Limited release

Footnote
Directed by: Joseph Cedar
Starring: Shlomo Bar Aba and Lior Ashkenazi

Entered as Israel’s official submission to the 84th Academy Awards, Footnote won Best Screenplay at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival as well as nine wards at the Ophir Awards, Israel’s version of the Oscars.

What would you do if you suddenly had to tell your father that it wasn’t he who won a prestigous award, but rather you? This is the complicated question that Professor of Talmud at Hebrew University of Jerusalem Eliezer Shkolnik must answer as he attempts to reconcile the fact that the awards selection committee mistakenly called his father Uriel Shkolnik and awarded him the prize. The issue is further complicated by the fact that Uriel, who happens to be in the same field as Eliezer, harbors resentment towards his son’s success and has been feeling particularly useless ever since.

This wry comedy examines the very essence of family and the ludicrous things we do for them. It offers a small glimpse into the daily life of Israelis, but also offers hours of chuckles.

Video on Demand

London Boulevard
Directed by: William Monahan
Starring: Colin Farrell, Keira Knightley, Ray Winstone, David Thewlis and Anna Friel

Starring Keira Knightley and everyone’s favorite badboy Colin Farrell, London Boulevard marks the directorial debut of William Monahan, who also penned the script. This neo-noir set in London is about recently released ex-con Mitchell (Farrell), who is desperately trying to stay out of trouble by taking on the position of bodyguard for a reclusive model and film star Charlotte (Knightley). No matter how hard he tries though, Mitchell’s old gang does not want to let him go.

For all those who doubt Colin Farrell’s acting ability, this cheeky crime comedy noir (as well as last year’s Fright Night, which we hope you saw!) solidifies that Farrell can play any role he takes on with ease. Plus, who can say no to British sauciness?

Cable on Demand

Martha, Marcy, May, Marlene
Directed by: Sean Durkin
Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Sarah Paulson, John Hawkes and Hugh Dancy

This freshman effort by writer and director Sean Durkin premiered at Sundance last year and has catapulted both Durkin and the film’s star Elizabeth Olsen to indie success. This psychological thriller focuses on Martha (Olsen), a young woman who flees a cult and tries to assimilate back into the real world by living with her sister (Sarah Paulson) and her husband (Hugh Dancy). Yet, Martha finds it hard to forget about the cult and its enigmatic leader (John Hawkes) and soon grows ever-increasingly paranoid that she is being watched by them.

This stellar indie creates so much suspense that you’ll soon share in Martha’s own confusion and despair. Durkin’s directorial style as well as the script’s non-linear narrative further heightens this bewilderment. One thing you won’t be confused about, however, is just how fearless relative newcomer Elizabeth Olsen truly is.

It’s the day after Valentine’s Day. You either ignored the holiday in all its commercial annoyance or embraced the hearts and flowers and spent a buck or two on your love. Either way, this weekend it’s time to treat yourself to some more stories with a biting edge. And nothing will make a Buff happier than the choices we’re urging you to see.

Theatrical Limited Release

On the Ice
Cast: Josiah Patkotak, Frank Outuq Irelan, Teddy Kyle Smith, Adamina Kerr, Sierra Jade Sampson
Director: Andrew Okpeaha MacLean

Andrew Okpeaha MacLean offers up his first full-length narrative feature with On the Ice, a film that garnered long lines at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival because of MacLean’s award-winning short films and impressive inclusion into the Sundance Lab.  MacLean’s film zeroes in on the town of Barrow, Alaska, the northernmost town in the United States where there is a perpetual landscape of snow. In the heart of this town, there’s a close knit Inuit community with children wrapped up in rap, hunting and partying.

We follow the lives of teenagers Qalli and Aivaaq, who seemingly have their whole lives in front of them, until one tragic day they get caught in a dangerous fight with their friend James on a hunting trip. James is stabbed, and the boys quickly decide to pass James’s death off as an accident by hiding his body. Everything begins to unravel as the boys become ridden by their guilty consciences and as Qalli’s father heads up the investigation to discover the truth.

While MacLean’s film takes place in a community that often receives little attention via Hollywood, his film is a classic whodunit type of thriller. In many ways, that’s both the film’s biggest accomplishment and most glaring flaw. The story follows the same twists and turns of the classic genre and offers little innovation in its storytelling, which can be a problem when it’s portraying a much told story in such a unique setting. The film begins as a very intriguing slice of life commentary on the Inuit community, one that doesn’t set them apart as a society, but rather reveals how the lives of their youths are as similar as any mainland child.  That the story veers into a predictable thriller is slightly disappointing as the unique setting makes one wish for a more unique story. The reason that On the Ice makes our Watch This Weekend list is because while the film follows a basic formula, it does it very well. The film is indeed intriguing, suspenseful, and leaves us on the edge of our seats. While the film doesn’t necessarily do anything new with this genre, it reveals that this type of formula film can and should be told in different and diverse settings.  Hopefully, other genres will soon follow suit.

