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

Apologies from a slacker this week – I’ve seen a few things coming out later this month, but no hot new releases for June 10th. I’m hoping to see Super 8 as part of a double-feature with “X-Men: First Class” on Sunday, so look for a review next week if I’m successful. I’ve heard terrific things about The Trip, out at IFC and Lincoln Plaza. You can probably guess my feelings on Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer. Enough said.

New to DVD

Another Year (highly recommended): I’m constantly amazed by the work Mike Leigh does and how he does it. This simple drama is an affecting, entertaining portrait of some everyday people and another year in their lives. The pacing may not be for everyone, but if this sounds like your kind of thing, you won’t be disappointed.

The Company Men (recommended): This job-loss drama was a pleasant surprise, featuring three strong plotlines involving Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper, and Tommy Lee Jones. It may not a highly original film, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not effective or moving.

True Grit (mixed bag): This was one of the Best Picture nominees from this past year that didn’t do it for me. It should have been great, but there’s something about it that just didn’t work. I also know that I’m relatively alone in that, and most loved it. Hailee Steinfeld delivers a fine breakout performance, and Matt Damon is terrific.