Baghead poster

Baghead is one of those DIY films that seem to be popping up all over the place. The difference is that this time, you might not think to yourself, “I could do better,” because local auteurs Mark and Jay Duplass, who wrote, directed, and produced this picture, have done it pretty darn well.

The movie tells the story of four struggling actors who, frustrated with the dearth of roles they’ve been offered, decide to write their own starring vehicle, using a cabin in the woods as their distraction-free workspace. But their little getaway is anything but distraction-free; the interpersonal relationships are complicated and awkward, and excessive drinking only seems to make things worse. And, oh yeah, there might be a guy with a bag over his head stalking them outside.

Baghead’s four main characters cover the four classic actor archetypes—the dashing lothario with “Elvis hair,” the aging “professional” actress, the pretty young ingénue, and the wisecracking chubby best friend. Their interaction is sometimes awkward as the relationships take their twists and turns (unrequited advances abound), but it’s always interesting, as every silence seems full of tension and meaning. Though they were working from a tightly structured script, the actors were given freedom to say their lines however felt the most natural, making for a lot of really believable moments.

They work on their screenplay diligently; for a while, it’s virtually a how-to for aspiring filmmakers (coming up with an idea, fleshing it out, creating scenes on notecards, etc.). Before long, however, the tension changes, as does the movie’s tone. Writing their movie takes a back seat as the actual “scary phase” kicks in. There are some horror movie staples to let the audience know it’s time to get nervous; ominous wind chimes and mysterious moaning animals made even creepier by the absence of “be scared now” music. Even a motion-activated floodlight comes into play as we wonder what the foursome will find in the woods.

There’s no question that this movie knows what it is; it’s rife with self-reflexive acknowledgments to the genre. And it’s hard not to think of its influences—Kevin Williamson, Cloverfield, and of course The Blair Witch Project to name just a few. But the Duplass Brothers know that, and press on, mashing all these elements into something that’s as much fun as any of its forbears. Maybe Baghead isn’t as scary as Halloween, but that’s certainly a fair sacrifice to see real characters. --Matthew Frederick
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The Happening
If you’re still feeling some love for M. Night after a few rough goes, there’s an important event this weekend, and you’re invited! No, it’s not a grouping of hippies; instead, it’s a grouping of people coming together as they fend off some unknown, panic-inducing menace. This guy has a thing for menaces.

Shyamalan’s stuff may be boring most of the critics, but you know by now if you h8 it, or if it’s popcorn fodder at its finest. It’s out today, conveniently, Friday the 13th (OMFG!), so try and stay calm, lest you too be suckered into jumping off rooftops. --Luke Quinton
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The Incredible Hulk
Just as comic books have become popular to put onscreen, the next step turns out to be remaking the initial adaptation, no matter how recent, and replacing it with another one entirely. New writers, directors, and actors. Come to think of it, this is exactly what happens in real comic books. It’s also what happens when your friends get together and bitch about how they messed up Spiderman 3. This weekend, The Incredible Hulk takes its spot as the second of three summer blockbuster superhero films, and one of two start-from-scratch do-overs. Features scrappy Ed Norton —who wrote sections of the screenplay— taking over the Bruce Banner, uh. . . banner. Fight Club for kids? Just playin’; the Hulk doesn’t have the patience required to manufacture soap. --Luke Quinton
[Trailer] [Showtimes]

ALSO OPENING IN AUSTIN THIS WEEK:
The Promotion
John C. Reilly and Seann William Scott star as two supermarket employees who compete for a managerial position at a newly-opened store. Could be funny. --Matt Smith
[Trailer] [Showtimes]

War Inc.
John Cusack and Hilary Duff (of Stuff by Duff fame) star in this political satire about a hitman hired to kill a warlord's biggest competitor. Also, it's set in not-too-distant the future. Or something. --Matt Smith
[Trailer] [Showtimes]