Video on Demand

The Drunk and on Drugs Happy Funtime Hour
Cast: Mike Smith, Robb Wells, J.P. Tremblay

The title of this Canadian show should be enough to intrigue any viewer in the mood for some very unique comedy. Famous for The Trailer Park Boys, stars Mike Smith, Robb Wells, J.P. Tremblay are right in the center of this six-part sketch comedy mini-series. As an added bonus Jay Baruchel and Amy Sedaris also pop up in small roles.

Mike Smith, Robb Wells, J.P. Tremblay all play versions of themselves as characters Mike, Robb, and JP. The first episode starts with Amy Sedaris, a production executive, receiving seemingly incomprehensible footage for her new show The Happy Funtime Hour, sent to her by Mike, Robb, and JP. We’re then sent to the small town of Port Cockerton where Mike and Robb wake up in a hotel, unable to find their friend JP or to remember what exactly has been going on for the last six weeks of shooting. They discover that an actor hired to play a crazy German scientist, Dr. Funtime, has fully inhabited the character after synthesizing a powerful and addictive hallucinogen from berries. As Mike and Robb search for their friend, they discover that the cast has been corrupted by the drug and now believes they’re the characters on the show, which includes pirates, playboys from a 1980′s television show and wannabe superheroes. Sound confusing? Well, it’s supposed to be, and that’s the reason The Drunk and on Drugs Happy Funtime Hour makes our Watch This Weekend list.

This latest Canadian offering is not merely a sketch show. In fact, much of the humor isn’t necessarily of the laugh out loud variety. It’s a meta show within a show as characters explore the trippy landscape in a refreshing, absurdist way. In classic sketch comedic style, Mike Smith, Robb Wells, J.P. Tremblay also play all other characters on the show. What makes the show repeatedly watchable is because we’re not really sure of what’s real and not real. The characters attempt to find out the truth but are constantly sidelined with their own hallucinations and the hallucinations of others. Real or unreal, The Drunk and On Drugs Funtime Happy Hour is a must watch comedic gem.

Cable on Demand

Drive
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Albert Brooks, Bryan Cranston, (little boy)
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn

Drive follows Ryan Gosling’s character, a man simply known as The Driver. We don’t really need to know The Driver’s name because he’s an archetype we’re all familiar with—the strong, silent male protagonist that seemingly acts with shallow and questionable motivations but adopts a twisted code of honor that redeems him in both the eyes of the viewers and his lady love. The Driver has a simple, if not exciting life. By day, he’s a crash test stunt driver for movies and by night, he offers up his superb driving skills for criminals looking for a reliable getaway source of transportation. He’s drawn into the world of Irene, a single mother, played by a mature and wounded looking Carey Mulligan, and her son, Benicio. Soon, the Driver’s purpose of life has shifted—he once lived only in his own self-interest and now he acts solely for this new love of a mother and her son. The love story, of course, doesn’t last as the woman’s husband, Standard, returns from his stint in jail to take his rightful place as both father and husband. When the husband is revealed to have a large debt that needs to be repaid, The Driver decides to help the husband. The plan goes awry as the husband is shot, and The Driver is now in possession of the debt due to the husband’s enemies.

The film is not exactly of the new or innovative variety. It’s more of an homage to a variety of archetypes—ones like Clint Eastwood in Man with No Name, Steve McQueen’s hero in Bullitt, and the 1978 film The Driver. But the reason we’ve placed it on our Watch This Weekend bucket list is because Drive is perhaps one of the best and most underrated films of last year. Drive is Gosling’s most powerful performance since Half Nelson, an understated and moving inhabiting of a man whose actions speak louder than words. He injects a quiet and terrifying presence as The Driver’s simple wish to take care of the mother and son takes him into a place of surprising violence and destruction. It’s also a departure for the normally comedic Albert Brooks, who shows great range with his menacing villain, and for Bryan Cranston, a man known for Breaking Bad, who relays the role as the Driver’s boss with a mix of vulnerability and greed.

With a spectacularly ear-catching soundtrack and smooth directional style, Drive is the thinking man’s action film. That’s not to say that the movie has a complicated plot. It doesn’t. Everyone’s motivations in the film are fairly simple and straightforward.  But this film isn’t about slick car chases and CGI effects like all action films are today. While the movie shines with a prototypical L.A. produced heist, the results go deeper and darker than your average American blockbuster and a lot of that is due to the Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn, who won the Best Director Award at Cannes last year. There is an attention to detail in the cinematography, a crisp and slim script by Hossein Amini, and action scenes that look astonishingly real. It’s thankfully raised the bar for action films, and one that hopefully many other directors will try to reach.

Theatrical Limited release

The Turin Horse
Directed by: Béla Tarr
Starring: János Derzsi, Erika Bók and Mihály Kormos

Cable on Demand

Anonymous
Directed by: Roland Emmerich
Starring: Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave, Jamie Campbell Bower, Joely Richardson and David Thewlis

This week, we’re watching some distinctly ‘Buff titles. Yeah, we’re excited, too. The eclectic group wakes-up the little kid inside all of us, ensuring under-the-cover protection as well as sincere hope. If that’s not tantalizing enough, there’s also romance and courage. Seriously, watch them all to satisfy all your movie itches.

