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

Hit and Run (mixed bag): This comedy co-directed and written by and starring Dax Shepard has a fun premise but gets carried away with its ridiculousness rather than stay solidly grounded. It still has its funny moments, and it’s decent light entertainment. Now playing in wide release. Read my review from yesterday.

New to DVD

A Separation (highly recommended): This spectacular Oscar winner for Best Foreign Film from Iran is an excellent portrait more about relationships between people and right and wrong than as the picture of divorce in a repressed society it’s been perceived to be. It’s equally fantastic on both fronts.

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming

Skin (recommended): This drama about apartheid-era South Africa features strong performances from Sophie Okonedo, Sam Neill, and Alice Krige and a compelling story of race politics and family dynamics.

Super 8 (recommended): J.J. Abrams’ super hit is a great throwback to films like “E.T.” that focus on children and their fascination with extraterrestrial occurrences. It contains some terrific effects, makeup, acting, and action, and it’s a hugely enjoyable and engrossing picture.