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

People Like Us (recommended): This drama elicits fantastic turns from Chris Pine, who played Kirk in “Star Trek,” and Elizabeth Banks, most familiar from “30 Rock” and “Scrubs,” as siblings unaware of each other’s existence who build a rapport after the death of their father. It’s a simply story enhanced by strong storytelling. Now playing in wide release. Read my capsule review from yesterday.

Take This Waltz (mixed bag): This Tribeca Film Festival entry is intriguingly shot, and most notable for the dramatic performances featured by Seth Rogen and Sarah Silverman. Michelle Williams is in the lead in a familiar role, and the film often appears to be more captivating than it actually is. Now playing at Landmark Sunshine and Lincoln Center. Read my capsule review from Tribeca.

New to DVD

The Artist (highly recommended): This delightful black-and-white, silent film is wonderfully creative and entirely charming, using its antique form to excellent effect. French performers Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo are magnificent, and the film is fully entertaining from start to finish. Its Oscars were very deserved.

Mirror Mirror (mixed bag): This widely-advertised update of Snow White is an inconsistently modernized, generally entertaining take on the classic story, that features Julia Roberts in the lead role as the Queen, having a grand old time and chewing up scenery. The dwarves are fun, but this movie otherwise isn’t all too worthwhile, though it’s hardly terrible or miserable either.