Movies This Week

There aren't many weeks when new releases feature the end of the world, indie darling Greta Gerwig, an arrow-shooting princess, vampires and Abe Lincoln (the latter two in the same movie), so don't accuse film distributors of offering the same old thing this week. (You are, however, welcome to accuse film distributors of many other things.)

If alternative versions of presidential history or Gerwig's mystifying appeal (don't get me started) aren't your thing, may I suggest a Hitchcock film or two? The Paramount Summer Classic Film Series is screening The 39 Steps, The Man Who Knew Too Much, North by Northwest (pictured above) and Strangers on a Train this weekend. Check the Paramount and Stateside calendar for details.

In the mood for a foreign film? Check out Vaho (Becloud), a Mexican drama about the lives of three young men and the fate of an orphaned infant rescued from the Mexican desert by a prostitute and her customer. Vaho screens at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar on Tuesday as part of the Austin Film Society's Essential Cinema series.

Does the name Bob Dorough ring a bell? You may not know his name, but you undoubtedly know his work: Schoolhouse Rock!. This isn't technically a movie event, but the Alamo South Lamar is hosting Dorough -- who wrote and performed many of the legendary educational shorts -- on Saturday afternoon. Dorough (now 88, but you'd never know it from his work schedule) will lead a sing-along guaranteed to bring back a lot of warm, fuzzy memories of Seventies and Eighties Saturday morning TV. I may just borrow a kid or two, so I have an excuse to attend. (All together now: I'm just a bill. Yes, I'm only a bill ...)

Movies We've Seen

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter -- Honest Abe takes on the undead in this horror fantasy, an intriguing tale somehow left out of the history books. As if enough blood isn't shed during the Civil War, our 16th president must also deal with bloodthirsty vampires intent on taking over America. J.C. agrees with many critics in his review: "Despite some really hokey dialogue, and myriad easy-to-point-out problems, I still had a lot of fun with Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. It had some great action sequences and managed to weave together an interesting story." (wide)

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World -- In this doomsday comedy, Steve Carell and Keira Knightley star as a lonely man and his neurotic neighbor who embark on a road trip as an asteroid approaches the Earth. (If doomsday meant an end to Hollywood rom-coms, would that be a bad thing?) In his review, Rod calls the film "quirky and charming," saying, "In a summer filled with large tentpole films, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World is a nice diversion." (wide)

It's the kind of week that makes me want to play hookey every day and hang out in movie theaters. The Paramount is showing two films from 1937 this weekend: The Awful Truth (one of my very favorites) and Grand Illusion. The weekdays are devoted to a combination of Alfred Hitchcock and Jimmy Stewart -- check the Paramount and Stateside calendar for details.

I don't know what you all are doing on Monday night, but I'm going to see the Film Foundation's restored print of Night of the Hunter at Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz. And if I'm feeling energetic I might stick around for the Music Monday selection afterward: Jim Jarmusch's Mystery Train. How's that for a double feature?

Alamo Drafthouse really does have a great lineup of special screenings this week. The weekend Late Show selection at Ritz is Galaxy Quest, if you can dare Sixth Street on Friday or Saturday night. Weird Wednesday is practically mainstream with The Sword and the Sorceror, as part of the Alamo "Summer of 82" series. And this month's Girlie Night movie may actually get me to attend something called Girlie Night: 10 Things I Hate About You, playing different Drafthouse locations in the next week or so.

Finally, the Central Texas-shot Bernie (Don's review) continues to screen at Arbor, Violet Crown, the Tinseltown theaters and Hill Country Galleria. Chip and I saw it earlier this week and I enjoyed it as much on a second viewing as he did on a first. It is worth seeing if only for Sonny Carl Davis's description of Texas regions, which needs to be posted online somewhere for everyone to see, perhaps a website for Texas tourism (hah).

