Tuesday’s Top Trailer: Man of Steel

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Tuesday's Top Trailer. One of my favorite parts about going to see movies is the series of trailers that airs beforehand and, more often than not, the trailer is far better than the actual film. Each week, I'll be sharing a trailer I've recently seen. Please chime in with comments on what you think of the trailer and how you think the movie is going to be.

Man of Steel – Opening June 20, 2012

I hadn’t yet written about what is likely to be this summer’s biggest blockbuster, and I heard such great things about the third official trailer that I decided it was finally worthwhile for me to take a look. I have mixed feelings about the seemingly never-ending series of superhero reboots that exists, and especially when it comes to this particular character. My feelings on the Christopher Nolan Batman films don’t quite jive with everyone else’s, but I think most agree that “Superman Returns,” from a proven genre director, Bryan Singer, was a disappointment. Yet what “Man of Steel” represents is a complete reinvention of the saga, as seen through the very distinctly individualistic eyes of Zack Snyder. I loved “Watchmen” and hated “300,” and it looks like this is a more visually astonishing, epic-scale production like the former. Casting a relative unknown in the lead seems to be the thing to do these days, and, just like Batman and Spider-Man before him, the actor can never be American. Yet Superman need not be a showy thespian, and the recent Batman films showed that he was almost a supporting character in his own story. Michael Shannon as General Zod is perhaps the most fantastic piece of casting, though I’m sure that Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Russell Crowe as Jor-El, and Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent will do just fine too. I like the notion of starting from scratch in a way that it is infinitely more epic than “Smallville,” a show that I’ll admit I enjoyed greatly in its first couple seasons. I think that this should be the superhero film of the year, untethered to a greater cinematic world like “Thor 2” and “Iron Man 3” will be, and fully capable of making its own mark as a standalone Superman movie. I’ll get in line.

Talking Tribeca: Out of Print

I’ve had the pleasure of screening some feature-length and short selections from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which took place April 17th-28th.

Out of Print
Directed by Vivienne Roumani
About the Film

There’s something ironic about telling the story of the demise of books in one of the media formats that helped to contribute to that demise. Yet this documentary is anything but a memorial service for print, instead offering exploring the ways in which the once-popular art form lives on through the advent of new technology that threatens to make it obsolete. Narrated by Meryl Streep, this film, in 55 minutes, starts at the beginning of time, telling a brief and quick history of books as they first came to exist, and then presenting staggering statistics to show just how much has changed even in the past decade. As someone who used to read books constantly as a kid, I can understand how other things have replaced that, especially the Internet and the remarkable encyclopedia of knowledge it provides. When young student are interviewed and said that they associate books with school work and textbooks, it’s astonishing to see what an impact the Internet and e-books have had on society. Neither side is favored, however, as the CEO of Amazon is interviewed alongside the owner of the Strand bookstore in New York City. The complexity of the evolution of the medium is explored as well, best evidenced by the trouble experienced by Google Books when it, as one interviewee says, “privatized public record.” Even if you don’t like reading, you’d be hard-pressed not to find this documentary captivating and extremely timely.

See it or skip it? See it. It will be showing at a few film festivals in the near future – read about them here.

Talking Tribeca: Let Them Wear Towels

I’ve had the pleasure of screening some feature-length and short selections from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which took place April 17th-28th.

Let Them Wear Towels
Directed by Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg
About the Film

Tracing recent history is usually a fascinating exercise, and exploring the struggles endured by female journalists covering sports, particularly as related to entering locker rooms. As both a journalism major in college and someone with absolutely no interest in sports, I was pleased to discover a very well-executed and informative film that traces the experiences of female reporters trying to break into the world of sports journalism. Weaving archive footage of the great stories those women missed because they were denied access to the locker rooms in with personal accounts of the uphill battle they waged, whether alone or with the support of their newspapers or fellow journalists, proves an extremely successful strategy for examining this history. It’s a documentary that, in just 50 minutes, chronicles a specified period of time rather than makes an explicit argument for continued change to occur, trumpeting the success that veteran reporters have achieved in past decades in blazing a trail for a profession that is now populated with hundreds of women. Anyone with even a passing interest in journalism, sports, or women’s rights will surely enjoy and appreciate this film.

See it or skip it? See it. It should be airing as part of ESPN’s Nine for IX series this summer.

Talking Tribeca: Fortune House

I’ve had the pleasure of screening some feature-length and short selections from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which takes place April 17th-28th.

Fortune House
Directed by Matthew Bonifacio
About the Film

This 9-minute short takes place at a Korean restaurant, where Mei Ling works and gets considerable pressure from her mother, who wants her to meet a nice man and get married. None of the eligible bachelors who dine in the restaurant ever seem to notice Mei Ling, and that all changes when the eccentric Peter arrives in a shirt buttoned up all the way to the top and immediately engages in conversation with the previously invisible waitress. What ensues is an awkward but charming series of interactions which find Peter dressed similarly but in a different color each time, removing the earplugs he wears all the time for the duration of each visit to the restaurant, where he orders a five fish soup without the fish (because they’re bottom-feeders). It’s a pleasant and sweet story that manages a last-minute twist that isn’t all that surprising but is still reassuring and endearing. Michael Aronov, who portrays Peter, does a great job of playing a man with clear social tics and helping to open him up to be fully accessible. This tale of fortune cookies won’t reveal hilarious messages embedded inside, but it will produce smiles. This short was showing as part of the “Unlimited Ride” program.

