Saturday Night Movie Recommendations with Abe

Welcome to a 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

Terri (highly recommended): This “teacher movie” about a vice principal that takes an active interest in one of his students avoids being forgettable and instead, thanks mostly to a great performance by John C. Reilly, to be heartfelt and highly enjoyable. Catch it at the Angelika and Lincoln Plaza, and read my review from yesterday.

Love Etc. (highly recommended): This documentary follows five different types of couples in New York City and might well be described as a real-life version of “New York, I Love You,” albeit considerably more believable, genuine, and heartwarming. Now playing at the Landmark Sunshine Cinema, and it’s worth the trip. My capsule review will be up tomorrow.

Larry Crowne (mixed bag): This film is exactly what the trailer indicates: a perfect movie for those who love stars Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts and have always wanted to see them together in a movie that wasn’t “Charlie Wilson’s War.” Unfortunately, it’s nothing more, so it’s highly forgettable but not a terrible way to spend 100 minutes. It’s in wide release, and my review will be up on Monday.

The Perfect Host (mixed bag): This little indie is all about David Hyde Pierce, best known as Niles from “Frasier,” who delivers a commanding performance in a film that starts out incredibly strong but quickly gets derailed due to too many unlikely twists. It’s showing at the Quad Cinema, and you can read my capsule review on Tuesday.

New to DVD

Barney’s Version (mixed bag): This Golden Globe winner for star Paul Giamatti presents a complex portrait of a man thrice married, and it’s definitely full of entertainment and wit, as well as some decent performances, particularly from the likes of Minnie Driver. Overall, it’s an uneven film, but still one worth a look, especially at home.

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming

Iron Man 2 (recommended): This sequel, while not quite as invigoratingly awesome as the first film, is perfectly competent and plenty of fun, featuring some super cool effects and a great villain in Mickey Rourke’s Whiplash. It’s more than just a stepping stone for the Avengers movie, and definitely worthy of another sequel, which is already in development.