Saturday Night Movie Recommendations with Abe

Welcome to a new weekly feature here at Movies With Abe. Absent a wealth of new film reviews during the weekend, I’d like to start providing a handy guide to a few choice movies currently playing in NYC as well as several films newly released on DVD. I’ll also aim to comment on those films I have not yet had the chance to see, and I invite you to add in your thoughts on any films I haven’t seen in the comments below. Understandably, some weeks will have considerably fewer releases to address than others.

Now Playing in NYC

Beautiful Boy (recommended): This hard-hitting drama is definitely not for everyone, much like last year’s “Rabbit Hole.” Strong performances from Michael Sheen and Maria Bello help to make it a powerful, occasionally uneven film that peaks at certain points. Read my review from yesterday and see it at the Angelika or Lincoln Plaza.

Mr. Nice (recommended): This light-hearted drama is a caper film about a real-life drug smuggler who got away with a whole lot. Rhys Ifans is fun in the lead role, but mainly it’s just a great story that does get a little silly sometimes but ultimately entertains. My review will be up tomorrow. Now playing at the Cinema Village.

I can’t believe I haven’t seen X-Men: First Class yet, but I’m so excited. I won’t be able to see it this weekend either, but I can’t wait. I think Beginners looks great, and I’ve heard great things about Submarine.

New to DVD

Biutiful (recommended) is one of the gut-wrenching international movies nominated for Best Foreign Film this past year. Many praised Javier Bardem’s performance and said the film was slow or too depressing, but pay no attention to that: this is a very good film, and if you can handle the heartbreak, rent it.

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming

Animal Kingdom (recommended) was one of my top ten films of last year, and it’s definitely the least seen of all the Oscar-nominated fare from 2010. Jacki Weaver, who earned a Best Supporting Actress nod, is great, but the entire cast is top-notch and this is one excellent, terrifying film. Definitely check it out!