Entertainment

Kam’s Kapsules: Weekly previews - 03/24/2011

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules,” “The 5th Quarter” and a number of independent and foreign films For movies opening March 25, 2011

BIG BUDGET FILMS

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” (PG for mischief and rude humor) Sibling-oriented sequel finds the former nerd (Zachary Gordon) resisting pressure from his well-meaning parents (Rachael Harris and Steve Zahn) to bond with his big brother/chief tormenter (Devon Bostick). With Robert Capron, Peyton List and Grayson Russell.

“Sucker Punch” (PG-13 for mature themes, sexuality, profanity and violence) Fantasy thriller starring Emily Browning as a teenager institutionalized by her evil stepfather (Gerald Plunkett) who has five days to escape from an insane asylum with the help of four other female inmates (Vanessa Hudgens, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone and Jamie Chung) before having to undergo a lobotomy. With Carla Gugino, Jon Hamm and Scott Glenn.  

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

“The 5th Quarter” (PG-13 for mature themes) Bittersweet bio-pic recounting the gridiron exploits of a grieving college football star (Ryan Merriman) who led the Wake Forest Demon Deacons to their best record ever after dedicating the 2006 season to the memory of his younger brother (Stefan Guy) who perished in a tragic car accident. With Aidan Quinn, Andie MacDowell and Andrea Powell.

“Drawing with Chalk” (Unrated) Diminished dreams drama about a couple of middle-aged, wannabe rock stars’ (Todd Giglio and Christopher Springer) readjustment to life in their working-class hometown after fifteen years of trying to land a record deal in New York City. Cast includes Michael Gentile, Kapil Bawa and Pooja Kumar.   

“I Travel Because I Have to, I Come Back Because I Love You” (Unrated) Melancholy character study revolving around a government geologist (Irandhir Santos) who becomes consumed by loneliness while away from his girlfriend on assignment in a remote region of Northeastern Brazil. (In Portuguese with subtitles)

“Korkoro” (Unrated) World War II drama about a band of gypsies being followed as they roam around France by a young orphan (Mathias Laliberte) in need of a new family after the disappearance of his parents. With Marc Lavoine, James Thierree and Carlo Brandt. (In French and German with subtitles)

“Miral” (PG-13 for violence, rape and mature themes) Middle East drama, set in 1948, recounting the real-life effort of a young Arab woman (Freida Pinto) to open an orphanage in Jerusalem following the partitioning of Palestine which created the State of Israel. Cast includes Willem Dafoe, Vanessa Redgrave and Hiam Abbass.   

“My Perestroika” (Unrated) Post-Cold War documentary examining the fortunes of the final generation raised behind the Iron Curtain as seen through the eyes of five Muscovites who were schoolmates at the time of the collapse of the Soviet Union. (In Russian with subtitles)

“Peep World” (Unrated) Dysfunctional family comedy, set during a patriarch’s (Ron Rifkin) 70th birthday party where his offspring struggle to come to terms with the skeletons divulged by their youngest sibling’s (Ben Schwartz) recently-published novel. Narrated by Lewis Black, and co-starring Michael C. Hall, Sarah Silverman, Rainn Wilson, Late Mara, Leslie Ann Warren

“Potiche” (Unrated) French farce, set in 1977, about a trophy wife (Catherine Deneuve) who steps in to run her husband’s (Fabrice Luchini) umbrella factory after he’s been taken hostage by striking employees led by her ex-lover (Gerard Depardieu). With Sergi Lopez, Karin Viard and Judith Godreche. (In French with subtitles)  

“Thunder Soul” (PG for smoking and mild epithets) Musical documentary chronicling the 35th reunion of members of Houston’s history-making, Kashmere High School Band with 92 year-old Conrad “Prof” Johnson, the legendary coach who led the ensemble of African-American, inner-city kids to a number of championship titles in nationwide competitions during the Seventies.  

“White Irish Drinkers” (R for sexuality, violence and pervasive profanity) Crime caper, set in Brooklyn in the fall of ’75, about a couple of struggling siblings (Nick Thurston and Geoff Wigdor) who hatch a plan to rob a theater on the night of a Rolling Stones concert. With Karen Allen, Jimmy Palumbo and Lizzy Grant.