See it or skip it? Yes. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s hard not to like.

Talking Tribeca: Fear of Flying

I’ve had the pleasure of screening some feature-length and short selections from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which takes place April 17th-28th.

Fear of Flying
Directed by Conor Finnegan
About the Film

This 9-minute Irish short features a bird experiencing the title condition and thus trying to tough out the winter without heading south. The bird casually avoids joining the other members of his species, including an attractive and kindly female bird, for their trip down south and instead stocks up on what he needs as if he were to hibernate like a bear. As expected, the transition doesn’t prove nearly as easy or tenable as he had thought. What could well be an amusing adventure turns out to be quite disappointing and unfulfilling because there’s no stock tone present, and, as a result, the film shifts between a slightly endearing portrait of a kindly bird just trying to survive and an overenthusiastic parody of thrillers and other genre staples. While some opportunities for humorous visuals are taken, others, like the personification of a bird’s alarm clock, are missed entirely. While Pixar and other animated vendors have succeeded with cute, enjoyable films about animals going against their traditional tendencies, this is not one of those. This short was showing as part of the “Worst Day Ever” program.

See it or skip it? Skip it. It’s not one of the great ones.

Talking Tribeca: Michael H. – Profession: Director

I’ve had the pleasure of screening some feature-length and short selections from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which takes place April 17th-28th.

Michael H. – Profession: Director
Directed by Yves Montmayeur
About the Film

This documentary offers a fascinating look inside the mind of Austrian director Michael Haneke, who earned Oscar bids this past year for Best Picture nominee “Amour.” Starting with that most recent work, this film works backwards and spotlights several key moments, both from the finished film and from the set, that help to explain Haneke’s process and why he makes the disturbing, daring films he does. Haneke proves to be an extremely difficult subject, telling his interviewer that he doesn’t want to answer questions that make him interpret himself and generally offering a negative attitude towards the process of reflecting back on his career. A rare word of praise from him is saved for actress Isabelle Huppert, who echoes his sentiments, explaining just how much she admires him. Juliette Binoche, on the other hand, notes that she wishes his films had a little more hope and light. For someone who has seen only a few of his films – “Caché,” “The White Ribbon,” and “Amour” – this was an enlightening experience that helped to put those films I have seen in a greater context. Haneke is an indisputably compelling director, and though I would never want to have to work with him on set, it’s clear that he is a talented and deeply interesting visionary.

See it or skip it? If it plays either in theaters or as a TV film, see it, as long as you find the content of his films not to be too disturbing.

Saturday Night Movie Recommendations with Abe

Welcome back 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 theatres 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

At Any Price (anti-recommended): This excessively familiar and trite story of a father and son with different interests is far from exciting, and an over-the-top performance from Dennis Quaid in the lead role doesn’t help matters much. This could have been an affecting film, but it doesn’t even come close to providing viewers with a lasting emotional connection. Now playing at the Angelika and Lincoln Plaza. Read my review from Wednesday.

Mud (highly recommended): This popular Sundance film, from “Take Shelter” director Jeff Nichols, is a superb and completely engaging movie that features a strong performance from Matthew McConaughey in the lead role as well as great turns from Reese Witherspoon and child actors Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland. This intriguing, gripping film is not to be missed. Now playing at several AMC theatres and Clearview at 1st and 62nd. Read my review from Sundance.


New to DVD

The Impossible (recommended): This picture of devastation follows one family’s mostly true story of survival during the tsunami that hit Southeast Asia in 2004. It’s difficult to escape its power, and easy to be drawn in to the emotional rollercoaster on which its characters travel. Naomi Watts’ performance was Oscar-nominated, but it’s a film dominated by its visual competence and stern, respectful portrayal of a natural disaster at its most destructive.


New on Netflix Instant Streaming

The Island President (recommended): This documentary spotlights Mohamed Nasheed, the former president of the Maldives, as he fights to bring democracy back to his country and to convince the world that something needs to be done about climate change. He’s a strong subject for an equally compelling and educational film.

Movie with Abe: Mud (Sundance Favorite)

Arriving in theatres today is one of the best films I saw at Sundance this past January. I'm reposting my review, which originally appeared on Shockya, below.

Mud
Directed by Jeff Nichols
Released April 26, 2013

The previous film from director Jeff Nichols was "Take Shelter," a magnetically haunting story of a man struggling with mental illness and trying to avoid losing his grip on reality. For his third feature film, Nichols takes an external approach, showcasing a very adult story through the eyes of two teenage boys in Arkansas whose encounter with a mysterious man on an island leads down a dangerous road. The same intensity and underlying sense of dread can be found in this entirely different film, which frequently inserts humor into a story filled with violence and very real life-threatening situations.