Movies We've Seen

Hysteria -- It's a Victorian fairy tale that probably has very little factual basis, and the ending is obvious even from the movie posters. But this movie about the invention of the vibrator is great fun to watch, and it's nice to see Maggie Gyllenhaal in something I like. Debbie agrees in her review and says it's "sure to amuse anyone who enjoys a good double entendre." (Violet Crown, Arbor)

Safety Not Guaranteed -- This sweet yet geeky romantic comedy, which played SXSW, is one of my favorite films of 2012 so far, starring Mark Duplass and Aubrey Plaza. From Debbie's review: "Safety Not Guaranteed weaves comedy, romance, suspense and science fiction into a heartfelt and engaging story where viewers root for the characters." (Arbor)

In local independent film events for Austin, for only $3 admission Cinema East hosts a screening this Sunday of Bob Byington's film Somebody Up There Likes Me with Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) in attendance for the Q&A. I missed the SXSW premiere, but in his SXSW review Don described the film as "a charmingly off-kilter examination of human relationships torn asunder." Don't forget your blanket or lawn chair, as well as cash for beer and hot dogs.

The Paramount Theatre Summer Film Series celebrates anniversaries of several classic films with double features that include a couple of my personal favorite films including Raising Arizona and the must-see psychological thriller masterpiece, The Manchurian Candidate. Tuesday and Wednesday's double-feature includes Ishtar and Raising Arizona and the double-feature on Thursday and next Friday includes The Manchurian Candidate and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. I highly recommend seeing The Manchurian Candidate on the big screen at the Paramount for the full impact of the suspense of this film.

And if Moonrise Kingdom isn't enough Wes Anderson for you, Alamo Kids' Camp is screening Fantastic Mr. Fox at Alamo Drafthouse Village on Monday through Thursday at 11 am. Admission is free but it's first-come, first-served and they do fill up quickly.

Movies We've Seen

Madagascar 3 -- Wayward zoo animals Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman continue their journey home to the Big Apple, with a detour through Europe. Mike says in his review, "Noah Baumbach's co-writing helps lift the Madagascar circus to the highest platform. Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages will all find something to love in this explosive conclusion to the trilogy." (wide)

Moonrise Kingdom -- The latest film from UT alum Wes Anderson is a quirky whimsical tale of two young lovers who flee their small New England town, wreaking havoc on those they've left behind. Jette raves in her review, "What makes Moonrise Kingdom such a memorable and lasting film, (is) that central relationship and the turns it takes throughout the movie." (Alamo South Lamar, Regal Arbor, Violet Crown Cinema)

Many Texas school districts finished school yesterday, and if you're looking for kid-friendly movies look no further than our recently released 2012 Guide to Free (and Cheap) Summer Movies in Austin. A few updates have been made since the initial publication date, so check back regularly.

The Austin Film Society offers a double dose of former-Austinite writer/directors Jay and Mark Duplass (The Puffy Chair, Cyrus) at the Alamo Drafthouse Village with the Duplass-A-Thon on Monday, June 4, beginning with The Do-Deca-Pentathlon at 7 pm and the Duplass Brothers Short Film Showcase at 9 pm. Although Mark Duplass -- seen above in the short film The New Brad -- is busy with other projects, Jay Duplass will be in attendance. J.C. reviewed The Do-Deca-Pentathlon at SXSW and said with this film, "the Duplass brothers continue to prove that their movies are worthy of being paid attention to."

The Paramount Theatre Summer Film Series at the Stateside features "The Savage Cinema of Sam Fuller" beginning with The Naked Kiss on Tuesday, June 5 at 7:15 pm, and Wednesday, June 6 at 9:25 pm. The Stateside will also host "Chaplin in the Sound Era" on Friday, June 8, with The Great Dictator at 7:15 pm and Modern Times at 9:50 pm. The Paramount Theatre is showcasing "Female Filmmakers in Hollywood and Abroad" with Outrage on Tuesday, June 5, 7 pm, and Wednesday, June 6, 9 pm; Dance, Girl, Dance on Tuesday, June 5, at 8:40 pm and Wednesday, June 6, 7 pm; and on Thursday, June 7, Boys Don't Cry at 7 pm and 35 Shots of Rum at 9:20 pm.

