A Band Called Death (Unrated) Reverential rockumentary revisiting the rise and fall of Death, the short-lived, African-American trio credited with inventing punk music in 1971 before flaming out without ever releasing an album. Featuring siblings Bobby, David and Dannis Hackney, with appearances by Alice Cooper and Henry Rollins.
Byzantium (R for profanity, sexuality and graphic violence) Vampire thriller about the deadly consequences which result when two mysterious strangers (Saoirse Ronan and Gemma Arterton), new to a coastal resort town, are unwittingly befriended by a couple of clueless locals (Caleb Landry Jones and Daniel Mays). With David Heap, Warren Brown and Ruby Snape.
Copperhead (PG-13 for an unsettling sequence) Civil War saga about an upstate New York family torn apart by the conflict. Principal cast includes Francois Arnaud, Lucy Boynton and Casey Thomas Brown.
Homegoings (Unrated) D.O.A. documentary highlighting the grace and beauty of African-American funerals as explained by noted, Harlem undertaker Isaiah Owens.
How to Make Money Selling Drugs (Unrated) Tongue-in-cheek documentary offering tips on entering the narcotics trade while questioning the wisdom of the country’s draconian drug laws. Street cred courtesy of 50 Cent, Eminem and Russell Simmons.
I’m So Excited (R for crude humor, graphic sexuality and drug use) Pedro Almodovar wrote and directed this mile-high romantic comedy revolving around the reactions of the passengers and crew facing their mortality aboard an imperiled airplane that might not make it to Mexico City. Ensemble cast includes Antonio Banderas, Penelope Cruz, Cote Soler and Hugo Silva. (In Spanish with subtitles)
Laurence Anyways (Unrated) Out-of-the-closet drama, set in the Nineties, examining the strain on a relationship after a guy (Melvil Poupaud) informs his girlfriend (Suzanne Clement) of his plans to undergo a sex change. Supporting cast includes Nathalie Baye, Monia Chokri and Susan Almgren. (In French and English with subtitles)
Petunia (Unrated) Dysfunctional family dramedy about a couple of emotionally-stunted brothers (Eddie Kaye Thomas and Tobias Segal) whose adult relationships are in crisis as the consequence of a childhood spent under the thumb of psychoanalyst parents (Christine Lahti and David Rasche). With Thora Birch, Brittany Snow and Michael Urie.
Redemption (R for profanity, brutal violence and graphic nudity) Jason Statham stars in this vigilante thriller as a homeless and alcoholic, disgraced soldier who assumes a fake identity to exact revenge after the rape and murder of a girlfriend (Victoria Bewick). With Vicky McClure, Senem Temiz and Agata Buzek.
Some Girls (Unrated) Screen adaptation of the Neil LaBute play about a groom-to-be (Adam Brody) who embarks on a cross-country road trip prior to the wedding to make amends with ex-lovers for his past transgressions. Co-starring Kristen Bell, Zoe Kazan and Emily Watson.
BIG BUDGET FILMS
The Heat (R for violence, crude humor and pervasive profanity) Good cop/bad cop comedy about a straitlaced FBI agent (Sandra Bullock) who grudgingly agrees to work with a foul-mouthed Boston police officer (Melissa McCarthy) with a short fuse in order to apprehend a ruthless Russian mobster. With Marlon Wayans, Michael Rapaport and Tony Hale.
White House Down (PG-13 for profanity, violence, brief sexuality and intense action) Action thriller about a cop (Channing Tatum) recently rejected by the Secret Service who comes to the rescue when the President (Jamie Foxx) is abducted by a paramilitary group. With Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Woods and Richard Jenkins.
