Brooklyn Skeptic

10,000 BC: 

The Plot: An epic tale taking place ten thousand years before the birth of Christ, telling the story of “the first hero,” a man named D’Leh who goes on a dangerous journey to save his tribe.

Is it worth eleven dollars?: In this “historical action movie,” prehistoric cavemen have perfect teeth, fashionable clothing and dreadlocks, and speak English. Don’t worry, they throw some mud stains on their skin to make it “accurate.” Director Roland Emmerich’s previous films Independence Day and Godzilla look like they have more basis in reality than this piece of crap. This looks like last year’s 300, minus the stunning visual effects and latent homosexuality. Definitely avoid it.

Where is it playing in Brooklyn/New York?: United Artists on Court Street and Park Slope Pavilion.

The Bank Job:

The Plot: A group of low level thugs break into a bank’s safety deposit boxes and steal money and the secrets involving the British government and royal family.

Is it worth eleven dollars?: A friend of Brooklyn Skeptic saw an advanced screening of this on Tuesday and enjoyed it. She said it was light weight, and similar to Ocean’s 11. It seems like Jason Statham is a poor man’s Bruce Willis. Both have receding hairlines, wise ass comments and seem to smirk a lot. Statham was not at the screening, but our friend said that costar Saffron Burrows was, and that her wit was as sharp as her cheekbones. The Bank Job sounds like a nice, entertaining film, maybe worth more than a rental if nothing else appeals to you.

Where is it playing in Brooklyn/New York?: United Artists on Court Street and Park Slope Pavilion.

College Road Trip:

The Plot: A dad (Martin Lawrence) takes his daughter (Raven Symone) on a road trip to look at colleges. Wackiness ensues.

Is it worth eleven dollars?: No. It is not.

Where is it playing in Brooklyn/New York?: United Artists on Court Street and Park Slope Pavilion.

CJ7:

The Plot: A man goes to the junk yard to find presents for his son, and brings him home a strange pet orb with extraordinary powers.

Is it worth eleven dollars?: No, probably not. Stephen Chow (Shaolin Soccer, Kung Fu Hustle) stars in and directs this children’s film, but so far, advanced reviews are pretty poor. Honestly, as much as I loved Kung Fu Hustle, this sounds like it would have been better as a short.

Where is it playing in Brooklyn/New York?: Landmark Sunshine.

Girls Rock!:

The Plot: A documentary about rock camps for girls.

Is it worth eleven dollars?: It doesn’t sound like it. Early reviews are poor and didn’t a kids rock camp documentary just come out? How many of these can there be? That being said, Carrie Brownstein of Sleater Kinney is in this. And we all know that she’s hot.

Where is it playing in Brooklyn/New York?: CC Village East Cinemas.

Married Life:

The Plot: Harry (Chris Cooper) decides he must kill his wife Pat (Patricia Clarkson) because he loves her too much to admit that he has a mistress (Rachel McAdams) and is going to leave her.

Is it worth eleven dollars?: Maybe. Advanced reviews are mixed, but the trailer for this Douglas Sirk-style dramedy is intriguing. The only thing I’m not buying is Chris Cooper. The guy is leaving Patricia Clarkson for Rachel McAdams? He seems to be playing the same dour character he always plays. How the hell does he pull that off? I’m almost curious enough to go see the movie.

Where is it playing in Brooklyn/New York?: Landmark Sunshine.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day:

The Plot: Frances McDormand plays a governess who is hired as an assistant to an American socialite (Amy Adams).

Is it worth eleven dollars?: It didn’t look particularly good to me, but the film is getting some surprisingly good reviews. Amy Adams seems to have the formula down on how to be plucky and cute without getting annoying, and obviously Frances McDormand is fantastic, but something about this still looked off to me. This will be director Bharat Nalluri most respectable film work, as he is listed as having directed The Crow: Salvation and was an Assistant Director on everyone’s favorite French Renaissance period piece, Alien vs. Predator.

Where is it playing in Brooklyn/New York?: Cobble Hill Cinemas.

Paranoid Park:

The Plot: A teenage skater’s life starts to change after an encounter with a security guard at a skate park.

Is it worth eleven dollars?: Yes. This is definitely my pick of the week. Director Gus Van Sant has been getting praise from all around for his newest flick. His films have ranged from the mainstream Good Will Hunting and Finding Forrester to the more experimental Gerry and Last Days, but everyone seems to be agreeing that this is an excellent film. Van Sant uses “non-actors”(apparently all skaters he found on myspace) as well as cinematographer Christopher Doyle, who has worked on other great films like Chungking Express, Last Life in the Universe and The Quiet American.

Where is it playing in Brooklyn/New York?: The Angelika.

Snow Angels:

The Plot: A separated couple have to deal with the kidnapping of their daughter.

Is it worth eleven dollars?: I would say yes. David Gordon Green (All The Real Girls, George Washington) adapted and directed this from Stewart O’Nan’s novel. Green has proven to be a great (and versatile - check out his next project) director over the years. The cast is made up of Sam Rockwell, Kate Beckinsale, Michael Angarano, and, most importantly, Amy Sedaris.

Where is it playing in Brooklyn/New York?: Landmark Sunshine.

Also, the midnight movie at the IFC Center tomorrow is the Breakfast Club, and at the Sunshine, it’s Rear Window. At BAM, The Couterfeiters and The Band’s Visit have both started playing, and for anyone who still hasn’t seen Persepolis, it’s still playing at BAM and Brooklyn Heights Cinemas.