Movies This Week

We won't see fireworks in town this July 4, because it's too darn hot and too damn dry. No rain, no fireworks, no respite. I wonder if ticket sales in Austin theaters are up this year simply because the A/C in movie theaters is so arctic. Have you been watching more movies in theaters than usual this summer?

If new movies aren't appealing to you, Austin has the usual wealth of special screenings, indoors and out. I'm tempted to see Ghostbusters at Blue Starlite tonight or Saturday; they're offering s'mores kits with "real Stay-Puft marshmallows" to enjoy with the film. Alamo Ritz brings back the documentary Queen of the Sun: What are the Bees Trying to Tell Us? on Wednesday night. Austin Film Festival's Texas Family Film Series screens Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius tomorrow afternoon at the Texas Spirit Theater, and writer/director John Davis will hold a Q&A afterward ... and admission is free.

Don't forget to check our Free (and Cheap) Summer Movie Guide for plenty of affordable moviegoing options in and around Austin.

Movies We've Seen:

Larry Crowne -- Tom Hanks co-wrote, directed and stars in this movie about a middle-aged man forced by tough economic times to return to school. Rod Paddock unexpectedly loved it; in his review, he calls it a "true gem" and says it's one of his favorite movies of 2011. I am a bit nervous of anything involving Nia Vardalos these days, but Rod's pretty convincing. (wide)

Page One: Inside the New York Times (pictured above) -- This documentary about the Gray Lady screened in Austin during SXSW this year. In his SXSW review, Rod Paddock said it "shines a light on the difficulty of real news reporting in the world of media convergence and content aggregation." (Violet Crown)

Transformers: Dark of the Moon -- The latest in the series based on childhood toys "has the attention span of a ten-year-old kid after a six pack of Yoohoo," Mike Saulters says in his review. Still, he recommends the 3D movie even to Michael Bay-haters. (wide)

Right now I would easily pay $10 -- hell, even 3D rates of $15 -- to watch a rainstorm in person here in Austin. (I know one happened Tuesday night but I was asleep.) While I wait for such a diverting entertainment, I'll have to settle for watching movies instead. Do any of them have scenes of precipitation? Probably not. I may just have to settle for a very good documentary, a top-notch performance from Christopher Plummer or a raunchy comedy instead.

My plans for this week include finally seeing Midnight in Paris (Debbie's review) -- you all have talked me into it, since even non-Woody Allen fans are recommending it heartily. On Sunday night, Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz brings local filmmaker Ben Steinbauer (whom Elizabeth just interviewed) to Cinema Club to screen the Mayles brothers' documentary Salesman. I may have to sneak over to Alamo on South Lamar at lunchtime next week since the Kids' Club movie is The Muppet Movie. And tomorrow night, if there's no rain, it might be the perfect time to head over to Deep Eddy Pool for their Splash Party Movie Night screening of Grease. (I hear they have spiffy new projection equipment and a new screen too.)

Movies We've Seen:

Bad Teacher -- Look for Elizabeth's review this weekend. In the meantime, here's a sample: "A hilarious and somewhat raunchy view of the world of education, the film follows Elizabeth (Cameron Diaz) as she tries to save money for a boob job." The movie, directed by Jake Kasdan (Walk Hard), also stars Justin Timberlake, Lucy Punch and Jason Segal. (wide)

Beginners -- Don claims in his review that this SXSW 2011 feature "shouldn't work at all" because it combines so many different elements in a story that jumps around in time and space ... but surprisingly "works well, smashingly well, so well that it's among my favorite films of this year." Christopher Plummer's performance is apparently the best reason to check it out. (Alamo South, Arbor)

Buck -- Another SXSW film returns to Austin, this time a documentary about "horse whisperer" Buck Brannaman. In his review, Don says it's "a rare family-friendly film that will please arthouse audiences also." I'm not a fan of horse movies but I've heard so many good things about this movie that I'm planning to see it soon. (Arbor, Violet Crown)

It's Father's Day weekend, and why not take your dad or other father figure to the movies? Submarine includes a couple of lovely father-son scenes. Or perhaps your dad would like a comic book movie like Green Lantern? Probably not a children's book adaptation unless he's a fan of Jim Carrey or penguins, though.

If my dad lived in town, I'd wait until Thursday night and take him to the Paramount for a movie we loved watching on TV when I was growing up: the 1974 Sidney Poitier/Bill Cosby comedy Uptown Saturday Night. It's paired with Stir Crazy, which I wasn't allowed to watch at that age. Or we could drive out to Waxahachie on Sunday night for the Rolling Roadshow screening of Tender Mercies.

I may head over to Austin Studios next Wednesday night for an outdoor screening of Slacker with filmmaker Richard Linklater in attendance -- free for AFS members. If it's not too hot, I might go to Blue Starlite this weekend, where they're showing The Blob, The Mummy and Young Frankenstein.