Before the title character appears on screen, we meet Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland), both of whom spend their extracurricular hours helping Ellis’ father Senior (Ray McKinnon) and Neckbone’s uncle Galen (Michael Shannon) sell and catch fish, respectively. Determined explorers, Ellis and Neckbone are first seen navigating the vast waters on which they live, which bring them to an island which boasts a boat stuck up in a tree. After investigating its contents, they find that a man is in fact living within it, none other than the charismatic Mud (Matthew McConaughey). Ellis and Neckbone soon learn that Mud is a fugitive from the law, and begin to help him on his quest to be reunited with the love of his life, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon), and to make a clean getaway from both the police and the bounty hunters on his trail.

Mud is much more than a story about a bond between a child with his head in the sky and a criminal who seems unthreatening. Ellis’ complicity in Mud’s escape attempt is driven by his firm belief in true love. Fully cognizant of the fact that his parents, Mary Lee (Sarah Paulson) and Senior, are having martial problems, Ellis finds himself captivated by an older girl, May Pearl (Bonnie Sturdivant), who does not quite return his affection. Ellis invests himself fully in Mud’s cause because he can tell from the way Mud talks about Juniper that they are meant to be together. It is an astute, mature observation for such a young man, and it is hard not to be entranced by Ellis’ passion.

Though the initial encounter with Mud comes from the point of view of Ellis and Neckbone, the film’s events are seen from an omniscient perspective. Galen is seen diving in his hilariously extravagant self-made suit to explore the water, and meetings of the many assassins hired to find Mud are shown. What results is a full and complete story, with many layers and a handful of supporting characters with small, only semi-relevant roles. Each answers the call, no matter what size the part, including Nichols favorite Shannon, who plays against type as joke-cracking philanderer Galen, and Paul Sparks, who can be regularly seen as the squeaky-voiced Mickey Doyle on Boardwalk Empire, here ditching the cartoonish tone to play a more sincerely frightening criminal dead set on ending Mud’s life.

McConaughey, whose acting abilities are not always the reason he is cast in films, is the perfect choice to play Mud, who eagerly shovels canned food into his mouth and repeatedly tells the boys about his two lines of defense: his shirt and his gun. His Southern drawl is crucial to the temperament and appeal of his wild character. Witherspoon is terrific as a battered white-trash diva whose beauty is clear but whose true sentiments are not as readily apparent. The best discovery of the film is young talents Sheridan and Lofland. Sheridan makes Ellis tough and determined, stepping in to punch a bully more than once in the film, while Lofland often provides the comic relief thanks to his affinity for foul language. Both of these actors should be watched as they venture into cinema in the coming years.

It is easy to get drawn in by Mud from its opening moments, when Ellis and Neckbone gaze out at the stunning view afforded them by their surroundings. The rural Arkansas setting establishes the film’s far-off feel, where the only true connection that can be made is between Ellis and Neckbone and their new friend Mud. This is a world where children are still children but have just as much access to the wonders and the dangers of life as the adults do. Nichols has delivered a masterful and hypnotic film that uses its 130 minutes to staggeringly interesting effect.

A-

Talking Tribeca: ZZZZZZZ

I’ve had the pleasure of screening some feature-length and short selections from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which takes place April 17th-28th.

ZZZZZZZ
Directed by Tarik Karam
Festival Screenings

There’s a quality about New York City at any time of the day or night, and that’s what makes Tribeca, a homegrown New York City film festival, the perfect showcase for this 5-minute short. Its protagonists, Henry and Lucy, are seen in assorted shots sown together wandering the streets of New York while sleepwalking, taking in the art, the sights, the foods, and everything else. It’s an effective love letter to a city which, by nature, is filled with all kinds of people, and often by those who aren’t really there. This dreamlike film is anchored by the fact that it can be seen as a metaphor for those sleepwalking during the day, while it’s just as compelling as a humorous and charming depiction of the actual phenomenon. The performers respond ably to the call to be alert yet not truly present while they roam the streets, and it’s easier to sympathize with the looks on their faces than with many other cinematic protagonists. This film is fleeting, but the experience it provides shouldn’t have trouble putting a smile on the face of its viewers, even just for a moment. This short is showing as part of the Unlimited Ride program.

See it or skip it? See it if you like New York City! It’s short and enjoyable.

Talking Tribeca: AB-

I’ve had the pleasure of screening some feature-length and short selections from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which takes place April 17th-28th.

AB-
Directed by Daniel Klein
Festival Screenings

Full-length horror or thriller movies have the opportunity to give their protagonists a sense of hope, even if it ultimately doesn’t pan out, and, sometimes, by the end, things turn around for the good guys in peril. In this 9-minute short, however, there’s just one instant of light for the engaged couple whose car crashes in the middle of the night on a dark road. The safety alert system embedded in the car and activates, and a representative asks the driver if he is okay, announcing that he will send help right away. From there, things go downhill, as the ambulance arrives almost instantaneously, and two of the EMTs shout angrily at each other as one pries open the door to speak to the man, who is in far better condition than the woman. A sense of dread continues to build as it becomes clear that they are not there to help, and the man is powerless to do anything about it. Because of its short runtime, this story doesn’t get very far, and instead serves as a freaky anecdote that is half-satisfying and feels unfinished. This short is showing as part of the Deadbolt program.

