This Week at the Movies
At the movies: Senna, Paul Rudd and Jules Verne
While this weekend does offer the 7th Annual Bat Fest (and you should go, it's always a blast), there are other sources of entertainment to be found on screens all around the city. So, if you're looking for a few hours away from home, but still in the comfort of air conditioning, considering a documentary about a Formula One legend, a comedy about the black sheep of the family, and/or a few one-time-only movie events this weekend and the week beyond.
This Weekend at Violet Crown
As we pointed out earlier this week, the new documentary Senna focuses on the Formula One superstar Ayrton Senna who sped away with wins at three championships and several Grand Prix before his story ended in tragedy. Senna is opening at Violet Crown Friday for anyone wishing to experience the thrill and excitement of F1 racing on and off the track. (Senna also opens Friday at Regal Arbor Cinemas)
This Weekend at the Drafthouse
Opening Friday at the Alamo Drafthouse Ritz location is Our Idiot Brother. In it, Paul Rudd stars as Ned, a stoner recently released from jail and seeking help from his family. He is accepted in turn by each of his three sisters, played by Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer, and Elizabeth Banks. Of course, as is usually the case with these feel good comedies, each of his world-weary sisters learns something from the very same free spirit attitude and trusting ways that got him into trouble in the first place. We know these stories and the lessons they teach us but a reminder this well made never hurts. Rounding out the impressive Our Idiot Brother cast are Adam Scott, Rashida Jones, and Steve Coogan.
For family fun not to be missed, head over to Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar on Saturday for the Free Kid's Club screening of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Disney's first live-action film is an adaptation of the Jules Verne classic in which Captain Nemo (played in the film by James Mason) explorers unimaginable depths in the Nautilus, an ahead-of-its-time submarine. It's an epic on a scale and bred of an attention to dramatic craftsmanship seldom seen these days and, as always, the price for the family is just right.
Beyond the Weekend
Monday (8/29) at the Ritz, the Alamo Drafthouse continues its presentation of Austin City Limits archives as part of its Music Monday series with the oft-bootlegged Tom Waits episode which originally aired in 1979. It has been newly remastered from source materials and some other performances from the archives will round out the evening.
On Tuesday (8/30) stop by the Ritz again for Terror Tuesday: The Exterminator, a violent vigilante tale about a Vietnam War vet (Robert Ginty) who decides to take on the task of cleaning up the New York Streets. It's not exactly a horror movie, but parts of it are horrific and it will get your blood pumping just as much as any ghost, monster or slasher flick. Don't pass up this rare opportunity to watch the film in 35mm for only $1!