Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Weekend Movie Guide: All Angels
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
Sponsored message
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 (Wattsand Pittespecially) 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 Aliand 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 AngelsHorton Hears a Who
Doomsday
Funny Games
Never Back Down
Sleepwalking
Sponsored message
Previews
Snow Angels
Horton Hears a Who
Doomsday
Funny Games
Never Back Down
Sleepwalking
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