Theatrical release

When watching Declaration of War, France’s official Foreign Language entry for the Oscars, it’s hard for the viewer to ignore the very real life circumstances that revolve around the movie’s creation. The movie’s co-written by director-star Valerie Donzelli and co-star Jeremie Elkaim, who based the main plot of the film on their own son’s illness. When Juliette meets Romeo, they joke that they’re destined for a terrible story. The two fall in love in a rapid fire, dizzying fashion. All seems well with their world until their child, Adam, is diagnosed with cancer.

What makes this film an essential Watch This Weekend pick is because it chooses to frame a very personal and autobiographical story in an original, refreshing way. There’s musical montages, an eclectic soundtrack, and jolting jumps to a story that spans four years, but these elements are simply the backbone of a story focused more on the romance than on trauma. The child is, ironically, more of a secondary plot line.

The film doesn’t make light of the difficult situation, but it also doesn’t weigh the story down in constant tears. It’s hard to imagine that a movie that centers on two parents dealing with a child diagnosed with brain cancer would be a joyful cinematic experience, but it actually is. Perhaps it’s the type of film only France can create—a funny and heartfelt story about a couple’s dogged determination to cope with their child’s traumatic experience. The movie realizes that in the most difficult situations of our lives, sometimes the only thing that helps us survive is a touch of humor.

Video on Demand

With Oscar-worthy clout, it is pretty easy to lose yourself in a seemingly authentic performance. This week’s routine, in the same vein, provides fantastic acting with equally strong stories. Each narrative reminds us of relative tales with much bigger budgets. We’d love to hear what you guys think.

Limited release

Coriolanus
Directed by: Ralph Fiennes
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler, Jessica Chastain, Vanessa Redgrave, Brian Cox

Nobody writes a story quite like the Bard. William Shakespeare, that is. But don’t think this is just another incomprehensible adaptation of the Bard’s works, this is quite the modern retelling.

Marking his directorial debut, Ralph Fiennes also plays the eponymous character in this war film. Coriolanus is a war hero who returns to his native land only to be ostracized by his own people for his extreme views. Manipulated and outmaneuvered by politicians and his own mother, Coriolanus is banished. He then offers his life or his services to his sworn enemy, Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler).

With a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this war drama is a critical hit for long-time actor, first-time director Fiennes. The Hollywood Reporter exalts that Fiennes “makes Shakespearean modern and bloody brilliant.” Despite being written nearly 400 years ago, the words of the Bard still ring true and “the film illuminates the playwright’s astonishing gift for timeless insight into what moves the human spirit and motivates ambition.”

Cable on Demand

Beware the Gonzo
Directed by: Bryan Goluboff
Starring: Ezra Miller, Jesse McCartney, Zoë Kravitz

We aren’t sure if you’ve heard, but Ezra Miller is going to be the next best thing. Mark our words. With his excellently ominous turn in this year’s We Need to Talk About Kevin, we just know that he is bound to garner some awards season buzz. So why not catch him in some more teenage popcorn fare with Beware the Gonzo?

Miller is Eddie “Gonzo” Gilman, a high school student who is ousted from his school’s newspaper by its editor, the annoyingly popular and super handsome Gavin (Jesse McCartney). Not content to be marginalized, Eddie stages a rebellion for all the misfits, outcasts and weirdos at the school in the form of an underground newspaper that exposes the truth about all the popular kids.

The film is funny, fresh, slightly teen-angsty, but features Miller at his most captivating.

VOD

Mysteries of Lisbon
Directed by: Raul Ruiz
Starring: Adriano Luz, Maria João Bastos, Ricardo Pereira

Mysteries of Lisbon is Chilean auteur Raul Ruiz’s last feature film before his death this past August. Based on the novel of the same name by Portuguese author Camilo Castelo, Ruiz weaves a story filled with absolute portentousness.

This film, set in Lisbon at the turn of the century, is filled with intrigue and hidden identities. We encounter a series of characters that are linked to the destiny of Pedro da Silva, an orphan in a boarding school. There’s Father Dinis, a descendant of the aristocratic libertines, who later becomes a hero; a countess maddened by her jealousy and set on her vengeance; and a prosperous businessman who mysteriously made his fortune as a bloodthirsty pirate. These and many more all cross in a story set in the 19th century, and they are all searching for the true identity of Pedro.

No one tells a story quite like Ruiz. And just like the Chilean wine from where his is from, his films and skill only got better with age.

Ya know, we do the same thing. We  justify our holiday weight gain. Vacation and relaxation undermines even the strictest diet rules. Bring on the pie! But now, it’s January. And the proverbial resolutions have settled-in. Accordingly, we thought it’d be appropriate to curate a group of films that put a fire under our little tushies. These motivate, these pontificate and these satisfy.

Theatrical Release

On Video on Demand

Laws make sense. We think most of us appreciate the installation and adoption of these rules. And we’re cool with living in a place where murder isn’t allowed. But, well, others struggle with their large and gray moral compass. This week, we’ve gathered some stories that play within this ethical arena. We’re sure you’ll love ‘em. This is What We’re Watching.