Movies We've Seen

Green Lantern -- Mike tells us in his review that the audience at the screening he attended was extremely underwhelmed with this latest comic-book movie. He also recommends you pick the 2D version this time. I hear Peter Sarsgaard is in it but I think I may find one of his earlier movies to watch instead. (wide)

Submarine -- This is the kind of movie that reminds you of other movies, but in a good way ... possibly because what we're watching may be one character's internal movie of his life. Read my review, then go see the movie. (Arbor)

TrollHunter (Trolljegeren) -- Debbie saw this at Fantastic Fest, and here's her reaction: "I loved it -- kept me on the edge of my seat. The writer/director creates a plausible life history of trolls while at the same time the audience engages with the protagonists (troll hunter and documentary film crew). Should not be dismissed as a "Blair Witch" hyper-realism film. I look forward to seeing it again. (Alamo South Lamar)

This week, Austin gets a kids' movie, a Spielbergian movie about kids, and a nice Woody Allen movie for the grownups. Which do you think you'll see? Or are you planning to catch up on movies that opened in the past few weeks?

Maybe you'd prefer to see Austin-shot film The Happy Poet (Jenn's review), which Cinema East is showing this Sunday night on the French Legation Museum lawn. The Paramount has canceled its Charlie Chaplin movies tonight due to the Republic of Texas rally (boo, hiss) but you can still watch Modern Times and a collection of Chaplin shorts on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Plus, on Tuesday and Wednesday they are showing one of my favorite Westerns, Destry Rides Again, in an inspired double with Johnny Guitar.

Movies We've Seen:

Midnight in Paris -- Debbie was happily surprised by the latest Woody Allen movie, as you can see in her review, and she's not the only one enamored of this film where a contemporary writer finds himself in the world of 1920s Paris. You guys are trying to get me to watch another Woody Allen film again and you know what happened last time you convinced me. I admit I'm tempted. (wide)

Super 8 (pictured above) -- Look for my review of this movie tomorrow. In the meantime, I'll note that I found the J.J. Abrams film to be a pleasant reworking of the themes/characters seen in many Spielberg movies of the 1980s (which I grew up with). For me, this is a good summer theatergoing movie, slightly smarter than the other options currently out there. (wide)

Apparently it's nostalgia day for me. I missed the fact that Nora's Will opened last week in Austin. This fantastic little feature is a witty and heartfelt tale about the first five days after a woman's death, and won over audiences at Cine Las Americas a couple of years ago. Thankfully it's still playing up at the Arbor. You might want to check it out if you make the mistake of trying to get tickets to Terrence Malick's latest this week, which is sure to be SRO and not just because he's local, and it's a local production. Many Years Ago, Malick's Days of Heaven was featured in the "Film as Literature" course at my college, and we discussed the sumptuousness of that film's cinematography along with other laudable attributes at length; word has it Malick's skill hasn't lessened.

Movies We've Seen:

Building Hope -- Local filmmaker/activist Turk Pipkin's latest documentary about the Nobelity Project's endeavors screened at SXSW this year. Now it's having a weeklong theatrical run in Austin. AFS is hosting two screenings tonight that include a reception with Pipkin at the theater. Debbie calls the documentary "well paced and balanced" in her review from SXSW. (Violet Crown)

The Tree of Life -- Filmed in Smithville by Texas filmmaker Terrence Malick, this is arguably one of the most anticipated films in years, and it doesn't hurt that it just won the Palme d'Or in Cannes. As this coming-of-age tale is only playing at one theater in town this week, I highly recommend getting your tickets in advance. Don reviews. (Arbor)

X-Men: First Class -- The X-Men franchise gets a prequel with Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass) at the helm, and a plethora of stars established and new, including James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon and Jennifer Lawrence. Read Mike's review for more. (wide)

Two sequels and three indies ... that's a typical summer movie weekend for you in Austin. One of the sequels is trying to be as raunchy as possible, one is trying to entertain entire families, including grown-ups. I personally would rather see silly animated kung fu spoofery than a bunch of guys dealing with the dumb things they do while drunk, but your mileage may vary. And if none of that sounds appealing, you'll find plenty of new and continuing indie films in town. Personally, I may see Bridesmaids again if I can persuade my husband to accompany me.

Don't forget that the Paramount is showing a great mix of Lone Star movies this week as part of the Texas Film Commission 40th Anniversary lineup. On Saturday, Robert Rodriguez will introduce Spy Kids and Richard Linklater will introduce Dazed and Confused (pictured above). [Update: Rodriguez will also give the Sat. audience a first look at the trailer for Spy Kids 4.] And if you really need a bargain movie experience, check out our Guide to Free (and Cheap) Summer Movies in Austin.

Movies We've Seen:

The Hangover Part II -- As the tagline tells us, the Wolf Pack is back. One of these movies was enough for me, and judging by the similarity of the trailers for the original and the sequel, I won't be missing much. Mike says in his review that while he was disappointed with many things about the movie, it's worth seeing "if you have a thick skin and enjoy a good shock treatment." (wide)

Kung Fu Panda 2 -- I'm much happier that the Furious Five are back, especially since Elizabeth is so pleased with the sequel in her review. I was pleasantly surprised by the first movie and look forward to the continuing adventures of Po the panda and his gang. I may even brave a 3D screening on Elizabeth's recommendation. (wide)

I suppose there's some assumption that every single potential moviegoer will be seeing the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie, since very little else is opening in Austin today. However, the indie choices are quite, well, choice, so those of you who don't want to watch Johnny Depp camping it up in 3D (wow, when I describe it that way I almost want to go) have some other excellent options.

