The low-down on this week’s premieres
16 Blocks is the distance troubled NYPD cop Jack Mosley (Bruce Willis) must escort witness Eddie Bunker (Mos Def) from a jail cell to a courthouse to testify against some of Jack’s fellow officers. But with a slew of dirty cops determined to stop Eddie from taking them down at the stand, a mere 16 blocks becomes an endless journey.
Directed by Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), Dave Chappelle’s Block Party is a mix of the D.C.-born comedian’s sketches and musical interludes. The movie was inspired by the 1973 documentary Wattstax, which chronicles L.A. Watts Summer Festival of 1972.
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| Sara Paxton stars as the fish-tailed girl who swallows ... water, in Aquamarine, a Splash for the teen set. |
Russian actress Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil) stars as the title character in Ultraviolet, a futuristic film about a human subculture genetically modified by a vampire-like disease. The film is written and directed by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium).
More bloodsucking Russians hit the big screen in Night Watch, or Nochnoy dozor, a film that broke all box-office records in Russia in 2004. Here, two underground forces, the “Light Others” and “Dark Others,” battle it out for the destiny of mankind.
The documentary Why We Fight explores the reasons countries go to war `see review, page 26`. In addition to using archival footage, director Eugene Jarecki (The Trial of Henry Kissinger) also talks to everyday U.S. citizens about wartime motives.
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.
Special screenings
39 Pounds of Love
Dir. Dani Menkin (2005)
39 Pounds of Love is a documentary about Ami Ankilwitz, a 3-D animator who weighs 39 pounds because of muscular dystrophy. Able only to move one finger on his left hand, Ami journeys across the U.S. to meet with the doctor who said he would not live past age 6. There will be two screenings at the CameoCenter at 3:30 and 7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 4. A Q&A session will be held after both screenings, and from 5:30 to 7 p.m. patrons are invited to a reception included in the ticket price. The CameoCenter is located at 1123 E. Commerce. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Call 822-3552 for more information or to purchase tickets.
Women’s History Week at San Antonio College: Women and Art
San Antonio College celebrate Women’s History Week by featuring films about fabulous females, March 7-9. On Tuesday, March 7, from 1:40-2:55 p.m., The Quilters of Gee’s Bend and Faith Ringgold: The Last Story Quilt will be screened back to back. Wednesday, March 8, Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision will show at 10 a.m., and Frida will screen at noon. Jaunita Luna-Lawhn will introduce and discuss Frida at 11 a.m. Free. For more info, visit accd.edu/sac/vat/arthistory/arts1303/WOMEN.htm
