday.

Austin Film Festival is co-hosting a screening of the Austin-made film Gretchen at the Blanton Museum as part of their New Directions Summer Film Series on Sunday. [Jette interrupts to note that she's hoping to attend, preferably dragging her husband along so he can finally see the movie she's been talking about for three years.]

Monday

This week's Summer Kids' Camp movie at Alamo South is The Goonies. It's free, so grab the chance to see this on the big screen if you can. Chunk wants you there. At Alamo Village, it's Kung Fu Panda (which apparently is playing every kid-friendly summer series in town). [Jette interrupts again to shamelessly link to her Cinematical review for Kung Fu Panda and to recommend the movie for all ages. Yes, Jenn, even though it stars Jack Black.]

Tuesday

Hey, Homo! is presenting the 1964 film Strait-Jacket (not to be confused with another perfect for Hey, Homo! film, Straight Jacket) at Alamo Ritz. Joan Crawford stars as an axe-wielding murderess let loose from the asylum, and murders are happening again? No need for wire hangers here, although a few martinis or Alamojitos would do.

A double-feature of My Man Godfrey and Easy Living is playing at the Paramount Tuesday and Wednesday. [Jette interrupts one last time to hype two of her favorite Thirties comedies to the skies. You especially want to see MMG in a theater because Gregory La Cava created some incredible Depression-era sets.]

Wednesday

Alamo Drafthouse, being a local business, is a big supporter of other local businesses. Sinsations, an adult sexuality shop, is losing its lease, a story very familiar to other independent business owners in town over the past several years. The Alamo is hosting a special screening of The Swinging Co-Eds with all box-office receipts going to help store founder Morgan Sloane relocate.

RiP: A Remix Manifesto is playing in town again at Alamo Lake Creek, and again for free. This got a lot of positive buzz at SXSW, so check it out.

Thursday

Movies in the Park (Central Market North) is showing Serenity on Thursday night. Expect a crowd. This Joss Whedon favorite features a great cast, interesting story, and should have blown away the box office, but didn't.

El Norte will screen at Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum as part of the Altered Lives: An Immigration Film Series from Cine Las Americas. Members of Austin film organizations get free admission; it's $5 for non-members.

Coen Brothers fans can enjoy Fargo and The Big Lebowski Thursday and Friday as part of the Paramount Summer Film Series.

AFF Presents at Alamo Lake Creek will show AFF 2008 selection Psycho Sleepover. If you have any appreciation for Troma-type films, this is a must-see, if only for the mime death scene. It's silly, gory, and fun.