See it or skip it? Not if car accidents or malicious medical personnel frighten you. Yes is you like horror or psychological horror.

Talking Tribeca: The River

I’ve had the pleasure of screening some feature-length and short selections from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which takes place April 17th-28th.

The River
Directed by Sam Handel
Festival Screenings

This 13-minute short finds pregnant Maria (Lauren Ambrose) working the counter at a small-town market on a hot summer day. She responds in a seemingly bewildered manner when her manager Phil (Jay O. Sanders) tells her to stop listening to a self-help tape while checking out customers. Through impatience and outright cruelty, Maria struggles to make it to the river so that she can cool off. In just thirteen minutes, this film manages to work in a few fun cameos, including Ambrose’s “Six Feet Under” costar Michael C. Hall as the voice on the self-help tape and Adam Driver from “Girls” as the liquor store cashier fully aware that Maria is purchasing alcohol for the teenager who has been waiting outside all day trying to get adults to buy him beer. Ambrose and Sanders are both great, though neither of them is, purposely, terribly sympathetic. It’s entertaining nonetheless to watch Maria walk all over people to get the ultimate reward she believes she deserves. With obstacles rather than twists, this simple comedy is easy to like, and makes for a perfectly pleasant viewing. This short is showing as part of the Skin Deep program.

See it or skip it? Sure, if you like Ambrose and some of the other cast members. It’s harmless enough.

Talking Tribeca: Six Acts

I’ve had the pleasure of screening some feature-length and short selections from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which takes place April 17th-28th.

Six Acts
Directed by Jonathan Gurfinkel
Festival Screenings

This Israeli film is segmented into six fully connected parts, each of which showcases a sexual act as performed by its protagonist, the teenage Gili. She first arrives to meet smooth talker Omri, who tells her that his friend Tomer is interested in her, at which point she goes off with him to engage in her first, and by her the most pleasant, interaction. She becomes the film’s central character as she waits anxiously by the phone for the manipulative Omri to text her, which occurs only when he’s in the mood for a hook-up and when he’s not hanging around with his other girlfriend. Gili is a mesmerizing character to watch, and it’s difficult not to be devastated by the sheer magnitude of the bad decisions she makes. There’s little to redeem her as the film goes on, and it offers an in-depth look at the immature, off-putting nature of oversexed teenagers. Its brutal depiction of this awful reality is captivating, and its performances are natural and simple. As a commentary on youth and promiscuity, it’s extremely interesting, and the fact that it comes from Israel is almost incidental since there’s little to identify the culture other than a strong reliance on technology as the primary form of person-to-person communication. It might as well take place anywhere, and it’s a universal high school horror story.

See it or skip it? It’s not for more conservative audiences, but there’s definitely something worth taking away here.

Movie with Abe: At Any Price

At Any Price
Directed by Ramin Bahrani
Released April 24, 2013

The father-son relationship is a frequent film topic. That dynamic becomes even more complicated when the father has not one but two sons, and when he’s shown a clear favoritism throughout their lives to one over the other. In the rural setting that houses the Whipple family, patriarch Henry (Dennis Quaid) is a small-town businessman with one son, Grant (Patrick Stevens), who has a business sense but leaves home to travel around the world, and Dean (Zac Efron), who prefers racing cars to navigating the fields and selling his product. “At Any Price” explores both the nature of preserving a legacy and the unbreakable ties created by family.

The Whipples’ story is a very familiar one, which finds Henry overextended in his work, always thinking about keeping his clients and in over his head in terms of what he knows he needs to deliver. While the town idolizes Grant for his monumental adventures, which make the local newspaper on a regular basis, the Whipple family feels his absence, particularly since Henry refuses to acknowledge that Dean’s passions lie elsewhere. Through a series of relatively predictable events, Henry and Dean find themselves connected in way that is more powerful and enduring than any business deal could ever be.

After watching Quaid aeach week on “Vegas” as grumpy Las Vegas sheriff Ralph Lamb, it’s refreshing to see him smile broadly and express genuine joy at the thought of a successful sale. Yet Quaid, who has turned in great performances in films as diverse as “Far from Heaven” and “The Parent Trap,” is overacting wildly here, turning his Southern businessman into a complete caricature, incapable of being taken seriously. Efron, who has grown up considerably and graduated from high school musicals to bona fide film work, responds ably but unspectacularly enough to a part that is thinly written. Kim Dickens, who portrays Henry’s wife Irene, is wasted in a part that does no justice to her standout work on “Treme.” The only notable member of the cast is Clancy Brown of “Carnivale” and “The Shawshank Redemption” fame, who delivers a heartfelt performance as Henry’s main competitor.

