The Killer Inside Me
This handsomely mounted adaptation of Jim Thompson’s pulp novel will likely hook lovers of film noir early on when Lou (Casey Affleck), a deputy sheriff, first spanks the law-breaking Joyce (Jessica Alba) and then begins having rough sex with her. Though viewers put off by the raw, brutal violence (towards women, especially) should steer clear. Lou’s relationship with Joyce develops quickly. The couple starts planning to get enough money to run away together and settle some old scores. Blackmail, hard-boiled dialogue, and some pretty nasty beatings and murders ensue before Lou’s crimes starts to unravel—and perhaps him along with it. The story is presented with considerable tension; as the plot twists pile up so too, does the body count. Director Michael Winterbottom’s film is gorgeously shot, and boasts great period detail. The fine central performance from Affleck and excellent support from character actors Ned Beatty and Bill Pullman also keep viewers engrossed. Ultimately, the amorality of The Killer Inside Me is what makes the film so riveting. Lou is an absolute sociopath—undeserving of sympathy—but audiences will marvel at how he manipulates the events to his satisfaction, even though much of the action lacks emotion.
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Cyrus
The Duplass brothers’ uncomfortable comedy about John (John C. Reilly), a divorced man who unexpectedly finds the love of his life in Molly (Marisa Tomei), only to have his new happiness threatened by Molly’s close bond with her grown son Cyrus (Jonah Hill).
Holy Rollers
Based on what is probably a fascinating true story of Orthodox Jews who smuggled drugs, this flat, uninspired retelling has Sam Gold (Jesse Eisenberg) getting caught up in the international trafficking of Ecstasy. The film never crackles with suspense; it plays out its drama as a morality tale about corruption of values, not a thriller. Sam is trying to be a good son, and he wants to marry the right girl, but Yosef (The Hangover’s Justin Bartha), a flashy neighbor who rejects his traditional religious upbringing, lures him into a life of crime. As Sam is seduced by fast cash and by Rachel (Ari Graynor), a woman he meets, he faces conflict with his family and friends. Holy Rollers makes this about as exciting as a trip to the dentist. Bartha injects some life into the film as Yosef, but Eisenberg does his typical mamby-pamby shtick here, and it feels like nails on a chalkboard.
The Last Airbender
Philly favorite son M. Night Shayamalan adapts the popular Nickelodeon series to the big screen as Aang (Noah Ringer) has to save the world by manipulating the four elements.
Let it Rain
In Agnès Jaoui’s piercing comedy of manners, a feminist (Jaoui) agrees to be filmed for a documentary that does not get made easily.
Restrepo
An observational documentary directed by Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger, about the deployment of U.S. soldiers to Afghanistan.
AroundPhilly Staff
