PICKS OF THE WEEK
“Troll Hunter” (PG-13) — This documentary-style adventure into the remote lands of Norway brings a group of intrepid students face to face with Scandinavian mythology. A series of strange bear attacks pull a group of young Norwegians and their handheld cameras into the snowy fjords to find a strange old hunter who reveals the truth — hill trolls, forest trolls and their legendary kin are the real culprits.
Well aware of the silliness of it all, “Troll Hunters” uses bits and pieces of real folklore to craft a story that has both laughs and unexpected thrills. The special effects are impeccable, bringing the goofy and grotesque giants to life as they run from sunlight and chase the heroes through the tundra.
“Win Win” (R) — A suburban father (Paul Giamatti) is struggling with his law practice, money issues and his home while the high-school wrestling team he coaches seems incapable of winning anything. Just when he thinks he’s found a way around his troubles, the teenage grandson of one of his clients shows up at his door with nowhere to go.
Writer/director Thomas McCarthy proves his ability to put quietly funny and wonderfully complicated characters on the screen. The movie is at many points tender and absurd, sad and comforting — and always giving an authentic feel to the action.
“The Beaver” (PG-13) — Jodie Foster directs and co-stars in this notably odd dramedy. Walter Black (Mel Gibson) is a husband, father and toy executive who suffers from crippling depression. As his life crumbles, Walter finds a beaver hand puppet in a dumpster and begins to speak through it in a British accent. Never quite sure how sad, serious or funny it wants to be, “The Beaver” can charm audiences then leave them feeling a bit uncomfortable.
Foster’s direction give takes a straightforward look at the situation, and Gibson’s performance ups the ante with all the inner-turmoil and outward weariness he can muster. (He can muster a lot.) Some may find the film the perfect balance of light and dark, while others might find it to be a confused and simplified look at mental illness.
“Secret Sunshine” (2007) [Criterion Collection] — This highly original Korean drama takes a deep journey into grief and individualism — all navigated by an award-winning performance (the 2007 Cannes Best Actress for Jeon Do-Yeon). Though it’s only a few years old, the film is getting a wider re-release as part of the Criterion Collection for its tough — not melodramatic — story and performances.
MORE RELEASES
“Ernest Scared Stupid” [Blu-ray] (PG)
“Sista’s of R&B Hip Hop Soul” (NR)
“The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” (PG-13)
“The Event: The Complete Series”
“The Angry Beavers: Seasons One & Two”
“Johnny Carson: Late Night Legend”
“Miami Ink: The Complete Collection”
(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.