Sacrificing family for business is not a revolutionary notion, yet this film tries to paint it as such, covering oft-visited territory and telling an all-too unoriginal story. What the film ultimately comes down to is a puzzling interpretation of moral integrity, and an attempt to legitimize its characters’ malignant actions as beneficial in the long run. Its depictions of ethics and family are at odds, and its effectiveness is diminished as a result. There is a decent idea here, but this particular telling leaves much to be desired.

C

Talking Tribeca: The Cup Reader

I’ve had the pleasure of screening some feature-length and short selections from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which takes place April 17th-28th.

The Cup Reader
Directed by Suha Araj
Festival Screenings

This 12-minute short, listed on Tribeca’s official site as coming from the “Occupied Palestinian Territories,” centers itself on a fortune teller who uses tea cups to predict the romantic destiny of the women who come to see her. As she consults with one visitor, a bride and her American cousin rush in, desperate for answers about whether the match is truly right. What “The Cup Bearer” represents is a complete immersion in one culture, best exemplified by the response of one guest to the American’s naïve question, “How do you say ‘privacy’ in Arabic?” The answer, of course, is, “In Arabic, we don’t have that word.” That humorous reference best captures the film and its universal nature, set on one specific story but easily applicable to any number of cultures and parts of the world. The acting is exaggerated but fun, much like this entertaining, often silly short. This short film is screening as part of the “Skin Deep” program.

See it or skip it? It’s an amusing snapshot of the hopeful nature of fate and fortune, which is about as satisfying as it sounds.

Talking Tribeca: The Root of the Problem

I’ve had the pleasure of screening some feature-length and short selections from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which takes place April 17th-28th.

The Root of the Problem
Directed by Ryan Spindell
Festival Screenings

Anyone who doesn’t like going to the dentist should steer clear of this short with an extremely clever title. It showcases a broad spectrum of fears expressed by one buttoned-up, terrified visitor to the dentist anxiously awaiting the pulling of the wisdom teeth, ranging from acute nervousness to full-on fright. The story arc is not entirely consistent, but it is amusing to watch this fearful protagonist experience a range of emotions as she panics in advance of and during the procedure, thanks in no small part to Brea Grant’s creepy nurse. Rather than leave everything to the imagination and relegate what she sees to delirious hallucinations, this film takes on a more lenient approach, indulging her as she conjures up more and more worrisome images. It’s hardly memorable, but, during its 14-minute runtime, it’s hard to escape the terror and uncertainty this film’s reluctant star is undergoing. This short film is screening as part of the “Deadbolt” program.

See it or skip it? It’s not essential viewing, but it has its appeal.

Talking Tribeca: RPG OKC

I’ve had the pleasure of screening some feature-length and short selections from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which takes place April 17th-28th.

RPG OKC
Directed by Emily Carmichael
Festival Screenings

On the heels of the success of “Wreck-It Ralph” last year, this 9-minute short seeks to humanize the world of video game characters, bringing them to life in an unlikely romance. This return to the grainier, old-fashioned video game universe represents a visual throwback that adds considerable drama to this story of characters from two different gaming worlds brought together by cute online conversation. While some of its references are amusing, there is also a good deal of old-time language and parlance that doesn’t quite fit into this film’s universe, making for a choppy, or, more appropriately, pixelated experience. Yet this is such a charming journey that its faults should be forgiven, and this harmless opus is easily enjoyable. This short film is screening as part of the “Worst Day Ever” program.

See it or skip it? It’s quirky and fun, and you can even watch it for free online!

Talking Tribeca: Just a Sigh

I’ve had the pleasure of screening some feature-length and short selections from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which takes place April 17th-28th.

Just a Sigh
Directed by Jérôme Bonnell
Festival Screenings

This French feature, part of the World Narrative Competition, follows a struggling French actress and her chance encounter with a mysterious English man in mourning on a train, which leads to hours of enchantment and a hypnotic diversion from the uncertainty of her everyday life. In the lead role is Emmanuelle Devos, who stole scenes in supporting roles in French films like “A Christmas Tale” and “Wild Grass,” here portraying the flawed and unreliable actress Alix. Gabriel Byrne, last seen regularly as a therapist on HBO’s “In Treatment,” is her unexpected suitor, who refuses to speak French and fulfills a fantasy for Alix of being swept up in a whirlwind affair. Before Alix even meets her dream man, she is painted as complex and layered, thanks both to a strongly-written script and Devos’ terrific lead performance. The film’s music makes its events melodramatic in the most effective fashion, and its cinematography is superb. This relatively ordinary story of two strangers in limbo becomes something entirely separate, a rare opportunity to become completely taken with a brief snapshot at the intersection of the lives of these two unhappy people.

See it or skip it? See it, even if you’re not entirely fond of subtitles.

Talking Tribeca: Setup Punch

I’ve had the pleasure of screening some feature-length and short selections from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which takes place April 17th-28th.

