CinePhillyist

Much went on this past week in the world of cinema. The Oscars crowned a new queen when Kathryn Bigelow beat out her ex-husband for both the Best Director and Best Picture Awards on Sunday Night. When we reviewed The Hurt Locker back in July, it seemed way too early to call it a shoe-in come Academy Awards time. But the traditional season of award-worthy film releases came and went, and it was still the best thing we'd seen all year. We had the good fortune of interviewing the future Academy Award Winners Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal way back in July when The Hurt Locker was first released. Now that you're a little more familiar with the product we were pushing, take a look back!

In addition to all the Red Carpet nonsense we somehow managed to squeeze in a Sunday showing of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. We hate to say it, but the critics were right: It's not stunning. The story is muddled, and the 3-D visuals, well, once you see the Avatar technology, it's mighty hard to un-see. Poor Alice just couldn't quite measure up. Bold acting choices (mostly by Anne Hathaway and Johnny Depp) fell flat all over the place and despite our immense love for the never-aging Crispin Glover, we really didn't buy anyone as who they were supposed to be (except for possibly Helena Bonham Carter). We wanted a vibrant and edgy Wonderland. We got a sad and droopy Underland. But on to this week's flicks.

Green Zone
Matt Damon and Director Paul Greengrass (is that a great last name or what?) re-team for a military thriller that resembles the Bourne movies, but just isn't as good.
Playing at... - Trailer - Reviews

Our Family Wedding
Two people with crazy families attempt to plan a wedding. We ever mention we like escapist films? This is so NOT that. (Disclaimer: this Phillyist's opinion is clearly biased given her current entanglement in the preparations for her brother's upcoming marriage.)
Playing at... - Trailer - Reviews

Prodigal Sons
A documentary about a set of siblings like you've never seen before. One is the grandson of Orson Wells and Rita Hayworth, adopted into a rural Montana family. The other is his little brother, who is now his sister. Directed by the younger sibling, Kimberly Reed, Prodigal Sons is a compelling peek into the life of an unorthodox, yet very real family.
Playing at... - Trailer - Reviews

A Prophet (Un prophete)
This Academy Award nominated French gangster film is garnering nothing but rave reviews as far as we can see. When the French get it right, they really get it right.
Playing at... - Trailer - Reviews

Remember Me
A role that calls for rebellious and brooding? Call Robert Pattinson! Remember when we expressed our skepticism that Zac Efron could actually act, but we were eager to see if it was so? Repeat that sentiment here. At least here he's got a great supporting cast consisting of the effervescent Emilie de Ravin, the underrated Chris Cooper, Irina Derevko/Lena Olin, and Pierce "James Bond" Brosnan.
Playing at... - Trailer - Reviews

She's Out of My League
Saw it, laughed at it, liked it, reviewed it. A modern romantic comedy with a retro vibe. Check back later for the full verdict.
Playing at... - Trailer - Reviews

The Yellow Handkerchief
Interest in one Twilight star is enough for this weekend. If we want to see Kristen Stewart pout across the screen, we'll wait until April for the Joan Jett biopic The Runaways.
Playing at... - Trailer - Reviews