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- Happy-Go-Lucky: A Mike Leigh comedy? Compared to his earlier work like Vera Drake and Naked, Leigh’s films have usually been depressing down hill stumbles. But his latest film, which is led by an astounding performance by Sally Hawkins, dissects a life of happiness, and the interactions that a certain mood can create on a world. I reviewed it at NYFF two weeks ago, and I can tell you this is a great bet. (Lincoln Plaza Cinema)
- Body of Lies: So it might be a little preachy, and the plot gets a little too conventional near the end, but otherwise, the new thriller from Ridley Scott (American Gangster, Alien) is a decent thriller. Starring a Southern accented Leo DiCaprio and an overweight Russell Crowe, the film is a CIA thriller that stretches across the Middle East, where deception is everywhere. No director working today can direct an action sequence as good as Scott, and there are some decent twists in this script from The Departed’s William Monahan. (Lincoln AMC)
- Persona: In their continuing Ingmar Bergman weekend marathon, The IFC Center is showing one of his best. Bibi Anderson and Liv Ullman star as a nurse and an actress respectively, one taking care of the other. Or is there an other? Mystery, personal identity, and Sweeden take over one of Bergman’s most touching film. (IFC Center)
- RocknRolla: Guy Ritchie directs (wait for it) another stylized British gangster film. So if you were a fan of Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrells, you’ll probably enjoy this one—which features Gerard Butler (300), Tom Wilkinson, Jeremy Piven (Entourage), and Thandie Newton. (Lincoln AMC)
- Quarantine: I usually wouldn’t recommend a horror film like this, which is actually a remake of the much praised Spanish film REC. But Quarantine is directed by the John and Drew Dowdle, who hail from the town right next to me in Minnesota. Support MN Film any way you can! (Times Square AMC)