Another busy-busy weekend of cinema in New York City. This week, rather than try to be comprehensive, I will simply address the most noteworthy films/events/etc. that you should try to catch while you can. Or maybe I will manage to get comprehensive after all. Let’s see what happens, shall we…
Munyurangabo (Anthology Film Archives) — Be sure to read Tom Hall’s review of Lee Isaac Chung’s extraordinary Rwandan drama, as well as my conversation with Chung, either before or after you’ve seen it for yourself. And if you don’t support this film during its long overdue and limited theatrical run, you shouldn’t be reading this site.
Strongman (Rooftop Films) — Friday night’s program of “Dark Toons” on the Open Road Rooftop on the Lower East Side sounds good, but Saturday night is this weekend’s indisputable main Rooftop event, as Zachary Levy screens his phenomenal Strongman on the roof of the Brooklyn Technical High School in Fort Greene. As if that weren’t good enough, Stanless Steel will be in attendance to perform some feats of miraculous strength. Read the Hammer to Nail review, then go here for event details.
The Awkward Kings of Comedy (92YTribeca) — Though Friday night gives everyone the chance to see ’70s classic Over the Edge on the big screen (yes, please!), Saturday is also the more high profile night at the 92YTribeca with the world premiere of Victor Varnado’s The Awkward Kings of Comedy. Like the title implies, Varnado—aka, Julien Donkey-Boy’s “black albino straight from Alabama!”—features several refreshingly atypical black stand-ups (Marina Franklin, Baron Vaughn, Eric Andre, Hannibal Buress, and Varnado), who inject their material with a healthy dose of reality. In between acts the group discusses what it means to exist in such an awkward cultural place, as Varnado animates some of their funniest childhood remembrances. Visit the film’s official website to learn more.
“Beyond L’Enfant: The Complete Dardennes Brothers” (Walter Reade) — Kick your tripod to the curb and get your handheld
on with this incredible program of the entire body of work of Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (aka This Decade’s Primary Inspiration For Film Students Everywhere). Most importantly, do not miss Kent Jones’ conversation with the Dardennes at 8pm on Friday night (which includes admission to the 6:40 screening of La Promesse as well).
Pressure Cooker (IFC Center) — This week’s best new doc release is off and running at the IFC Center (read my recently posted review). Catch the late show then stick around for The Lost Boys at midnight (both Friday and Saturday night). I couldn’t think of a less apt, but more satisfying, double-bill.
Burma VJ (Film Forum) — It’s been playing for over a week now, but don’t forget about Anders Ostergaard’s Burma VJ, which is one of the best films you’ll see this year. Also opening is something called Rashomon by some non-American dude named Akira Kurosawa. It sounds weird to me but it’s been getting some good reviews so that might be worth investigating.
“Tribute to Youssef Chahine” (BAMcinematek) — I confess to never having seen one of the recently Egyptian director’s films, but I also confess to being head over heels in love with BAMcinematek, so based on that alone this tribute is certain to provide some enlightenment. Go here for program details.
Okay, that seemed to be pretty comprehensive after all. Or maybe not comprehensive, but let’s put it this way: don’t ask me if I know of any good movies showing in New York City this weekend. I just done told y’all.
— Michael Tully
