Movies This Week: Amelia, Astro Boy, Assistants and Good Hair
Surprise! We're busy into Austin Film Festival, but there are actually a number ofmovies being released this week that aren't playing at AFF.
Amelia -- They had me at "Mira Nair" (Monsoon Wedding, The Namesake), and lost me in one of the least cohesive films I've seen in a long time. If you're addicted to period pics, you'll still be disappointed. Read my full review for more.
Astro Boy -- The latest adaptation of the manga-fied Pinocchio-esque story of a robot boy. It's not just a kid's movie, it's actually a little bit dark, and a little bit smart. And the animation is so sharp it almost felt like 3D. The three kids I saw it with give it three thumbs up.
Blue -- Hindi language, filmed in Thailand, with a cameo by Kylie Minogue. How could I not list it? That's not an endorsement, but it seems so ... noteworthy.
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant -- This film aimed at young adults had a gala premiere at Fantastic Fest just last month. I was not able to catch it, but Debbie did.
Dungeon Masters -- This documentary about D&D players was a SXSW selection. Endorsement enough for you?
Good Hair -- Talking to an African-American woman about the time and money invested in hair styles has to be one of the most revealing conversations I've ever had. Now that very subject has been documented in by Chris Rock (pictured above) after his daughter asked about "good hair." I can't wait to see this one.
The Nightmare Before Christmas in 3D -- The 1993 film gets a 3D rendering and a new theatrical release.
Saw VI -- If you've seen any of Saw I-V, you know what you're in for.
This is It -- Some of the last footage ever taken of Michael Jackson as assembled by Kenny Ortega, the director behind the High School Musical franchise. Austin is full of MJ fans, so you might want to buy your tickets early.
Check our event calendar for special film events, and our personal picks below:
Jette: I'll be at Austin Film Festival all week, but Chip and I are actually going to a festival event together -- the Apollo 13 retrospective at the Paramount, which will have a number of special guests and a pre-movie show of some real Apollo 13 footage. Another event I'd highly recommend this week is the Winnebago Man special screening. Why can't I clone myself on weeks like this?
Debbie: I'm looking forward to seeing Texas Weather during AFF at the Texas Spirit Theater, but the single screening may sell out. The filmmakers are taking advantage of the immersive, experiential theater complete with three screens, interactive special effects and 16 channels of surround sound that make you feel like you are in the storm, and a meteorologist as part of the Q&A.
Jenn: Even with AFF going on, I think it would be worthwhile to check out the free La Hora Fria: Classic Mexican Horror series programmed by Cine Las Americas.