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 in NYC

Kill Your Darlings (highly recommended): This was actually my favorite film from Sundance, and I’m so glad it’s finally out for more people to see. Daniel Radcliffe leads a superb cast as a young Allen Ginsberg, and this tale of young writers in a transformative time is a marvelous film that is fully intriguing throughout. Now playing at Landmark Sunshine and Film Society Lincoln Center. Read my review from Sundance.

The Prime Ministers (mixed bag): This documentary is a rare and welcome instance of a positive nonfiction portrayal of Israel, though it’s not nearly as interesting or engaging as it should be given its subject matter. Now playing at the Quad Cinema. My review will be up tomorrow.

12 Years a Slave (highly recommended): Director Steve McQueen’s follow-up to “Shame” is another marvelous collaboration with actor Michael Fassbender, who is excellent in a chilling role as a cruel slavemaster. Chiwetel Ejiofor is just one of many great performers in a superb ensemble, and the film becomes increasingly powerful as it goes on, telling an emotional and extremely involving story. This is sure to be an Oscar movie. Now playing at AMC Empire, Lincoln Plaza, and Regal Union Square. Read my review from yesterday.

New to DVD

Plush (anti-recommended): This edgy portrait of a miserable rock star who gets far too attached to the dangerous new member of her band who replaces her late brother is an incoherent and disturbing look at unsympathetic characters. It’s a far cry from Catherine Hardwicke’s feature film debut, “Thirteen.”

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming

In Bruges (highly recommended): This brilliantly witty and creative film stars Colin Farrell (in a Golden Globe-winning role) and Brendan Gleeson as hitmen hiding out in a very boring Belgian town. While it might be too coarse for some, it’s a fantastic and original delight for those who can comprehend the accents and enjoy the entertainment.