Limited release

Roadie

Directed by: Michael Cuesta

Starring: Ron Eldrad, Bobby Cannavale and Jill Hennessy

This 2011 drama directed by Michael Cuesta (L.I.E.), tugs on our heartstrings. The excellent Ron Eldrad (Super 8) is Jimmy Testagross, a roadie for the band Blue Oyster Cult who has just been kicked off the tour after 20 years of service. He moves back in with his mom and soon begins to have a hard time dealing with his small town, not to mention the fact that the love of his life is now married to Jimmy’s old rival.

We love the look of this film because it praises the dreams, and those that aren’t afraid to follow their dreams. As we see in the trailer, Jimmy is the key dreamer here, with his mom offering support at every turn. She tells him, “We always knew you’d make it—that you’d realize your dreams.” We can’t help but relate to this. The film has already been praised in the Huffington Post and Variety for it’s gritty, dreamer quality, and TONY has said that Cuesta is “balancing neighborhood bluster with nostalgia and tough love.” If his former directorial project L.I.E is any indication, Roadie is sure to be just as poignant.

Cable on Demand

The Guard

Directed by: John Michael McDonagh

Starring: Don Cheadle, Brendan Gleeson, Mark Strong

In this quirky drama, written and directed by John Michael McDonagh (Ned Kelly), Irish policeman Sergeant Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) is teamed up with uptight FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle) to investigate an international drug-smuggling ring. Prepare to see one of the best re-imaginings of The Odd Couple.

Gleeson and Cheadle play their parts with fresh comedic timing, with the latter serving as the straight man and the former zipping out the punch lines with the quickness and hilarity that the fantastic script requires. We can’t get enough of the fish-out-of-water humor as each man seems to test the limits of the other and push stereotypes and boundaries.

VOD

Removal

Directed by: Nick Simon

Starring: Billy Burke, Mark Kelly, Oz Perkins

Normally we try to steer clear of horror flicks that are all flash and no substance. Seriously, there’s only so much gore and bloodshed you can watch before it becomes banal. Not with Removal, however.

For Nick Simon’s directorial debut, he sets up a film, which he co-wrote with Oz Perkins and Daniel Meersand, about a man, Cole (Mark Kelly), who is on the brink of insanity after witnessing the murder-suicide of his two friends. His fierce hallucinations have lost him his wife, his career and his link to humanity. When he’s offered a cleaning job out of town, things really start to get out of hand, and Cole can’t seem to keep his facts straight about what really happened the night of the murder-suicide, or whether or not he killed his wife.

The fast camera work and excellently ominous scoring will definitely have you guessing until the very end. And isn’t that exactly what you want from a horror film?

So now you know what we are watching, what about you?

Welcome to another edition of our multiplex breakdown. Yes we know, you’re probably exhausted from the holidays, but this is the last stretch before the new year so don’t you want to go out with a bang, FilmBuff style?  That’s what we thought—and time to think about those New Year’s resolutions and making a change, right? Speaking about change, these fine films that we’re featuring center around change, whether it has to do with a breakthrough within yourself, standing up to horrific acts or changing a whole nation.

Pariah

Awarded the Excellence in Cinematography at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, this debut feature by director Dee Rees looks in the life of a young girl and her struggles with her identity and sexuality. While there are other films that tackle this subject, this is a rare story that tells it in the backdrop of an African American family.

Iron Lady

Let’s see, take two women who have achieved the pinnacle of their professions and put them together, what do you have? This film directed by Phyllida Lloyd (Mamma Mia!) which stars Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in her rise to power. Need we say more?

Flowers of War

The foreign film that many people have been talking about is finally coming out, based on the true events of the Nanking Massacre, Yimou Zhang directs this film based on the book The 13 Women of Nanjing by Geling Yan. Christian Bale stars as a priest who helps a group of Chinese escapees find safety inside a church from the invading Japanese army. A big budget emotional epic reminiscent of films like Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan and a front runner for the Foreign Language Best Picture Oscar.

Going to the movies this weekend?  What do you plan on seeing?

It seems intuitive that dramatic and comedic acting stem from discrete approaches. In fact though, both are identical in the sense of commitment. Reality, the common denominator between the two, is not as vague as it sounds. Actually, it is quite clear. Establishing a realistic and believable scene is imperative for drama and comedy to live. The only difference is highlighting an unusual thing, or staying the ‘straight man’ (read this). Accordingly, this week’s CTALRNY ensures this universal commitment is available. We’ve got drama, comedy, dramedy, comdrama and every other combination of the two. Let’s blur that line. This is Coming to a Living Room Near You for the week of December 26th.

Tuesday, After Christmas

This love story, one of a man torn between his baby mama and the woman who ‘redefines’ him, sounds riddled with overwrought cliché. Sure there are borrowed ideas, but what buoys this piece from the rest of the romantic pool is its balance between comedy and drama, even if it’s not on purpose. The ambiguous choices are mostly quelled by the characters’ emotional drive. But, there are times within the conversation where it’s unclear whether you should laugh or empathize. We recommend doing both, like a caring sociopath. Cuz that seems silly. Give this one a shot, it’s a great test of your judging faculties. Just don’t be too mean!

