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

Alan Partridge (mixed bag): Steve Coogan is the main reason to see this bizarre story of an eccentric radio host who ends up as a go between the police and a fired radio host who takes the station hostage. The tone is inconsistent, but the film has its moments. Now playing at the Angelika. Read my review from Thursday.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (recommended): The latest entry in the Marvel movie franchise isn’t as strong overall as the first installment featuring this particular superhero, but it’s still an action-packed blast that doesn’t let up. Now playing in wide release. Read my review from yesterday.

Dom Hemingway (mixed bag): Jude Law is loud and unapologetic as a criminal released from jail who isn’t keen on keeping up appearances because he feels he’s owed. There are intriguing, involving scenes in this otherwise messy film. Now playing at AMC Lincoln Square and the Angelika. Read my review from Wednesday.

New to DVD

Nothing notable this week, sadly!

Now Available on Netflix

For a Few Dollars More (highly recommended): This classic 1967 Sergio Leone film, which I saw in a class in college called The Myth of the Last Western, is an incredible ride starring Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef. While “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” is often considered Leone’s best, this one is truly a terrific time.

Lars and the Real Girl (recommended): The concept of Ryan Gosling having a relationship with an inanimate sex doll is somewhat appealing, and this film is relatively fun, especially due to supporting performances from Emily Mortimer and Paul Schneider as those who seek to care for the well-meaning Lars.

Orgasm, Inc. (recommended): Its controversial title aside, this documentary is actually a wealth of information, analyzing and unpacking the way that the pharmaceutical industry works. It’s not overly serious, and that fun nature is what works best about it.

Roger Dodger (recommended): This 2002 film is a great intersection of two talents – Campbell Scott and a teenage Jeese Eisenberg – in an enthralling story of a player uncle who tries to show his nephew what life is really about.