Setup Punch
Directed by David Schlussel
Festival Screenings

This 19-minute short stars Elijah Wood and Alia Shawkat, of “Arrested Development” fame. Ruben Stein (Wood) prepares for his stand-up act, and we see him nervously examining an engagement ring in the bathroom moments before he goes on stage. As he smiles at his girlfriend (Shawkat) on his way up to the stage, Ruben anxiously downs his drink and steps up to the microphone. What ensues is an entrancing portrait of a comic inherently at home on the stage and determined to use his natural talents to help him craft what he sees as a romantic, and, more fittingly, memorable proposal to woo the love of his life. Watching Ruben skirt about the stage is undeniably interesting, and, in less than twenty minutes, this adventure manages to take a few unexpected turns. Wood is particularly terrific in the lead role, and, though her part is minimal, Shawkat is, as usual, perfectly cast. This short film is screening as part of the “Worst Day Ever” program.

See it or skip it? See it. It’s an entertaining and creative ride.

Talking Tribeca: The Genius of Marian

I’ve had the pleasure of screening some feature-length and short selections from this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which takes place April 17th-28th.

The Genius of Marian
Directed by Banker White and Anna Fitch
Festival Screenings

This heart-wrenching film, part of the World Documentary Competition, approaches its subject by breaching two topics at once. Filmmaker Banker White’s mother Pam started working on a book about her mother, Marian, a painter who died of Alzheimer’s disease. As she gets into her project, Pam herself is diagnosed, at age 61, with early onset Alzheimer’s. Determined to capture the story, Banker embarks on a film version of Pam’s book, which simultaneously recounts Marian’s legacy and Pam’s decline. The camera lingers for an uncomfortably long period of time as a smiling Pam’s face suddenly becomes blank in the middle of a sentence and she struggles to complete the thought or story she was sharing only moments earlier. The music and images selected to accompany this story enhance its effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of each detail and, occasionally, full anecdote that Pam shares with the audience. Coming at their story with a layered perspective, Banker and Anna Fitch manage to weave together a complex narrative about memory, love, and passion. For anyone with a personal connection to Alzheimer’s or any form of dementia, this documentary will prove an extraordinarily difficult viewing experience. Without any false sense of some miraculous cure to come, “The Genius of Marian” ends of a hopeful note, allowing its living protagonist to come to a point of accepting where she is, even if that notion of calm and satisfaction won’t last forever.

See it or skip it? See it if the subject matter doesn’t sound upsetting.

Saturday Night Movie Recommendations with Abe

Welcome back 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 theatres 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

I’ve been focusing on Tribeca Film Festival entries, which I’ll be writing about in the coming week. As of next Friday, I’ll have new films to report on each week.

New to DVD

Django Unchained (mixed bag): There's plenty to admire about Quentin Tarantino's bloody trip to the Old West, namely Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning performance. It can't compare to his previous, more compelling film "Inglourious Basterds," but it's still worth a watch for Tarantino devotees.


New on Netflix Instant Streaming

Orchestra of Exiles (recommended): This chronicle of the founding of the Palestine Symphony Orchestra, which would eventually become the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, during the Holocaust, presents a rarely-seen piece of history with a definitive musical focus.

ParaNorman (mixed bag): This Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature has its clever moments, but it's no match for the similarly-themed, far superior "Frakenweenie." It's still a competent work of animation, though hardly a must-see film for all ages.

Thursday Theatre Review: AMC Century City 15

Weekly to a returning weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Thursday Theatre Review. I had the chance to spend a few months in Los Angeles, and though I’m now back in New York City, it’s worth recognizing the good and bad theatres I attended while in L.A. There’s no perfect theatre, but there are a few things that can make or break a movie-going experience. In no particular order, this is a guide to movie theatres in L.A.

AMC Century City 15
Location: On Santa Monica Boulevard, it’s part of the Century City mall. Right outside you’ll find plenty of shops and a luxurious food court. Parking is free for the first three hours, $4 for up to 5 hours, and $1 each additional 15 minutes.

Pricing: Since it’s part of the AMC chain, prices are standard. Regular shows are $13.75, and any films before noon are $7.

Film selection: It’s a strong set, and they often have big films in limited release early, like “Zero Dark Thirty.” I spent a good deal of time at this theater, seeing “Argo” and “Flight” as a double feature and “Anna Karenina,” “Skyfall,” and “The Hobbit” as a triple-feature.

Seating: Like most other L.A. theatres, seating is assigned when you purchase your ticket. All of the auditoriums are stadium seating, which is definitely a plus. It’s a big place.

Bonus features: The lobby, which is quite large, usually features a display of costumes or artwork from a current or upcoming film.

Worth the trip? Yes. This theatre is surrounded by so much that you really can make a day of it as long as, it being L.A., you factor in your parking costs. In the middle of my triple feature, a quick visit to the outdoor food court was a real treat.

Tuesday’s Top Trailer: Fast and Furious 6

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Tuesday's Top Trailer. One of my favorite parts about going to see movies is the series of trailers that airs beforehand and, more often than not, the trailer is far better than the actual film. Each week, I'll be sharing a trailer I've recently seen. Please chime in with comments on what you think of the trailer and how you think the movie is going to be.

