IN THEATERS:
2 Guns* (R)
Starring Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton
Written for the screen by Blake Masters
Directed by Baltasar Kormákur
Based on a comic book I’ve never heard of, 2 Guns is exactly what an R-rated summer movie should be. There’s gunplay, witty banter and a dash of nudity. Wahlberg and Washington play off each other like Riggs and Murtaugh. In fact, it’s so enjoyable, I’d absolutely watch a sequel to this, as long as they don’t call it 2 Guns 2. Read my review at College Movie Review.
The Smurfs 2 (PG)
Starring Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Hank Azaria
Screen story by J. David Stem and David N. Weiss & Jay Scherick & David Ronn
Screenplay by J. David Stem & David N. Weiss & Jay Scherick & David Ronn & Karey Kirkpatrick
Directed by Raja Gosnell
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. And forgive us for allowing this garbage to be put on our screens, again. Amen.
Crystal Fairy (NR)
Starring Michael Cera, Gaby Hoffman, Juan Andrés Silva
Written and directed by Sebastián Silva
George-Michael (aka Paulie Bleeker) does hallucinogens.
PLAYING AT THE MAGNOLIA
The Act of Killing (NR)
Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer
The Act of Killing is sure to be one of the most fascinating and disturbing documentaries of recent years. It’s a chronicle of the Indonesian Death Squads, who the director got to re-enact their war crimes for the camera. By the way, none of these murderous brutes (under orders or not), were ever tried for their genocide.
PLAYING AT BOTH ANGELIKAS
Terms and Conditions May Apply* (NR)
Directed by Cullen Hoback
Less visually interesting, but still disturbing is this doc (which I have seen) about the ultra-fine print in user-agreement from supposedly fellow freedom-loving corporations like Apple, Google and Facebook, who use all your private information and sell them to companies and turn them over to the U.S. government. It only gets more frightening from there, as the government then uses that info to stop “pre-crimes.” Read my review at College Movie Review.
PLAYING EXCLUSIVELY AT THE TEXAS THEATRE
AT HOME:
Top Pick
The Devil’s Backbone (The Criterion Collection)
Guillermo del Toro’s breakthrough film is another essential Criterion disc. Set in a Spanish orphanage just after World War II, The Devil’s Backbone is an atmospheric ghost story that haunts long after the credits roll. If you pick it up at Barnes & Noble before Sunday, it’s half-price.
To rent:
• Assault on Wall Street (14%)
• Between Us (40%)
• Black Rock (49%)
• Cloudburst (100%)
• Filly Brown (45%)
• G.I. Joe: Retaliation (28%)
• Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox
• Night Across the Street (92%)
• Rushlights (7%)
To buy:
TV: Banshee (Season 1), Hunted (Season 1), Teen Beach Movie
Blu-ray: Angela and the Bad Man, The Bronte Sisters, Bullfighter and the Lady, The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell, Cry Vengeance, Fire Maidens of Outer Space, The Fog (1980), Foolish Wives, God’s Little Acre, The Incredible Melting Man, Peggy Sue Got Married, That Touch of Mink
*recommended
(Release dates and locations subject to change.)