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

New Year’s Eve (mixed bag): I didn’t classify this one under “anti-recommended” merely because anyone who watches the trailer knows exactly what to expect. It’s not nearly as unbearable as it could have been, and a step up from “Valentine’s Day,” but that’s about it. Hardly the best romance blockbuster I’ve ever seen. Now playing in wide release. Read my review from yesterday.

I was supposed to see We Need to Talk About Kevin earlier this week, but that didn’t work out, and I’m scrambling to see both Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Young Adult sometime soon before awards start piling up!

New to DVD

The Debt (recommended): This thriller based on an Israeli film follows a Mossad team in two time periods and features some strong performances. It’s not entirely excellent but is certainly competent enough, both thought-provoking and suspenseful.

The Help (recommended): This light-hearted drama tackles a serious subject matter with grace and humor, featuring four exceptional female performances from the likes of Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Jessica Chastain. It’s going to be an Oscar contender, so see it now if you missed it!

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming

Eagle vs. Shark (highly recommended): I was thrilled when I saw this 2007 gem from New Zealand on the Netflix list. Jemaine Clement and Loren Horsley are both delightful in this wonderfully offbeat comedy about two weird people whose love might just make it. See it now.

Waiting for Superman (recommended): One of last year’s most highly-acclaimed documentaries about the education system in America is extremely informative and enlightening, and definitely deserves to be seen.

Peter Pan (mixed bag): This 2003 take on the classic story features Jason Isaacs in the role of Captain Hook and present a modern look back at this fairy tale. It’s an intriguing if somewhat ultimately unfulfilling journey, enhanced by a truly wonderful score.