Chop

Alright, so this one blends comedy and horror, but the horror is dramatic. Same trope, different execution (pun intended). The movie is just fantastic as well. The story centers on a man who inadvertently stumbles into a psychopath’s world. Accordingly, he is forced to make sadistic, gruesome decisions based on the ultimate carnal consequences. Yeah it’s good, with plenty of blood and gore, but it’s the believable ‘straight man,’ deadpan acting that gets us. Killing is serious, and so are his realistic reactions. And so, the equation results in some truly funny conversations, choices and corollaries. This is worth a watch, and we love how it exemplifies the seriousness of comedic truth. Ending pun: The piece bleeds laughter (you’re welcome).

A Good Old Fashion Orgy

“Commemorative Labor Day Orgy T-Shirts.” Now, though the implications teeter on American-Pie humor, this one-note extravaganza simply succeeds due to commitment. The entire premise, a group of friends throwing one last hoorah before their proxy-dad sells the summer house, opens a comic vault. No premise is unrealistic when these friends sell the reality that this universe exists. Accordingly, the ultimate banger—we’ve reached our pun limit for a post—is one order of extra-large orgy satisfaction. It may not be a ‘Buff classic, but it certainly satisfies all the criteria of committing to a world. This is comedy in nearly all senses of the word. In contrast then, the authentic concern, a.k.a. drama, is only louder and more believable. Suspend the disbelief that this is silly, and you’ve got another enjoyable movie. So sit down and watch with your pals, orgy optional.

Did you notice this about comedy/drama? Are you funny? What is the BEST funny movie? Which one do you still quote? We wanna know!

We all know that “Love is a battlefield,” and that’s not any less true this weekend at the multiplex. Love will drive us to do things that we never imagined we could do, for survival or a better life, and it always seems that many things get in the way of this. It could be a family, society or even a whole nation. FilmBuff brings you these three selections in the midst of the big budget franchises because sometimes less is more, and what better way to possibly see some Oscar bait than in these paths less traveled.

Albert Nobbs

We know what you’re thinking… another Shakespeare in Love-type film? Instead of trying to get a part in a play, Glenn Close plays a man in 19th century Ireland who works and tries to survive as a butler. Oscar bait performance by Glenn Close? Sure looks like it, and oh—Mia Wasikowska and Aaron Johnson hold their own in this film as well.

Newlyweds

Now what would happen if you just got married and both your sister and your wife’s sister come and crash at your place? Too many cooks in the kitchen? More like, “let’s see who can survive under the same roof; forget the kitchen.” Written and directed by Ed Burns, watching the trailer sure did make us want to invite our family over, but then we let that thought marinate for a bit and immediately disregarded it. If you don’t have enough family drama in your life—or just want someone to sympathize with you—we recommend you give this film a try.

Land of Blood and Honey

Let’s see, can a film be an indie when a mega-popular big name Hollywood actress makes her directorial debut? That may be up for debate, but we’ll let this one slide. This very ambitious attempt by Angelina Jolie, the first time director, may turn out to be more than a passion project for her. Set in the backdrop of the Bosnian War, we would not expect anything else from Angelina in terms of playing it safe with her first film. With its fair share of controversy during the production, we’re looking forward to seeing the end product and what kind of reception it will get worldwide.

What will you be watching during this holiday season? Hit us up below.

We are certain that all ‘Buffs can play the game “If only I knew all the things I know now, when I was younger.” And rather famously, so do these guys. So, with such a universal theme apparent within all of us, it only makes sense to dedicate a CTALRNY weekend to our ever-growing smarts. Fleeting youth is just too hard to chase. Instead, let’s settle down with our blemished pasts and scarred hopes and project our advice and wisdom onto those less jaded. Life’s tough, but knowing is half the battle! Cheers to you G.I Joe! Here is what’s Coming to a Living Room Near You, for the week of December 19th.

Act Your Age

This appropriately named film not only exemplifies our theme for the week, but also provides a pretty intriguing experiment about age. We can assure you there will be a lesson at the end of the piece, someone richer from the experience, but the road traveled, is actually uniquely fun. A struggling actor can’t land any parts, and in homage to the iconic Tootsie, adopts an ‘older’ persona. This story may mildly offend your local octogenarians, but we’re sure you’ll have a good time watching some guy pretend to be old with all the make-up and prosthetics included. Too bad you can’t feign knowledge.

Midnight in Paris

Well, it certainly may be a challenge to ween ourselves off of our Woody Allen addiction. But, being as objective (and sober) as possible, this movie works. With Owen Wilson, for all intents and purposes, as Allen’s proxy, adopting his nuances and ‘truthy’ whining, the story acutely builds around him. We’re not going to describe any favorite or specific encounters, but as Mr. Wilson travels through epochs and eras, he starts realizing the relativity of age and time. Yeah, you could walk away from the film with ‘the grass is always greener’ thought bubbles, but the cathartic adventure does much more. Pretty much, this movie leaves you saturated with cultural and historical ‘cred’, like you’ve just been serviced by an art history professor. Kinky knowledge.