Movies We've Seen

God Bless America -- This violent comedy from Bobcat Goldthwait about an unlikely pair on a murderous spree might be overwhelming for some moviegoers. J.C. stated in his SXSW review, "Not everyone will be ready for this a harsh a dose of reality, but it's a film that people in this country could clearly benefit from watching." (Alamo Ritz)

School's out today, and that means the kids are ready for summer fun. Alamo Drafthouse is offering several family-friendly events, including Alamo Kids Camp at several Austin locations. Iron Giant began a two-week run at Alamo South Lamar today. From Saturday through Thursday, June 7, Alamo Slaughter is offering Fantastic Mr. Fox, Alamo Village hosts The Corpse Bride, and the Lake Creek location features How to Train Your Dragon. Check the Drafthouse calendar for times, and be sure to arrive extra early for these free screenings -- seating is limited and first come, first served.

On Thursday, Rolling Roadshow invades Austin's Park for a special screening of Pixar's Toy Story. Ticket purchase is only for the movie itself, and tickets must be picked up at Alamo South Lamar prior to the show. Don't forget to bring extra money for arcade games, miniature golf, and pizza before the screening. 

For more mature audiences, you won't want to miss the last screening of Celluloid Handbag at the Alamo Ritz on Wednesday, May 30, 7 pm. It's host and drag queen personality Rebecca Havemeyer's birthday, and she'll be presenting Gore Vidal's Myra Breckinridge featuring the sexy Raquel Welch, Farrah Fawcett, Tom Selleck, John Huston, and 80-year-old Mae West. Comedian Owen Egerton continues his "Best of..." Series at Alamo South Lamar on Thursday at 7 pm, with "Best of God" featuring films from the 1930s to modern day. Egerton promises a night full of bizarre clips of Christian heavy metal bands, healing televangelists, hard-core kosher rappers along with live music, surprise guests and spiritual enlightenment.

The Paramount Classic Film Series continues with several screenings Tuesday through Thursday of Sergio Leone's classic spaghetti western Once Upon a Time in the West at Stateside. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Paramount hosts a double feature of racial dramas with Shadows, the first feature by indie film writer/director John Cassavetes, and Killer of Sheep, a neo-realist portrayal of the African-American life in Watts, Los Angeles during the '70s.

Movies We've Seen

First Position -- This documentary follows six young dancers from around the world as they prepare for the prestigious ballet competition, the Youth America Grand Prix. Elizabeth stated in her review, "If you liked Mad Hot Ballroom or Spellbound, you will likely appreciate First Position." I think I'd prefer to watch Girl Walk//All Day online again.

It's another week free of hype and blockbuster films, with plenty of gems around Austin to keep film fans pleased, especially classic film fans. The Paramount Theatre kicks off its highly anticipated Summer Classic Film Series next Thursday night with To Kill a Mockingbird and Pillow Talk.

Galveston-based animator and filmmaker Kelly Sears will be in town to screen a series of short works for the Experimental Response Cinema on Wednesday, May 23, 7:30 pm, at Spider House. This 2011 Texas Filmmaker Production Fund (TFPF) recipient has had her experimental films screened at Los Angeles Film Festival, Sundance, and SXSW Film Festival including the animated short horror film Once It Started It Could Not End Otherwise. Her films feature images of the past to tell modern stories through the use of analog and digital animation.

The Alamo Drafthouse is screening the classic movie Rashomon at the Ritz on Monday at 7:30 pm as part of their Film Foundation series. This 1950 film is a classic representation of the radical style of Akira Kurosawa, as well as the gorgeous cinematography of Kazuo Miyagawa, and the stoic but sometimes amusing performance of one of my favorite classic actors, Toshirô Mifune.

Every third Monday of the month beginning this Monday, May 21, Austin Film Festival (AFF) presents their Audience Award Film Series. The first film in this series to be screened at the Alamo Village at 7 pm is Sironia (review). Shot in Waco by now-local filmmaker Brandon Dickerson, this music-heavy film from AFF 2011 tells the story of a LA musician whose quest for stardom doesn't go as planned, so he and his expectant wife retreat to the simplicity of Sironia, Texas ... or so they think. Be sure to stay through the credits for a treat.

