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

After Auschwitz (recommended): This affecting story of six survivors of the Holocaust who made their way to Los Angeles does a great job of spotlighting individual stories. Now playing in Los Angeles, and still showing at Kew Gardens Cinema and Malverne Cinema outside of New York City. Read my review from Thursday.

Disobedience (highly recommended): Spectacular performances from Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, and Alessandro Nivola accentuate this captivating look at a forbidden relationship in a religious community. After its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, this film is playing at AMC Lincoln Square, AMC Kips Bay, City Cinemas 123, Cinepolis Chelsea, and the Angelika. Check out Read my interview for Jewcy with director Sebastián Lelio, who won an Oscar for “A Fantastic Woman.”

Let the Sun Shine In (mixed bag): This New York Film Festival entry from Claire Denis is most worthwhile for the central performance given by the reliably incredible Juliette Binoche. The film is far less tolerable, indulging in directionless conversation and storytelling that serves questionable purposes. Now playing at the IFC Center and Walter Reade Theater. Read my review from NYFF.

Tully (recommended): The third collaboration between director Jason Reitman and screenwriter Diablo Cody is a great success, one that expands upon “Juno” and “Young Adult” to create an unusual portrait of a struggling mother desperate for just a bit of rest and support. Charlize Theron and Mackenzie Davis are great in this entertaining and layered dramedy. Now playing at AMC Lincoln Square, AMC Empire, AMC Kips Bay, City Cinemas 86th St, Cinepolis Chelsea, iPic Fulton Market, the Angelika, and Regal Battery Park. Read my review from Tribeca.

The 12th Man (recommended): This is a different kind of war epic, one that follows a single survivor of a failed subversive mission against the Nazis who has to outlast the harsh weather of Scandinavia and outrun a ruthless Nazi commander intent on finding him. It’s a decent if long showcase that features some intriguing moments. Now playing at the IFC Center. Read my review from yesterday.

New to DVD

Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (highly recommended): This informative documentary sheds a light on the scientific achievements and mental health struggles of Hedy Lamarr, an actress known for her beauty but who accomplished so much more.

Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool (recommended): Annette Bening plays actress Gloria Grahame in this drama that occasionally approaches intrigue but never really gets there. Devotees of either Bening or Graham may be more interested.

In Between (highly recommended): This portrait of three Palestinian women living in Tel Aviv from director Maysaloun Hamoud was the opening night selection of the Other Israel Film Festival. It’s a terrific and very worthwhile watch featuring superb performances from all three main actresses.

In the Fade (recommended): Before failing to make the list of nine finalists for the Oscar, this German film took home the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film. Diane Kruger delivers a formidable performance as a woman in mourning facing her family’s executioners.

The Insult (highly recommended): This was my choice to win the Oscar for Best Foreign Film, a remarkable story of two men from different cultures who go to court when one insults the other in response to a derogatory remark. This is excellent international cinema that should really be seen by all.

Now Available on Instant Streaming

Come Sunday (recommended): This decent Sundance drama tells the true story an evangelical bishop who has a revelation that changes everything about his faith and inspires him to charge ahead with a new vision.

Pelé: Birth of a Legend (highly recommended): I really enjoyed this Tribeca 2016 entry which showcases the amazing soccer player and mimics his signature style with a great flair and energy.