It’s a quieter weekend than usual on the indie release scene this weekend (though September in general is always a quiet month at the multiplex), but what is coming out promises to provide plenty of variety. There are documentaries, romantic comedies, dramas, and even a sequel to one of the most controversial horror films in recent years. So even if there isn’t a lot of films coming out, there truly is something for everyone at the art house cinema this weekend.
GENERATION IRON (Documentary)
The 1977 documentary Pumping Iron remains one of the most influential documentaries ever made — and even it wasn’t, it would still be famous for launching the film career of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Generation Iron is a follow up documentary focusing on the world of bodybuilding thirty-five years later as the top competitors prepare for the Mr. Olympia competition. If you are a fan of Pumping Iron, chances are you’ll love this too.
THANKS FOR SHARING
Though Thanks for Sharing debuted way back at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival and has seen international release already, this New York-based romantic comedy about sex addiction from Stuart Blumberg (writer of The Girl Next Door and The Kids Are All Right) is finally getting a limited U.S. release. It features a number of big names, including Mark Ruffalo, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim Robbins, Josh Gad and even musician Pink.
A SINGLE SHOT
A Single Shot appeared at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival and was soon scooped up for distribution by Tribeca Films. Directed by Janie Jones/Falling Up director David M. Rosenthal, A Single Shot stars Sam Rockwell as a lone gunman pursued by criminals in the woods (including William H. Macy). Though it has been available on VOD for a few weeks, this weekend it will be released in limited theaters.
C.O.G.
The most significant thing about C.O.G. is that author David Sedaris has never allowed his work to be adapted before, but he has allowed filmmaker Kyle Patrick Alvarez (2009’s Easier with Practice) to adapt this autobiographical essay with Jonathan Groff in the lead as a man out of his element as a farmer. Since premiering at Sundance it has garnered generally favorable reviews, and it remains to be seen if Sedaris will allow more of his work to be turned into films.
HAUTE CUISINE
This French film about Danièle Delpeuch, who became first official female head chef for the French President made its debut in its home country last summer, and the U.S. is actually one of its last stops on its international release. Critics have expressed concern that it might not play well with American audiences, but if you are a Francophile you should probably be first in line.
+1
Director Dennis Iliadis is best known for his last movie, the horror film The Last House on the Left, and while +1 is more of a twisted thriller than a horror film it still should satisfy those who enjoyed his previous film. Three college friends go to a huge party that goes “WTF” pretty quickly when the party gets caught in a time loop. Though it premiered at SXSW this year, there hasn’t been much word on the film yet.
I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE 2
When it comes to recent cult classic horror films, few have been as popular — or talked about — as 2010’s I Spit on Your Grave about a woman seeking harsh revenge on her former tormentors. Director Steven R. Monroe (who, believe it or not, used to work the camera on Pee-wee’s Playhouse) returns to direct the sequel from new writers Neil Elman and Thomas Fenton. Though it isn’t directly connected to the original, it follows the same theme and a similar storyline. Though it is only being release theatrically in Los Angeles, it will be available on DVD next week.
ZAYTOUN
In a sort of “can’t we all just get along?” vein, this UK/Israel production that debuted at 2012’s Toronto International Film Festival tells the story of a young soccer-loving Palestinian refugee and his friendship with an Israeli fighter pilot (played by Stephen Dorff) whom he helps escape capture. Some critics have called it a bit sappy, but there’s obviously a good message here that the filmmakers are trying to get across.
OTHER NOTABLE WEEKEND INDIE, FOREIGN & DOCUMENTARY RELEASES:
WEEKENDER
JEWTOPIA
THE SHORT GAME (Documentary)
MEN AT LUNCH (Documentary)
AFTER TILLER (Documentary)
MY LUCKY STAR