Love Will Tear Us Apart | Photo courtesy of Warner Independent

David Gordon Green is in the very first rank of American filmmakers. As far as I'm concerned, every movie he makes is an automatic must-see on opening weekend. Snow Angels debuted last week in New York and opens today in Los Angeles. What sets Green's films apart from so many others is the lyrical melancholy that hovers over every scene and the carefully observed and rich humanity that inhabits every frame. Snow Angels tells two stories about love--one in ascension and one in decline. See it and be rewarded.

I don't doubt that my next comment will engender catcalls in the comments section, but I despise Dr. Seuss. Even as a kid I thought the stories seemed obvious and silly (preferring instead the far more sophisticated and nihilistic Encyclopedia Brown and Three Investigators serials). Which brings us to Horton Hears a Who. I don't doubt that young children will love its visual splendor, so parents in need of a nap should definitely consider it.

I get such a strong Road Warrior vibe from Doomsday that I think I should just talk about the clearly superior Road Warrior instead. The film's set in a future, dystopian Australia (think Blade Runner with dirt) and stars future anti-Semite Mel Gibson as an ex-cop protecting a gasoline-rich community...okay, that's enough. The only positive thing I can say about Doomsday is that at least it stars mega-babe (and fine actor) Rhona Mitra.

You don't want to know what happens with that golf ball | Photo courtesy of Warner Independent

Funny Games is one of those movies that many people are really going to hate since it so nakedly toys with the audience's emotions. I love the cast that Michael Haneke was able to put together (Watts and Pitt especially) so I'll probably subject myself to Haneke's re-make of his own earlier film. One interesting note that I read about regarding Funny Games: after a test screening, one guy stood up in his chair as the credits rolled and yelled "Fuck You!" to the screen. Any movie that arouses passion like that is worth a look.

In Never Back Down young Daniel Larusso moves to Reseda where he quickly falls in love with the beautiful Ali and draws the wrathful attention of the local Kobra Kai dojo. With the aid of his Japanese mentor, Mr. Miyagi, Daniel is able to ultimately defeat the evil Kobra Kai and become the All-Valley karate champion. Okay, now with some simple substitution you should be able to get the gist of the real Never Back Down.

Sleepwalking has been getting tarred by the critics, but I'll probably still see it because I love Nick Stahl and Charlize Theron as actors. Most reviewers have said it's full of your typical indie-flick cliches, but I honestly don't mind that so much. If a movie is going to have cliches, I'd rather they be of the sour, moody indie variety. Plus, Woody Harrelson is in it. Is anyone else as excited as I am about Woody's return to the acting world?

Tickets & Showtimes

Snow Angels
Horton Hears a Who
Doomsday
Funny Games
Never Back Down
Sleepwalking

Reviews

Snow Angels
Horton Hears a Who
Doomsday
Funny Games
Never Back Down
Sleepwalking

Previews

Snow Angels

Horton Hears a Who

Doomsday

Funny Games

Never Back Down

Sleepwalking