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

Headhunters (highly recommended): This Norwegian film subtly morphs from comedy to thriller, and it’s extremely engaging throughout. The Scandinavian cast, which includes Nikolaj Cosetr-Waldau from “Game of Thrones,” is terrific, and the movie boasts an excellent script and superb editing. Now playing at AMC Empire, Landmark Sunshine, and City Cinemas Beekman Theatre. Read my review over at Shockya.


The Giant Mechanical Man (recommended): This Tribeca entry is an offbeat, sweet film featuring Chris Messina and Jenna Fischer, both of whom have finally found perfect film roles, as two outcasts not looking to find themselves while others try desperately to define them. They make a great pair, and the movie is creative and entertaining. Now playing at the Village East Cinema. Read my Tribeca feature from earlier this week.


Citizen Gangster (recommended): This bank robber flick presents the story of Edwin Boyd, a Canadian criminal who robbed many banks in the 1950s. Scott Speedman portrays Boyd, and he’s an endearing and engaging protagonist whose story plays out quite well in this theatrical rendering. Now playing at the IFC Center. Read my review from yesterday.


Elles (recommended): This NC-17 rated French drama starring Juliette Binoche features an Elle reporter preparing an article about two very different prostitutes. It’s most effective when it really captures the personalities and inner thoughts of its characters, and definitely has its powerful moments. Now playing at the Angelika and Clearview Chelsea. My review will be up tomorrow.

New to DVD


Return (recommended): This coming-home drama features an exceptional lead performance from Linda Cardellini and strong supporting turns from Michael Shannon and John Slattery. It may be a familiar premise, but it’s well-executed and powerful.

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming


Everything Must Go (recommended): This endearing Will Ferrell film shows the funnyman at his subtlest, playing a mildly dramatic lead who has been literally thrown out on his lawn with all of his possessions in this strong and entertaining dramedy.


The First Grader (recommended): This is a sweet, harmless story about an 84-year-old Kenyan man who goes back to school to learn how to read that’s about as engaging and heartwarming as it sounds.


The Way (mixed bag): This walking road movie starring Martin Sheen and written and directed by his son Emilio Estevez is decently entertaining but otherwise relatively aimless and in no hurry to get anywhere.