Movies This Week

It's another slow release week, with the Olympics stealing the attention of most potential audience members, and with many limited-release films yet to make their way to Austin. Still, there are choices, and diverse ones at that. 

2010 Oscar Shorts Live Action Program -- The annual programming of the two Oscar shorts reels at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar is very popular, giving local cineastes a chance to see the shorts that might not have played local festivals.  The Live Action program tends to be more serious.  The 92 minute reel includes five 17-20 minute shorts from around the globe. (Alamo Lamar)

2010 Oscar Shorts: Animated Program -- While both Oscar shorts reels are popular, the animated reel is usually more so, not just because it's animated but because it's generally sillier. This year's 80-minute reel includes five films including one with no dialogue. If you go, don't wait until the last minute to get your favorite seat, or you'll likely be disappointed.  (Alamo Lamar)

Shutter Island -- I was impressed with the rough cut at BNAT, but I'm not sure what's changed since December. Thankfully it's not The Departed, although it does get too clever at times. Still, it's visually gorgeous, and there is one particular scene with essentially headshots that is a lot more interesting than it has a right to be. Read Jette's review to find out more. (wide)

Lots of SXSW news -- 119 features, 80 panels, and 130 shorts, with plenty of local representation. But we have a whole month to go until we get to see them.  It's going to be a long month, isn't it? In the meantime, here are this week's new films opening in Austin theaters.

The Last Station -- Turn-of-the-century historical drama about Russian writer Leo Tolstoy and his family and legacy starring Christopher Plummer, Helen Mirren, James McAvoy and Paul Giamatti. The cast alone (pictured above) makes it worth a watch. We missed the press screening, but see what Kimberley Jones has to say over at the Austin Chronicle. (Arbor)

My Name is Khan -- A Mumbai Muslim with Asperger's is detained at LAX after 9/11 because of his "suspicious" behavior. The movie was not pre-screened. (Tinseltown South)

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief -- Another "teen is the chosen one" type of movie, only this the kid is the descendant of a Greek god. Based on the book by Rick Riordan, directed by Chris Columbus. This film didn't pre-screen in Austin so we haven't seen it, but try James Rocchi's review over at MSN. (wide)

It is a very, very light week for movie releases, folks, at least in Austin. There are several movies getting limited release, but only two new regular-run films in town that I can see. And with the SXSW features lineup announced, we're all distracted anyway. 

Here's what's opening in Austin theaters this week:

Dear John -- A serviceable romance about a serviceman and the coed who loves him. It's Nicholas Sparks through and through, but despite that, it's not bad. Channing Tatum does big and broody sensitive guy well, and he and Amanda Seyfried have solid chemistry.  It's a little romance that despite tripping up at the start of the third act, is an entertaining journey. And it has a refreshing twist I won't spoil. Read Debbie's review for more details.(wide)

From Paris with Love -- Am I the only one tired of John Travolta playing the same foul-mouthed tough guy? Every time I see the trailer, I am reminded of Broken Arrow, The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 and Swordfish. That's not an endorsement.   

Here's what's opening in Austin this week:

Edge of Darkness -- The trailers look like Ransom meets Taken with Mel Gibson being the angry father again. Check out Debbie's review for details. (wide)

La Danse: The Paris Opera Ballet -- Arthouse documentary (pictured above) about fine arts, surprise, and in particular seven productions of the famed dance troupe. (Arbor)

My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done -- Werner Herzog's The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans is barely out of theaters in Austin as his next film takes its place. The only similarities is a story featuring cops and references to post-death dancing. David Lynch executive produced, and it shows. Read my review for more. (Alamo Ritz)

So many eyes are on Park City, Utah, as it's Sundance time, but that doesn't mean there aren't films opening in Austin this week.

Extraordinary Measures -- Sick kids and gravitas. It's just not my thing.  But if you like those kinda movies, Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser probably bring it.  (wide)

Legion -- Much more my style, but unfortunately the film had no advance screening in Austin. Paul Bettany plays a fallen angel who fights to save mankind by saving an unborn child. It looks like a mashup of The Prophecy and Resident Evil, but I still want to watch it. (wide)

The Maid -- Sundance-winning Chilean black comedy about a maid 23 years with the same family (pictured above) facing the servitude that's been her life. It's Oscar shortlisted and is laden with awards, so if you don't fear the subtitles, it's a must-see. (Arbor) 

Back into the post-holiday swing of things, yet? There's not much out there new film-wise, but it's another week, and more new releases.

The Book of Eli --  Post-apocalyptic tale about a lone man who takes on a corrupt town with desperate townsfolk. Keep an eye out for Debbie's review. (Wide)

The Lovely Bones -- The novel by Alice Sebold blew me away. Peter Jackson's film adaptation, not so much, with some of the least energetic performances by otherwise good actors. However, that doesn't apply to Saoirse Ronan, who doesn't seem able to deliver anything but engaging performances.  From what I can tell, those who like it seem to be those who haven't read the book. Read my review for more details. (wide)

Unlike last week, it seems like a backlog of late-2009 releases is finally hitting Austin. Take your pick, there's something for everyone. 

Broken Embraces -- Pedro Almodóvar's latest and most sedate film. Technically sound, emotionally distant, it makes me want to see one of his crazier films. Find out more about the film from my review. (Arbor)

Crazy Heart -- There's been a lot of praise for Jeff Bridges's performance, but I don't see him stretching any acting muscles on this one. The plot's weak, and a major plot point involves an unlikely romance with one of the most convoluted women characters written for a major release in years. Debbie's review. (Arbor)

Hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas, whether it's a holiday you celebrated or not. Or at least a better one than me, I had the flu. Movies were watched, just not in the theater. I still need to see The Road. I couldn't even muster up the concentration to watch my new District 9 Blu-ray.

Hollywood has no movies opening this week. The only films that aren't simply switching theaters or times are two special engagements at the Alamo Ritz.

Stingray Sam opens for a special three-night run. This crowd pleaser is an episodic space musical about Stingray and his friend the Quasar Kid, who are compelled to rescue a little girl from a planet with a surprisingly twist on genetics. This homage to old-school sci-fi serials as well as musicals has catchy music you'll be singing to yourself for days after. The twinkle in director/writer/star Cory McAbee's eye will win just about everyone over.

Can you believe it? Christmas is upon us. Only one more week left in 2009. The holiday-opening films are lighter than I expected, but there is something new for most tastes.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel --  Debbie was the trouper to sit through this, uh, sequel.  I refuse to type that "other" word some marketing hack thought up. See Debbie's review. (wide)

It's Complicated -- This romantic comedy about a divorced couple who rekindle at least their sex life with each other doesn't look so great from the trailers, despite two charismatic stars (Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin). See Debbie's review to find out if it's just too complicated. (wide)

Nine -- A love song to female archetypes on pedestals and an homage to Fellini's 8 1/2, Nine is a musical best appreciated by those who love musicals and Fellini. And those who love gorgeous actresses. See my review for more details, or read Jette's review at Cinematical. (wide)

[Ed. Note:  The list of theatrical releases has been updated. See The New Daughter for details]

Now that BNAT is over, and the Austin Film Critics Association (AFCA) has chosen their favorites for the year (and the decade), we're seeing the last of the big films with award potential are finally getting released.  Next week, Christmas day is the Big Day for several films, but for now, there are still some films coming to a theater near you. 

Avatar --  Big bad mega-corp takes on the indigenous people living in harmony with their planet.  Don't go see it for an original story, as everything is very familiar. Go see it for some beautiful visuals, and Zoe Saldana's outstanding performance. See Debbie's review.  (wide)