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 and Netflix. I invite you to add in your thoughts on any films I haven’t seen in the comments below.

Now Playing in Theatres

Carol (recommended): Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara both deliver strong, involved performances as a married woman and the younger sales clerk who catches her eye in “Far From Heaven” director Todd Haynes’ colorful forbidden love story set in 1950s New York City. Now playing at Angelika and the Paris Theatre. My review will be up shortly.

Democrats (highly recommended): This documentary is extremely informative and educational, chronicling the creation of a constitution by representatives from opposing political parties in Zimbabwe. The access and honesty is formidable, and this film’s story is pretty incredible to watch. Now playing at Film Forum. Read my review from Tribeca.

Brooklyn (recommended): Christopher Abbott, formerly of “Girls,” delivers a strong performance as the title character, an aimless DJ in New York City who has to contemplate making something of his life after his father dies and his mother gets sick in this involving independent film. Now playing at Landmark Sunshine. Read my review from Sundance.

New to DVD

Nothing to report this week!

Now Available on Instant Streaming

Anna Karenina (recommended): This gorgeous adaptation of the classic literary work comes from Joe Wright, director of “Pride and Prejudice” and “Atonement,” in his third collaboration with Keira Knightley, and bravely and boldly tells a timeless story with a creative approach to set design and a keen eye for costumes and colors.

Call Me Lucky (recommended): This documentary about comedian Barry Crimmins is a fascinating look at one comedian who has always colored outside the lines, with insightful commentary from a number of contemporaries and a surprisingly serious shift into some of his less comedic work.

I’m Still Here (mixed bag): There is something fascinating about director Casey Affleck’s chronicle of his friend Joaquin Phoenix’s highly public descent into madness, but it’s overshadowed by the fact that it all seemed like a publicity stunt and so little of this “documentary” actually feels authentic.

People, Places, Things (highly recommended): Jemaine Clement of “Flight of the Conchords” is a wonderful lead in this terrific comedy featuring a comic book artist father of two trying to get his life on track. The whole cast is great, and this film is a lot of fun.