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

Touchy Feely (mixed bag): This offbeat comedy pairs director Lynn Shelton with star Rosemarie Dewitt, but it’s hardly as affecting or entertaining as their previous collaboration, “Your Sister’s Sister.” An initially intriguing premise doesn’t lead anywhere particularly interesting or productive. Now playing at Cinema Village. Read my review from Sundance.

New to DVD

Blancanieves (recommended): This involving silent black-and-white drama captures a similar energy to “The Artist” by retelling the famous story of Snow White in a way that feels much fresher than recent cinematic and television interpretations. Maribel Verdu, Sofia Oria, and Daniel Gimenez Cacho deliver superb performances.

The English Teacher (recommended): This light-hearted comedy featuring Julianne Moore as an English teacher who tries to mount a high school production of the play written by her former student is far from memorable, but it is perfectly enjoyable for the length of its 90-minute runtime.

The Iceman (highly recommended): Michael Shannon delivers a tremendous, formidable performance as a real-life hitman who kept his day job from his wife and children. Shannon is electric, but the film is equally rich and captivating, making for one powerhouse cinematic experience. It’s violent but well worth it.

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming

50 First Dates (recommended): This 2004 Adam Sandler comedy is actually one of his more even efforts, tackling the idea of short-term memory loss in a way much less gruesome than “Memento,” and allowing him to romance Drew Barrymore again after their first pairing in “The Wedding Singer.” Its protagonist might quickly forget it, but it’s still fun.

There Will Be Blood (mixed bag): I’m not as keen on this highly-revered 2007 film that won Daniel Day-Lewis an Oscar for Best Actor. His performance is undeniably brilliant, and the film is compelling at times, but it’s nowhere near as even as his other efforts like “Boogie Nights” and “The Master.”