Ruby Sparks is a hilariously inventive romance that probes whether realizing a fantasy can bring happiness. In contrast, Killer Joe is NC-17 for a reason and will either thrill or disgust you; that notwithstanding, it pops and crackles with excellent performances by Mathew McConaughey and Juno Temple. The Intouchables is a crowd pleasing odd couple comedy – an attendance record breaker in France.
It’s worth seeking out the compelling documentary Searching for Sugar Man, about the hunt to uncover the secret fate of an artist that didn’t know that he was a rock star. The same holds for Bill W., the story of the reluctant leader of a movement, the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The brilliantly made Louisiana swamp fable Beasts of the Southern Wild enters the life and imagination of a child and celebrates her indomitability. It’s on my list of Best Movies of 2012 – So Far.
Julie Delpy’s 2 Days in New York, which opens this week, is a rollicking light culture clash comedy. The Dark Night Rises is too corny and too long, but Anne Hathaway sparkles. Magic Mike has male stripping, but no magic. The relationship drama 360 is a snoozer.
You can read descriptions and view trailers of upcoming films at Movies I’m Looking Forward To.
My DVD pick this week is the French drama Time Out – an excellent choice for the current economic environment.