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

A Coffee in Berlin (recommended): This German hit is a highly enjoyable and interesting story of Niko, a young man without much motivation to make much of his life. The performances are great, and so is the story. Now playing at Landmark Sunshine. Read my review from yesterday.

Hellion (highly recommended): This film, which played at the Sundance Film Festival this past year, is a deeply engaging and strong story of a young boy headed down the wrong track, with superb child performances from Josh Wiggins and Deke Garner and a supporting turn from Aaron Paul. Now playing at the IFC Center. Read my review from Sundance.

New to DVD

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.

Capital (recommended): Gad Elmaleh is the standout part of this decent French drama from director Costa-Gavras about an executive appointed to be a placeholder interim CEO of a bank who decides to make the most of his new opportunity. It’s an interesting and somewhat memorable movie.

Now on Netflix Instant Streaming

Omar (mixed bag): Last year’s nominee for Best Foreign Film from Palestine presents an intriguing scenario – a Palestinian arrested by Israeli forces and turned against his people – but leaves much to be desired in the negative and unproductive telling of its chosen story. Also available on DVD.