Nothing Sacred

In this same vein of adult onset understanding, Nothing Scared toys with something that usually remains independent of age—your moral compass. We can concede as lessons are adopted into the records of your perception, compasses shift position. But, most virtues remain idle since their childhood installation. This story employs a woman struggling to handle a benevolent misdiagnosis and its now less urgent implications. Can a ‘trip of a lifetime’ still be justified? Should she confide in her new love that she isn’t going to die? It is a difficult pickle to be in. No not literally, but being in a pickle is an old proverb, similar to this story’s theme. Though in 1937, this was a new euphemism to examine.

It is apparent that learning is an ongoing process. And wisdom and advice are all relative. So do us a favor, and give us a piece of your mind? Are there movies that poke harder at this idea? Don’t all movies build upon resolution? Better movies coming out? We wanna know!

Explosions, piranhas, car chases, pick pockets and intense verbal sparring! This weekend at the multiplex is all about action movies—or at least one can argue that these are action films in at least one sense. In any case, we can trust that there will be some intense action on the screen whether it be from Hollywood rebels or some smoking hot acting performances. Come check out our sampling of films, won’t you?

Corman’s World

“I never lost money on a film.” How many writer-director-producers can say that? You can if you’re Roger Corman, a true rebel in filmmaking, beginning in the 1950s, if the major studios were not interested in making one of his movies, he just made it himself and never looked back. A trail blazer in low-budget B movies, Roger Corman became a mentor to Hollywood greats such as Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Jack Nicholson, Robert De Niro—actually you know what? Just watch the trailer and you’ll think you’re watching the who’s who of Hollywood. That’s how influential Corman was.

Loosies

“I never took from anyone who looked like they had less than me.” Sounds a little bit like Robin Hood doesn’t it? Only that he doesn’t give back to the rich, and when this young hotshot New York city pick pocket discovers that a woman claims to be pregnant with his child after a one night stand, he rethinks his lifestyle. Some people that he stole from previously start to make things a little complicated for him, and things get interesting.

Carnage

Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz and John C. Reilly, all of these actors have either been nominated for an Oscar or have won an Oscar, pretty good company to be in if you ask us. Based on the play God of Carnage, two sets of parents are brought together when one couple’s child hurts the other’s child on a playground. The evening spirals downward in their debate as all the people in the room become child-like themselves. Actors at the top of their game stuck in a house with action packed and increasingly immature dialogue going back and forth, what more could you want?

The United States’ relationship with international authority is much like that of a tantrum prone 12-year-old. If we don’t get what we want, we throw a $&!# fit and stubbornly assume we’re right. This entirely narcissistic approach gave us an idea. After all, it’s the holidays. We should educate ourselves. So join us in some international fanfare. This week we gathered three fantastic flicks that circumnavigate the universal waters all countries host. From Brazil to Iran to Japan, these acclaimed pieces follow most of our patriotic thoughts. This is CTALRNY for the week of December 12.

Senna

Any globetrotting, championship-winning, intercontinental-star athlete makes us jealous. One who also broke records, challenged authority and amended his art earns more than reverence and international mass appeal. Ayrton Senna accomplished all of this by his untimely death at age 34. He was a player, personifying characteristics most of us aspire to employ. The documentary captures all of that, gracefully tagging each corner of his life. Truly, our description does not do justice for such an awesome human being. Trust us though, this piece speaks well beyond motorsport, ultimately distilled to simple passion.

Circumstance

Iran is likely divorced from most Hollywood things for the majority of people. Rarely is Iran and romantic uttered together. Well, again, it is our patriotic duty to inform ‘Buff civilians that outside of our venerated land is other film, other talent and even other stories worth watching. Circumstance is just that. A narrative based upon familial struggle when affluent and entitled teens defer maturation. Sure, some typical romantic comedy aspects present themselves, but beyond drugs, sex, and undermining tradition, the setting and traditionally Muslim culture provides a refreshing backdrop. This movie works. It is worldly and will likely show you bits of culture hidden to most.

Branded to Kill

Yup, in 1967 the U.S. was saturated with sit-ins, acoustic music and long-unkempt hair. But in the land of the rising sun, at least according to this tale, times were much different. Branded to Kill, a ’60s Japanese Yakuza story, centers on a hit-man who compromises his most recent assignment. His wife does not approve, and the resulting conflict includes another enigmatic hit-man and another lady creepily obsessed with death. It is an arousing story with intriguing plot points. But with organized crime just as prevalent in this country, a U.S. domestic ‘Buff will certainly empathize with the constant ‘who’s behind me’ vibe. A good re-release that is well worth your time.

Were we successful in our patriotic duty? Is parlaying patriotism into international awareness plainly wrong? We wanna know what you think! Tell us about your favorite foreign flick, or if our Hollywood is the best Hollywood. Write down below!

Reunions and unexpected new friends: this is what you can expect at your local multiplex theater this weekend, and with the amount of stars in these films, they could adopt an entire village. With epic parties reuniting old college friends, attempts at rekindling a flame with an old high school sweetheart, and unexpected run-ins just before the New Year, these movies will make it hard to choose just one. Triple feature?

