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

Goodbye First Love (recommended): This French romance from director Mia Hansen-Love (“The Father of My Children”) features a strong central performance from Lola Créton, and a realistic and thought-provoking commentary on love and relationships. It may not be the best relationship film ever made, but it’s certainly a worthwhile one. Now playing at the IFC Center and Lincoln Plaza. Read my review, which went up on Shockya earlier this week.

New to DVD
Shame (recommended): This intense drama features an excellent performance from Michael Fassbender as a sex addict and an equally superb turn by Carey Mulligan as his singer sister. The characters are immensely rich, the cinematography magnificent, and the music terrific. Its NC-17 rating has more to do with its mature subject matter than its content.

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming

Donnie Darko (highly recommended): This classic 2001 film is nearly impossible to describe, featuring a teenager who interacts with an imaginary man in a bunny suit. Put simply, it’s a complete unique and creative vision of the universe that’s entirely peculiar and absolutely fascinating.

La Cage Aux Folles (recommended): This 1978 French film, remade in 1996 in the United States as “The Birdcage,” was nominated for three Oscars, and deservedly so. It’s a wacky, spirited comedy that’s plenty funny and entertaining, with great performances all around.