Saturday Night Movie Recommendations with Abe

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies With Abe. I'm going to be 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

Our Idiot Brother (recommended): This ensemble comedy boasts a terrific cast, led by Paul Rudd as the dim-witted Ned, and it’s definitely a lot of fun, even if it’s not as funny as it could have been given the talent involved. Now playing in wide release. Read my review from yesterday.

Special Treatment (recommended): This French drama features spectacular performances from Isabelle Huppert as a prostitute and Bouli Lanners as a psychiatrist whose lives intersect as they’re both unhappy in their professions. It’s a very intriguing film that doesn’t quite come to a satisfying resolution, but it’s definitely an interesting ride. Now playing at the Cinema Village. My review will be up tomorrow.

Brighton Rock (anti-recommended): This film noir is moody, unexciting, and can’t decide whether or not it wants to be taken seriously. Don’t bother. Now playing at the Angelika. My review will be up on Monday.

New to DVD

The Greatest Movie Ever Sold (highly recommended): Morgan Spurlock likes to tackle hot-button subjects in his documentaries, and his look at product placement is no exception. It’s an enormously entertaining and inventive look at its commonplaceness that succeeds marvelously as both an investigative piece and an enjoyable film.

Win Win (highly recommended): One of this year’s best movies comes from way back in March and stars Paul Giamatti as a lawyer and wrestling coach. It’s a pleasant dramatic comedy with great performances and a strong, moving story.