I Melt with You

Add in a little Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, a pinch of Requiem for a Dream and a dash of the “Tree Trippers” episode from Entourage—not only because the lovable Ari Gold is in this film but also Sasha Grey—and you have a film about four college friends who gather for a reunion, only to have it turn into a tragic series of events when things spiral out of control. Sounds epic, right?

Young Adult

From the creative team that brought you Juno, Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody bring you a coming of age story—correction, more like a stuck-in-your-high-school-age story. Charlize Theron stars in this story where she returns to her small hometown to rekindle a romance with her old high school flame, who is now married. When you think about it, how much have we really changed since high school?

New Year’s Eve

From director Garry Marshall (Pretty Woman) comes another holiday film with an ensemble cast which includes actors like Jessica Biel and Ashton Kutcher—we know what you’re thinking, Valentine’s Day 2? This just happens to take place on a different holiday with just as many stars. Yes, this movie will not be great by any means (thanks to the other experiments that felt miserable; SEE: He’s Just Not That Into You), but train wrecks are fun, too.

With cool, end-of-fall air cleaning up summer’s debauchery, we thought it’d be appropriate to beckon the indelible lessons learned from our sun-time mistakes. In this week’s CTALRNY (that acronym is fun to say aloud), we put our thinking caps on, and delved into the history of corrections accepted, lessons adopted and guidance given. People have made countless mistakes, and will continue to do so, regardless of past progression. But, to make our Dad’s proud, after playing hardball, or learning our lesson the hard way, we want to show that evolution is possible. Change can be for the better. Here is our list of the evolutionary and revolutionary growth for the week of December 5th.

The Debt

In The Debt, a series of unexpected events comes to fruition after tragic news is reported some 30 years after a Massad secret service group’s succesful mission. The story is laced with proverbial twists, turns and twists once more, while the hunt for an escaped Nazi during the ’60s and ’90s hosts all sorts of watchable implications. Did they make a mistake? Wrong person? Wrong kill? Lone-Wolf mission? Other cool spy things? Totally. Bad-Ass Jews getting back at Nazis; That is a lesson in ultimate redemption.

The Love We Make

9/11 changed everything. That recent, truth stands tall in today’s pick. The Hoffner Bass virtuoso selflessly led a concert in October 2001 to benefit those who lost so much after the New York attacks, providing warmth to their uncertain chill. The documentary itself follows Paul McCartney and some rather famous acolytes a few days before the show, revealing many still salient thoughts. The story is successful beyond its interviews as well, softly stepping into the realm of intangible human connection, and satisfying the indescribable romantic inside all of us. We’re still adapting to what is changing 10 years later, but surely our spacious hearts haven’t been tainted.

Libertopia

Maybe the most common proverb, be yourself, loses its meaning without contextual support. Many elementary school teachers encourage individual success and choose ‘your own’ path, but examples of following the heart alway speak louder than the concepts. Being real is key, and Libertopia—arguably the realest real—actually struggles with its anti-hero inhabitants. We follow marijuana pundits, libertarian extremists and ultimate journeymen throughout the doc’s narrative. And on the other side is, well, what you expect: people richer for lessons learned, doing their best to find the words for their accomplishment. Simply, there is no love more obvious than the indescribable. Cheers.

Did we miss a journey here? Any lessons learned from more lessony movies? We wanna hear you out! Tell us what movie affected you, what story of your own taught you right from wrong? Post it down below!

Okay you lazy ‘Buffs, it’s the weekend after Thanksgiving, and you’ve just finished your leftovers (mmm-mmm-good!), what do you do now you ask? You work ‘em off, of course! Now, we know everyone else suggests a good workout at the gym but nope—not us—we prefer to take a little power walk to the theater and exercise our eyes with a great film. Who’s to say your not getting a workout? Our legs look great!

Check these three films out when your done power walking.

Out Rage

Who are the stars? Takeshi Kitano, Kippei Shiina, Ryo Kase, Jun Kinimura and Tomokazu Miura

Synopsis? Stripped of his power, a man vows to get it back by taking down the two head honchos in the drug game. This won’t be an easy task, however, because he must go through the powerful Yakuza clans first.

Why are people checking it out? Action packed foreign affair? Who’s not checking this out?

Answers to Nothing

Who are the stars? Dane Cook, Elizabeth Mitchell, Julie Benz, Barbara Hershey and Zach Gilford

Synopsis? Centered around a missing persons case, this film tells several stories of individuals making an effort to make a positive change; one of which is a man that is torn by his infidelity.

Why are people checking it out? Turns out that you ‘Buffs are checking this one out to see how well funny man Dane Cook can transition into a dramatic role (that’s not in Mr. Brooks) because—let’s face it—some comedians should just stick to the funny.

Shame

Who are the stars? Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale and Nicole Beharie

Synopsis? A seemingly introvert man lives somewhat of a double life as he struggles with his uncontrollable sexual desires. A visit from his sister forces him to confront his past head on and (possibly) locate the root of his powerful desires.

