Friday Flick Picks 7/10/09

Joy, joy, joy, the film Moon goes into wider release this weekend and it comes to my little world! Technically, the film is still not playing in RI, but the Showcase Rt 6 is in Seekonk, MA, right over the state line. See it! Throw Down Your Heart is at the Cable Car Cinema. Filmmaker Sascha Paladino brings us the travels of his brother, Bela Fleck (virtuoso banjo player and hell of a nice guy), to Africa to explore the origins of the banjo. As a special treat, Bela Fleck will be there tonight for Q&A and maybe a tune or two. Check it out. Also opening this weekend is Bruno, outrageous comedy abounds. Other films in theaters are Public Enemies, Ice Age:Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Whatever Works, Away We Go, Star Trek, Transformers:Revenge of the Fallen, My Sister's Keeper, The Hangover and Up. And did I mention MOON? Enjoy!

Away We Go

In Away We Go, a couple is expecting a baby and needs to figure out where they want to live. They set out on a road trip to evaluate their options, and learn a lot about themselves, life and the people they think have it together. A sweet story of growth and discovery that I really liked.

Vision and Vantage in DVD

Two films about psychic vision are in my DVD queue this week. Knowing is about a man who cracks a code to future events and Push is a sci-fi thriller. Another sparse week in DVD releases.

Whatever Works

Life philosophies are examined and explored in Whatever Works, the latest piece from Woody Allen. The film is a journey in self discovery for all the characters. I am always surprised by how much I like Woody Allen films. The writing is clever and the performances very relaxed. Larry David's character, Boris, takes us on a journey that examines life and how we live it. "Whatever works.." Lots of laugh out loud moments, a bit risque and very direct. I liked this one.

Public Enemies

In Public Enemies we are taken inside the last days of legendary bank robber John Dillinger. The performances are subtle and the gun fights explosive. Made me wish I knew more about ballistics. A stylized film that tells more about the events than the people. Worth a look.

Friday Flick Picks 7/3/09

The weekend comes early thanks to the 4th of July falling on Saturday. I'm lucky enough to have today off, so it's an extra day in the theater for me! Public Enemies, My Sister's Keeper, Whatever Works and Away We Go are on my list for the weekend. If I have time, I may get to $9.99 or Summer Hours. Ice age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs is out there for families, along with Up. If you need to watch robots going nuts, there's Transformers:Return of the Fallen. For summer popcorn entertainment check out Star Trek, Night at the Museum:Battle of the Smithsonian and The Hangover. Have a happy, safe 4th of July!

Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus

I wasn't sure if I should admit that I watched Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus, but I was surprisingly entertained by this silly monster movie. The title says it all.

Phoebe in Wonderland

The story of Phoebe and her family, in the film Phoebe in Wonderland, is nothing new. There's tension, arguments, mental illness, angst and the teacher who is going to save the day. What makes this film worth seeing are the performances. The kids at the school, Phoebe, the teacher, the sister, the parents, but especially Phoebe. Worth a look.