One of the best perks of living in LA is access to movies in limited release. After all, they help counteract the proverbial blockbuster fizz. Here are a few movies opening in limited release right now.

• American Zion - Western starring Sam Hennings and Brenda Strong. In 1833 Missouri, the Steed family witnesses the persecution of a community of Mormons, which eventually spurs a massive migration to the West. [local showtimes]
• Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang - Comedy starring Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer and Michelle Monaghan. A petty thief (Downey Jr.) lands a high-profile acting gig. He enlists a detective (Kilmer) to show him the ropes. The two get involved in a real murder case that may involve the theif's high-school crush (Monaghan). [local showtimes]
• Protocols of Zion - Documentary by Marc Levin. "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" is a century-old [forged] document claiming to document a Jewish master plan to take over the world. This documentary explores anti-Semitism, hate, bigotry and religious intolerance in America. [local showtimes]
• Shopgirl - Romantic Comedy starring Claire Danes and Steve Martin. Struggling artist Mirabelle (Danes) oversees the glove counter at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills. She begins dating two men: Ray Porter (Martin), a handsome, rich, 50-something bachelor and Jeremy (Jason Schwartzman), a 20-something slob. [local showtimes]
• Ushpizin - Foreign Comedy - This movie is set in the world of Moshe and Malli, an Orthodox Jewish couple who pray for help to solve their financial problems. Instead of a miracle, they find two strangers on their doorstep, whom they interpret as a test of faith by God [local showtimes]

Have you seen any of these movies yet? If so, feel free to weigh-in and offer your $.02 in the comments.