At The Movies: Indie Picks This Weekend

There is, quite literally, something for everybody at theaters across Austin this weekend. It's the way it should be all the time, but at the beginning of the year we're not always so fortunate. As we say hello to April, there are almost too many films to choose from, but we're confident that one (or more) of these films will keep you entertained.

Rubber (Alamo Ritz)
Far and away the most unique film opening in town, Rubber was a favorite at last fall's Fantastic Fest and it was picked up for release by Magnolia's Magnet Releasing division.

Directed by Quentin Dupieux (aka Mr. Oizo), this film tells the story of a tire named Robert who quickly discovers he likes to kill. It's the type of movie that you'll either completely adore or reject quickly. While we appreciated the overall style, it could have worked better for us as a short film. Rubber has some fun moments, but it tried our patience. That said, Tim League is giving it his strongest recommendation and we believe that genre fans & adventurous filmgoers should give it a shot.

Also playing at all major multiplexes:
Two great films that debuted locally during SXSW last month are opening wide this weekend. While they may not be art-house fare, they're both worth checking out.

We're actually shocked that Insidious is not opening at any of the local Drafthouse locations: it's a genuine jump-in-your-seat, old-fashioned ghost story that exceeded all of our expectations. Source Code, which had its World Premiere at SXSW, is a clever Hitchcockian thriller that really works. The worst thing we can say about the film is that its budgetary restrictions occasionally show on screen with weak effects and poor green screen mattes. Chances are, you'll be so wrapped up in the intense storyline that you won't mind.

If you're looking for more standard art-house fare, the Regal Arbor has you covered with three new openings:

- The Music Never Stopped was an official selection at Sundance this year. The Hollywood Reporter call it "a sentimental but deeply felt true story about the healing power of music."

- Of Gods And Men was the winner of Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor and Best Cinematography at the Cesar Awards, which is the French version of the Oscars. It tells the true story of a group of monks in the Algerian mountains who find their way of life threatened by a group of fundamentalist terrorists.

- Quite surprisingly, the Regal Arbor is also opening The Concert this weekend. This French film actually opened in major markets LAST JULY and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes. While it is not yet on dvd, it is absolutely mind boggling that it took almost a full year to get an Austin release. We're thrilled that the Violet Crown Cinema will open at the end of the month and will bring foreign film lovers more opportunities to catch world cinema in town.

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