In addition, don't forget that the Paramount's annual Summer Classic Film Series starts tonight with, natch, Casablanca. The selection this year is especially inspired so do check out the schedule. I just bought a Film Fan membership myself and hope to be over there as much as I can manage.

Movies We've Seen:

• Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides -- The fourth movie in the popular series based on a Disney World ride will certainly draw big crowds this weekend. I do like seeing Johnny Depp in action as Captain Jack, but am feeling a little tired of the series myself (and burned out on 3D extravaganzas). But Mike says it's the best film since the first one, so maybe I need to rethink this. (wide)
• Skateland -- This locally produced movie played SXSW in 2010 and is now seeing a theatrical release. It's a sweet drama about East Texas teenagers in the 1980s, obviously inspired by John Hughes and that crowd. Shiloh Fernandez and Ashley Greene star. We've got tons of coverage for you to read: Don's review, Debbie's interview with Austin writer/producer Brandon Freeman, Debbie's SXSW review, and some fun photos of the cast from SXSW. (Arbor, Tinseltown North and South)

It's the time of year when Austinites like to be outside -- not too hot, and usually not rainy (although you never can tell). Some of this week's new movies may lure you into a nice climate-controlled theater, though.

Interesting note: Two of the movies opening this week played SXSW this year, one played SXSW in 2010, one premiered in Austin last year during Fantastic Fest, and one previewed at Cine Las Americas last month.

Movies We've Seen:

• Bridesmaids -- I missed the rough-cut premiere at SXSW, wondering why in the world I'd want to see some girly wedding-y chick flick, anyway. Turned out I was completely wrong about this smartly written comedy that women won't find patronizing and that anyone might find funny. (Except my mom, who would walk out offended after the opening sex scene.) Read my review for more details. (wide)
• Everything Must Go -- This Will Ferrell movie has an Austin connection: edited by Sandra Adair, the local editor who has worked on many of Richard Linklater's movies. The Austin Chronicle has an interview with Adair this week. Read Rod's review to find out more about this drama based on a Raymond Carver story. (wide)
• True Legend -- The latest film from Woo-ping Yuen (Drunken Master) is an epic martial-arts action movie  about family revenge. Debbie liked it so much at Fantastic Fest that she saw it again to review. (Alamo Lamar)

The summer movie season is underway this week with a brand-new Hollywood comic-book movie, Thor, directed by blockbuster moviemaker Kenneth Branagh. (I wish he'd go back to Shakespeare.) However, here in Austin we have plenty of new indie movies too, if you're not in the mood for something big and loud and 3D.

Movies We've Seen:

• The Beaver -- Scripted by Austin TV and film writer Kyle Killen, this twisted comedy/drama premiered at SXSW. I liked it well enough -- yes, even Mel Gibson, who handles a beaver hand puppet better than you'd think -- but wished it were a little edgier. Read Jenn's review for a slightly different point of view. (Arbor)
• Meek's Cutoff -- This AFF 2010 selection returns to Austin for a theatrical release. Directed by Kelly Reichardt, who brought us Wendy and Lucy and Old Joy. Don enjoyed the movie very much, noting in his review that although it is set in late 19th century Oregon, it is not your typical Western. (Arbor, Violet Crown)
• Something Borrowed -- Judging by Elizabeth's review, this romantic comedy was only watchable for Kate Hudson, and the costuming would appall the Go Fug Yourself chicks. You want to watch something entertaining about best friends and weddings, wait for Bridesmaids next week. You'll thank me later.(wide)
• Thor -- Another Marvel comic-book adaptation, another stepping-stone to the Avengers movie ... but directed by Kenneth Branagh, with a cast that includes Anthony Hopkins and Stellan Skarsgard. And it's in 3D. Read Mike's review to find out why he was impressed. (wide)

Since the Dobie closed last year, there's been a void in town, but now with the Violet Crown open, Austin has a new dedicated arthouse cinema. No more trips up north for me. And for those of you relying on mass transit, it's conveniently downtown in the Second Street district (and on one of the most frequently running routes, the #3).

Movies We've Seen:

13 Assassins -- Takashi Miike's popular tale of a group of samurai warriors on a suicide mission to kill an evil lord has played both Fantastic Fest and SXSW. That pretty much speaks for itself. Read Jette's review from Fantastic Fest. (Ritz)

Other Movies Opening in Austin:

Certified Copy (pictured above)  -- Juliette Binoche stars in this chance encounter between a gallery owner and a writer who end up touring the Tuscan countryside, and are continually mistaken for a married couple. Binoche's performance earned her a Best Actress prize at Cannes. (Violet Crown)