Fast and Furious 6 – Opening May 24, 2013

If there’s one film series for which I am wholly enthusiastic that does not match up with the rest of my cinematic tastes, it’s this one. The main reason for my excitement for this sixth installment is that the fifth was the best in the series so far, a rare feat for a franchise a decade old. This trailer only offers up more reason to get pumped for the only summer blockbuster which I write about that I’ll be sure to actually see. Not only is director Justin Lin, who helmed the previous installments, but so is the entire cast, including Dwayne Johnson, and, as previewed in the last scene of “Fast Five,” Michelle Rodriguez as Letty, who appeared to have died at the beginning of “Fast and Furious,” the fourth entry. Having Johnson’s Agent Hobbs enlist the help of Vin Diesel’s Dom and his crew to stop an international criminal organization committing what Ludacris’ Tej describes as “vehicular warfare” is the perfect setup to get the whole gang back together. Enhancing the already thrilling action sequences from “Fast Five” are the fact that the criminals have a tank and the awe-inspiring scene from this trailer in which the crew manages to hijack a plane. I’m sure that’s just the tip of the iceberg, and you can count on me to get in line for this one as soon as it comes out at the end of May. I couldn’t be more stoked.

Saturday Night Movie Recommendations with Abe

Welcome back 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 theatres 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

This is a particularly dull week. Much more to come soon.

New to DVD

Hyde Park on Hudson (mixed bag): This snapshot from FDR’s life features a Golden Globe-nominated interpretation by Bill Murray, but it is most worthwhile for the British focus it has, featuring Samuel West and Olivia Colman as entertaining versions of the King and Queen of England, equally compelling to those offered by other actors in “The King’s Speech” in a less focused and competent film.

Thursday Theatre Review: The Landmark

Weekly to a returning weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Thursday Theatre Review. I had the chance to spend a few months in Los Angeles, and though I’m now back in New York City, it’s worth recognizing the good and bad theatres I attended while in L.A. There’s no perfect theatre, but there are a few things that can make or break a movie-going experience. In no particular order, this is a guide to movie theatres in L.A.

The Landmark

Location: At the intersection of Westwood and Pico, it’s part of Westside Pavilion, a mall that has plenty of other attractions. Parking is free for the first two hours, $3 for under 5 hours, $8 for up to 6 hours, and then it gets crazy after that at an additional $2 per 30 minutes, making a quintuple feature extraordinarily expensive based on parking alone.

Pricing: Pretty good considering how expensive most movies are in LA. General admission is $13, and, rather than raise the prices on weekends, the first show is still discounted at $10. That lower price is valid on weekdays all times before 6pm.

Film selection: It offers a good mix of the popular and the independent. I saw wide releases “The Guilt Trip” and “The Impossible” here, and also had the opportunity to pull off a legendary quintuple feature of limited releases. I scheduled in “Hitchcock,” “Hyde Park on Hudson,” “Quartet,” and “Rust and Bone,” and even managed to get at invitation for a press screening happening at this very theatre for that evening for “Django Unchained.” That was quite a busy, diverse day.

Seating: Like most other L.A. theatres, seating is assigned when you purchase your ticket. Most of the auditoriums are large enough to avoid ample options, with the exceptions described below. On more than one occasion, I opted to avoid seeing a film and come back another time because I was told that only the front row seats were still available.

Bonus features: Two of the auditoriums have couches instead of seats, which makes for a very comfortable movie watching experience, particularly if you have a smaller couch to yourself in a busy theater – as I did during “The Impossible” – or a larger couch meant for more than one person during an empty showing, like a 10:10am “Hitchcock.”

Worth the trip? Yes. It’s one of the more dependable theatres with a good variety of films, and its proximity to Westside Pavilion is a definite plus, with free wi-fi available in the hallway that connects them.

Tuesday’s Top Trailer: This Is the End

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Tuesday's Top Trailer. One of my favorite parts about going to see movies is the series of trailers that airs beforehand and, more often than not, the trailer is far better than the actual film. Each week, I'll be sharing a trailer I've recently seen. Please chime in with comments on what you think of the trailer and how you think the movie is going to be.

This Is the End – Opening June 12, 2013

It’s hard not to find this film appealing. I say that knowing that I truly enjoyed both “Superbad” and “Pineapple Express,” the two most prominent collaborations from writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. This film seems like a fitting send-up of disaster movies, and I think it should work extremely well to have all the actors playing themselves rather than random characters. That works to the film’s advantage in the trailer, particularly with Mindy Kaling, Michael Cera, and Emma Watson. Spotlighting six comedic talents – Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, and James Franco – all of whom have worked together in the past to tremendous effect, should make for one hell of a funny movie. I just hope that the film doesn’t get too carried away with its own ridiculousness, and instead embraces it as the path towards plenty of laugh-out-loud humorous moments. It’s sure to have a number of cameos of epic proportions, and I can already spot some faces in the trailer who I’m sure will be terrific, namely Aziz Ansari, who appears to meet his demise early on. Mocking Hollywood is one thing, but killing off all of its funniest members could be the recipe for the best outrageous comedy in a long time. Let’s hope it lives up to its excellent comic potential.

Saturday Night Movie Recommendations with Abe

Welcome back 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 theatres 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

Nothing of note this week! Exciting releases in the weeks to come.

