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

This week, I’m covering the Other Israel Film Festival. Check out reviews of a handful of the films from this week, and stay tuned tomorrow and Monday for more. Of this week’s new theatrical releases, I’ll be checking out Nebraska when I have the chance.

New to DVD

Prince Avalanche (recommended): This Sundance release is a perfectly entertaining if directionless 80s movie about two men, one driven by determination and the other by laziness, featuring fun performances from Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch.

Now On Demand / Netflix Instant Streaming

The Lifeguard (mixed bag): Kristen Bell stars in this lukewarm story about a young woman with a terrific New York City job who moves home to work as a lifeguard. Kristen Bell can’t save this entertaining but aimless entry from Sundance.

Only God Forgives (anti-recommended): Director Nicolas Winding Refn’s first film since “Drive” pairs him with Ryan Gosling again, but the result is far less impressive, a stylized showcase of ultra-violence that doesn’t have much of a point other than to provide visually disturbing images.

Skyfall (recommended): The twenty-third James Bond film marks the fiftieth anniversary of the franchise, and it’s quite the celebration. The film kicks into high gear from its opening moments, thanks to a scenery-chewing villainous turn from Javier Bardem and a commitment to action and explosions throughout. Any Bond fan will love it, and others will enjoy it too.

What Maisie Knew (recommended): This emotional story of a young girl whose divorced parents spend so much time fighting and putting each other down that they ignore her is a hard-hitting and powerful tale, with great performances all around and a sunny resolve despite its disheartening premise.