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

The Grand Seduction (highly recommended): This enormously enjoyable film features the odd couple of Brendan Gleeson and Taylor Kitsch as a motivated resident of a wilting harbor and the doctor he tries to lure there to help it thrive again. It's a delight from start to finish. Now playing at Landmark Sunshine. My review will be up tomorrow.

Maleficent (mixed bag): This "Wicked" version of Sleeping Beauty features an intriguing and worthwhile premise but tells its story in a fashion that's not terribly effective, and certainly not for all ages. Now playing in wide release. Read my review from yesterday.

Night Moves (mixed bag): Jesse Eisenberg, Dakota Fanning, and Peter Sarsgaard star as three ecoterrorists planning something big together in this slow-moving film that never really gets anywhere or achieves a satisfying finish. Now playing at the Angelika. Read my review from Thursday.

New to DVD

Nothing of note this week!

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming

Severe Clear (recommended): This 2010 documentary, advertised as the real “Hurt Locker,” still sticks out in my mind as a powerful and memorable picture of the war in Iraq, shot by a soldier while he was there as a diary of his daily life.