So, the weight of the all-important “Wrap” is now on my shoulders, as the legendary Brian Villalobos has fled north (insert emo-Zach-Braff music here) to pursue a life of fabric-sculpture-making. At least that’s what I like to imagine him doing. Lucky for you, he’s also agreed to find time in his oft-(craft?)filled schedule to carry on as a writer for the Current; I trust his smooth, refreshing prose will offer some comfort as my reign of terror begins.
I can’t say it’s easy to start a reign of terror, particularly during a week when so many sure-fire Oscar-contenders are being released here in San Antonio. I mean, where’s the oppression in that? Oh, wait Paul Haggis is at least partially responsible for Letters from Iwo Jima, isn’t he? See whether it lives up to the hype in next week’s issue.
If subtitles are your poison, Spanish mastermind Pedro Almodóvar’s Volver opens this weekend (review, page 22) as well as Guillermo del Toro’s guaranteed trip-fest, Pan’s Labyrinth.
Had enough? No? That’s what I like to hear. On to Kevin Macdonald’s The Last King of Scotland (or, The Return of Gillian Anderson, for all you X-philes), a gritty tale of life under Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, which is by all accounts – except ours, coming next week – a veritable treasure trove of kick-ass acting work. Yay.
There’s alwaysThe Hitcher if you really get down to the bottom of the barrel. (I know it’s mean, but hey, this column is about snap judgments, friend). It can’t be too bad, that is if you dig Sean Bean – and you know who you are. Don’t hide that under a bushel.
As for me, I’ll be hiding out at the movies this weekend. See you there.
— Ashley Lindstrom
Local premiere dates for limited-release films are tentative and can change at the last minute. Please check your local theater listings to confirm showtimes.