Why are people checking it out? People are anticipating Shame being that it was well received at the Venice Film Festival in August. In fact, Shame was so well received that Michael Fassbender is rumored to be up for an Oscar nom (but you didn’t hear that from us).

Did we miss any? Of course not, we’re FilmBuff, we know our stuff (hehe). Shout to us below!

Feel like getting away? Vacation? Or how about a staycation? Just when you thought you had everything packed, planned and prepared for the trip or your life in general, there always seems to be a wrench thrown into the gears at the most inopportune time doesn’t it? If you’re planning to make some selections to entertain you this week we recommend you check out these films to see what happens when things go awry.

Another Earth

Imagine there was an alternate universe, even better, how about a parallel planet earth where another YOU exists. Would you ever want to take a trip there to meet yourself? To some this could be a wonderful opportunity, and to others it could be filled with fear: missued opportunities, missed chances, regrettable decisions and a glimpse at another life in another earth.

Kidnapped

Did you just move into a nice place? Just finished decorating and ready to settle down to a quiet evening? Not so fast—three criminals break into a family’s house to terrorize them and then take you hostage to milk as much cash from you as they can, things just take a turn for the worse and every minute feels like an eternity. Uncomfortable yet? Did you remember to lock all the doors and windows? Oh and don’t forget the…

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

Pretty original premise if you ask us, and we’re pretty hard to please here at FilmBuff—well sort of. All poor Tucker and Dale want to do is have a nice, quiet vacation in their run-down cabin in the woods when some pesky college kids come and bother them. The kids just have to ruin it for everyone, especially themselves, by getting killed in all kinds of bloody and hilarious accidents when they think Tucker and Dale are a bunch of hillbillie killers instead of some nice guys trying to help out one of their friends. Oh, the stupid things we do when we’re in college! And yes that’s the hot Cerie from 30 Rock.

Do you ever wish you had the resources (and knowledge) required to build a time machine so that you could relive childhood moments? Or even moments before your time? We tried, and let us tell you right now that it is way too much work! We’ve opted for the less strenuous option: movie theaters.

Check out our three picks for this weekend that will take you a few years ahead of your time… Or maybe not because we also know how old (matured) you ‘Buffs are.

The Artist

Who are the stars? Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo and John Goodman

Synopsis? A French silent film star struggles with the emergence of talking films and is in fear of the affect it will have on his future in film. In the midst of his crisis, he falls in love with a rising actress.

Why are people checking it out? We don’t know about you Buffs but we’re checking it out just for the simple fact that the entire film is shot in black and white AND it’s a silent film! No need for us to tell you how rare and authentic that combo is nowadays.

A Dangerous Method

Who are the stars? Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley and Viggo Mortensen

Synopsis? The name Sigmund Freud ring any bells? This film explores the relationship he had with his mentee, Carl Jung, and how that relationship birthed psychoanalysis. There’s also a beautiful young woman that complicates that relationship (hmmm).

Why are people checking it out? Fassbender is on a hot streak this year and Viggo Mortensen never hurts when thrown into the mix. This one seems to bring in everyone—even the Knightley naysayers.

My Week With Marilyn

Who are the stars? Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne and Kenneth Branagh

Synopsis? Explore the steamy love affair that took place between Marilyn Monroe and Sir Laurence Olivier as they filmed The Prince and the Showgirl.

Why are people checking it out? Aaaa… is that even a question??  The buzz around Michelle Williams taking on such a challenging and iconic role is a must see. No questions asked. Seriously…no questions asked.

Did we miss on of your must-sees that are coming out this weekend? If so, let us know below!

It’s that time of the week again, time to pick out some movie goodness to feed that TV, laptop, tablet or any other device that you use to get your video on. Our specials this week include a platter of rock ‘n’ roll with a side order of monsters and fries spies. Come and get it!

Trigger

Come on, admit it, everyone at some point in their life wanted to be in a rock band right? The scene in the trailer pretty much sums it up—a fan walks up to ask if you’re that rock star from that rock band—who would not LOVE to experience that! How would you feel meeting up with a close friend you haven’t seen in a long time, or even better, how would you like to get the band back together? Don’t be square and check out the journey of these two women in their rock ‘n’  roll tale.

Super 8

J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg, need we say more?  Sometimes curiosity just kills us—just like the cat—and we just have to find out what the hell Cloverfield is and what is really happening on the “Lost” island, don’t we? A big train wreck takes place in a small town, animals start to run away, power lines vanish, people start to disappear, could some kind of creature or military experiment be part of it? Rumors are that this film could be a prequel or sequel of Cloverfield, maybe? Maybe not? You decide.

Spy Kids: All the Time in the World

Now before you write this off, give it a chance. If you have kids or have kids over at your place (you know what we mean)—or if you’re just fans of Jessica Alba and Jeremy Piven, you might be tempted to watch them in this “Oh my God, why did they do this” movie. We also know the incentive of watching this movie at the theater versus at home is diminished by the lack of “Aromascope,” but hey, you can always bake something in the oven and get the same effect right? Also, you don’t want to miss Argonaut the talking henchmen and butt-kicking dog that steals the show in this film.