Movies We've Seen

Mansome -- The latest documentary from Morgan Spurlock explores masculinity in a time where metrosexual and manscaping abounds. Mike states in his review, "In exploring what it means to be a man, Spurlock focuses only on the superficial and avoids any internal answers to the question as he presents these vain, arrogant, even asinine subjects as being just as superficial and worried about appearance as women." (Arbor)

What to Expect When You're Expecting -- This romantic comedy depicts five interconnected couples experiencing the joys and surprises of pregnancy and parenthood as they learn not everything goes according to plan. J.C. says it's "far from the worst thing you'll ever see in theaters, but its cheap laughs might trick you into thinking you've seen a decent movie until you start really thinking about it." Read his review. (wide)

This week offers a curiously blockbuster-free list of new releases, giving film fans a chance to avoid the madding crowds and see less-hyped fare, or maybe even take Mom to an indie movie to celebrate her special day. (She'd probably like that more than flowers.) For example, Richard Linklater's Bernie (my review) expands to include the Arbor and Tinseltown North as well as Violet Crown.

Speaking of Mom, there are few worse maternal role models than Joan Crawford -- and therefore few more appropriate Mother's Day films than Mommie Dearest. As part of the Celluloid Handbag series, the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar is hosting a Mother's Day Mommie Dearest Brunch for you, Mom and anyone else who needs a stern reminder not to use wire hangers. (This being an Alamo event, everyone of course gets a free wire hanger.) Even if your mother drives you crazy sometimes, watching Mommie Dearest will remind you that at least she's not Joan Crawford.

If you missed last week's screening of Luis Buñuel's L'Age d'Or, you actually didn't. (Doesn't that sound suitably surreal?) The screening was rained out and has been rescheduled for Monday, May 14. Refer to last week's Movies This Week or the Austin Film Society site for details.

The Austin Film Society is presenting 2012 ShortCase & Brews, an encore presentation of the AFS Member ShortCase from SXSW 2012 on Thursday, May 17 at Austin Studios. AFS Filmmakers will screen and talk about their short films -- and there will be beer. Co-sponsored by North by Northwest Restaurant and Brewery, the event features complimentary craft beers, and local brewers will be on hand to celebrate American Craft Beer Week. Really now, what better week is there to celebrate?

Movies We've Seen

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel -- This British film is a somewhat predictable story of a group of British retirees who move into an Indian hotel that's definitely exotic, if in all the wrong ways. Although Jette considers it a bad habit to call a film a "pleasant surprise," her review calls the film ... a pleasant surprise: "While some of my general predictions about the The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel were indeed pretty accurate, the movie still surprised and delighted me." (Alamo Lamar, Arbor, Violet Crown)

Discriminating filmgoers in Austin will be pleased to find that this week offers plenty of choices, a surprising number of which do not involve Joss Whedon.

The best retro offering of the week is the exquisite, digitally restored Yellow Submarine, playing nightly May 8-13 at various Alamo Drafthouse locations. Based on the seminal Beatles hit, animated in a vibrant oh-so-Sixties style and released when Joss Whedon was only 4, Yellow Submarine (pictured above) is a landmark film that stands the test of time. If you love Sixties pop culture, you'll love this movie. (And if you're too young to remember Sixties pop culture, watch Yellow Submarine and learn. Your life will be so much the better for hearing "Eleanor Rigby.")

In the mood for something trippy but not so psychedelic? On Monday the Austin Film Society and Justine's Brasserie are presenting L'Age d'Or, proto-tripster Luis Buñuel's 1930 follow-up to his masterpiece Un chien andalou (yes, the one with the sliced eyeball -- an image one cannot unsee). L'Age d'Or is every bit as surreal as its predecessor, but with an actual plot about two lovers who rebel against puritanical societal norms.