New to DVD

The Hobbit (anti-recommended): I thought that the third “Lord of the Rings” film was highly overrated, but it’s spectacular compared to this highly disappointing and overly comical adaptation of the first third of the prequel to that series. The effects may be good, but the magic just isn’t there, and the idea of having to suffer through two more films is just miserable.

Les Miserables (recommended): Anne Hathaway won a deserved Oscar for her passionate performance, in this cinematic adaptation of a classic musical that shines in its emotional-filled solo numbers by Hathaway and Samantha Barks and in its larger ensemble spectacles. It’s not an entirely even film, but it’s absolutely worth a look and a listen.

Lincoln (mixed bag): I’m one of the few that wasn’t in love with this film, finding it engaging only in parts and hardly a complete portrait of one of the most fascinating presidents. Daniel Day-Lewis’ Oscar-winning performance is a skilled imitation much like Helen Mirren’s Queen Elizabeth, but it’s Tommy Lee Jones’ supporting turn as a diehard abolitionist that truly stands out.

Price Check (anti-recommended): This comedy starring Parker Posey and Eric Mabius doesn’t have much going for it, featuring unexceptional characters and a generally uninteresting plotline.

Rust and Bone (recommended): This French entry is a depressing, occasionally strong film about a woman who suffers a horrific accident and the man who helps her to survive it. Marion Cotillard was robbed of an Oscar nomination for her performance, which is the best reason to see this decent film.

Zero Dark Thirty (highly recommended): My seventh favorite film of the year comes from Kathryn Bigelow, who deserved an Oscar nomination even more than fellow snubbee Ben Affleck, and tells the extraordinarily complex story of the hunt for Osama Bin Laden. Jessica Chastain is excellent in the lead role, and this is one masterfully-made film not to be missed.


Now Available on Netflix Instant Streaming

Braveheart (recommended): This 1995 Best Picture winner might be considered the last good film that Mel Gibson made, and while it’s hardly better than a few entries that year, like “The Usual Suspects,” “Apollo 13,” and “Toy Story,” it’s a definitive epic that features some unforgettable and spectacular battle scenes.

Grassroots (recommended): Jason Biggs and Joel David Moore star in director Stephen Gyllenhaal’s entertaining adaptation of a true story about a eccentric Seattle politician. It’s a light-hearted and affecting political story that elicits great serious performances from its comic actors.

Heleno (recommended): This black-and-white chronicle of famed temperamental Brazilian footballer Heleno de Freitas is a compelling, melancholy tale of a man undone by his ego. Rodrigo Santoro delivers a strong lead performance as the title character.

Pi (recommended): Darren Aronofosky earned an Oscar nomination for “Black Swan” in 2010, but this black-and-white 1998 feature is just as interesting, far more experimental and less tethered to reality. Using numbers, science, and religion, this films is a deeply thought-provoking and odd entry that merits a viewing for film enthusiasts.

Rain Man (highly recommended): This 1988 Best Picture winner features Dustin Hoffman, who also took home an Oscar, as a savant on a road trip with his brother, played by Tom Cruise. There’s such a wonderful originality and energy to their interactions that makes this Oscar winner wholly worthwhile and a must-see.

Witness (recommended): This 1985 Best Picture nominee features Harrison Ford’s only Oscar-nominated performance, as a cop trying to protect an Amish boy after he witnesses a crime. It’s a strong, interesting look at a different culture, and one of Ford’s most tempered and intriguing screen turns.

Tuesday’s Top Trailer: White House Down

Welcome to the triumphant return of a weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Tuesday's Top Trailer. One of my favorite parts about going to see movies is the series of trailers that airs beforehand and, more often than not, the trailer is far better than the actual film. Each week, I'll be sharing a trailer I've recently seen. Please chime in with comments on what you think of the trailer and how you think the movie is going to be.

White House Down – Opening June 28, 2013

For the first 2013 installment of this returning feature, let’s take a look at a summer blockbuster whose title caught my eye on the IMDB home page. Roland Emmerich has proven himself a skilled action director regardless of the feasibility or believability of the scripts he directs, and if there’s one thing that recommends him more than anything it’s “Independence Day.” The last time he attacked the White House, it was fantastically exciting, and this summer release looks extremely thrilling. The first half of the trailer spells out an ominous quote from Abraham Lincoln while showing images of destruction, and all of the scenes featured in the second half are intense and gritty. The summary on IMDB has a “Die Hard” feel to it, which involves Channing Tatum’s cop helping to protect the President and the Oval Office from an invading army, while the trailer makes it look much more like an effects-heavy film with some serious chaos and pandemonium going on. Tatum has been making smart career decisions recently, and playing the action hero in a movie like this is a great choice. Jamie Foxx is a qualified candidate to play the President, and the cast also includes Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Woods as Secret Service agents as well as Richard Jenkins and Jason Clarke in the supporting cast. Since summer is so populated by big films, I can’t say that I’ll actually get around to seeing this, but the sight of an SUV belly-flopping upside down into a pool makes this one worth a look, I’d say.