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

Bert and Arnie’s Guide to Friendship (recommended): This comedy about two men and the very different ways in which they approach relationships is simple at its start but ultimately evolves into an enjoyable film with entertaining characters at its center. Now playing at IndieScreen Cinema in Brooklyn. Read my review from Thursday.

Between Us (mixed bag): This drama from Slamdance Film Festival co-founder Dan Mirvish, who generously sent me a copy of his film after I wrote about it in a Tuesday’s Top Trailer feature, feels very much like the format that its source material is based on: a play. Julia Stiles, Taye Diggs, Melissa George, and David Harbour turn in strong performances in an intriguing if ultimately unfulfilling look at the ups and downs of marriage. My review will be up tomorrow.

New to DVD

Let My People Go! (recommended): This January theatrical release is a light, over-the-top look at the problems a gay French Jewish man encounters when he comes home from Finland and is forced to spend time with his family. Also available on Netflix Instant Streaming.

Quartet (recommended): This Golden Globe nominee for lead actress Maggie Smith’s performance is actually an extremely competent and worthwhile film, featuring superb performances from Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins, and Michael Gambon as senior citizens in a home for retired musicians. Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut is an endearing hit.

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming

Super (anti-recommended): I can’t caution anyone against seeing this movie enough. It still ranks as my worst screened film of the year from a slate of over eighty films. It’s not even that it could have been so good with the talent of Rainn Wilson and Ellen Page involved, but more so that it’s absolutely horrendous.