In the time flies department, it's been 20 years since Quentin Tarantino took "Stuck in the Middle with You" in a whole new direction with the joyously amoral Reservoir Dogs. To mark the anniversary, Bangarang! presents a one-time screening of the cult classic on Tuesday at the Alamo Drafthouse Ritz with Dogs star Michael Madsen in attendance.  Wear a black suit and enjoy the symphony of F-words.

This is a great week for first-run comedies in Austin. I've seen three of these new movies and I would watch them all again -- they all made me laugh. And if those aren't not enough for you, The Cabin in the Woods is still screening in town.

In addition, SXSW 2011 multiple awardwinner and Central Texas-shot film Natural Selection (Debbie's review) returns to Austin this week as part of Austin Film Society's "Best of the Fests" series. Writer/director Robbie Pickering and producer Paul Jensen will attend the Wednesday, May 2 screening at Alamo Drafthouse Village. Get your tickets now via the AFS website.

On Thursday night, Cinema41 screens the 1997 movie Clockwatchers, starring Toni Collette and Parker Posey, at Salvage Vanguard Theater. And the Hayao Miyazaki film Princess Mononoke is playing at Alamo Drafthouse all week long as part of Alamo's Studio Ghibli series.

Movies We've Seen

Bernie -- Austin filmmaker Richard Linklater's latest is a very dark comedy starring Jack Black and Shirley MacLaine and based on an actual East Texas event, as recounted in a Texas Monthly feature by Skip Hollandsworth. In Don's SXSW review, he calls it "arguably the best Linklater film in a decade, an uproariously funny and engaging movie based on one of those only-in-Texas stories that would be the stuff of great fiction if it weren't astoundingly and painfully true." (Violet Crown)

Safe -- Debbie says, "Writer and director Boaz Yakin (Remember the Titans, Fresh) takes a risk with Safe, depending less on Jason Statham and more on young newcomer Catherine Chan as well as the convergence of two subplots connecting an unlikely pair." Read her review  to find out whether Yakin succeeds. (wide)

Juan of the Dead (pictured at top) -- This Fantastic Fest 2011 favorite is screening nightly at Alamo Village. Rod says in his review that the Cuban zombie comedy is amazing and highly compelling. I thought it was just pretty damn funny and urge you all to go see it. And Bernie too. Not to mention...

Astute Austinites should avoid most of the major new releases this week (four words: Zac Efron, Steve Harvey) and stick with the arthouse fare and special screenings.

Among the antidotes to the horrors at your local multiplex is the Austin Film Society's Essential Cinema "Seefest Austin: Films of Southeast Europe" series, which continues on Tuesday with a screening of The Way I Spent the End of the World. Set in 1989 Romania before the fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu's Communist dictatorship, this 2006 film follows 7-year-old Lalalilu and his 17-year-old sister Eva, who is charged with a political crime and unjustly sent to a reform school. Vowing revenge, young Lalalilu decides to kill the country's "beloved leader."

The Violet Crown is screening the Dallas-made Wuss on Tuesday, presented by The Show! as part of the Austin Auteurs series. Wuss (pictured above) is the story of a high-school teacher whose students repeatedly beat him up until he fights back with a help from a young girl feared for her family's violent reputation. In her SXSW 2011 review, Jette called Wuss "charmingly disturbing," saying Austin filmmaker Clay Liford "chooses to dig past the obvious, and Wuss becomes a story about a character struggling to deal with a brutal world, when he lacks the necessary thick skin." Liford will attend the screening.

Today's date is 4/20, and those who appreciate the countercultural meaning of 4/20 won't want to miss tonight's screening of Dazed and Confused at Top Notch, where parts of Richard Linklater's classic teen comedy were filmed. Bring your lawn chairs and family (okay, maybe this isn't an ideal family film) and get there plenty early for a good spot in the parking lot. (The film starts at 8:30.) The Notch is offering food specials, and Oat Willie's will be on hand with door prizes. As David Wooderson would say, this event will be all right, all right, all right.

Finally, don't forget that Cine Las Americas starts next Tuesday, April 24, and runs through April 29 with an excellent lineup this year.