Movies This Week: Incendiary Elite Dolphin Moneyball

Fantastic Fest isn't the only movie-related event going on in town this week (although it often feels different when attending the fest). Austin has some interesting special movie events that tie into other film festivals.  As this goes live, the Cine Las Americas free screening of El Infierno is about to start. And while Incendiary: The Willingham Case has a theatrical release in town today, there is a special reception at tonight's screenings with local filmmakers Steve Mims and Joe Bailey, Jr at Violet Crown Cinema. Seats are limited, so don't wait any longer to buy your tickets, as you will want to talk about the film after you see it.

If you were lucky enough to see Thundersoul at SXSW 2010, you probably want to watch it again on Thursday at Alamo Drafthouse Village as part of the Austin Film Society "Best of the Fest" series. If you haven't, you'll want to see it, and not just because Jamie Foxx is now attached and actively promoting the film. You will be dancing in your seats, inspired to reconnect with your dreams and determined to fight for music programs in schools as you enjoy the story of a Houston high-school music teacher who turned a stage band into a world-renowned funk band still selling albums today. 

Finally, if you need to get your "bad film" on, Wild in the Streets is the next film in the free(!) series "Bad Film Festival" at Austin Public Library's Carver Branch.

Movies We've Seen:

Dolphin Tale 3D -- Chris has mixed feelings, and says his "litmus test for any kids' movie is whether it entertains the adult members of its audience while keeping kids engaged." Find out what Chris and his daughter thought about it in his review. (wide)

Incendiary: The Willingham Case -- This locally produced documentary couldn't be more relevant if it tried. Regardless of your politics, Incendiary focuses on facts, not opinion, and the disturbing resistance of admitting to potential errors. Don reviewed and says it's "the sort of provocative documentary the Powers That Be don't want you to see." If you don't believe him, read my SXSW review. (Violet Crown Cinema)

Moneyball -- Is this Brad Pitt's latest Oscar contender? Is it his Blind Side? Jette saw this movie about the management side of baseball and says it "has a flavor of 1970s movies -- a grown-up edition of The Bad News Bears." Look for her review this weekend. (wide)

Other Movies Opening in Austin:

Abduction --  Hollywood action thrillers surrounding fresh-faced youngsters make me feel as old as someone who uses the word "youngster." The fact that John Singleton (Four Brothers) directed is however a plus. (wide)

Killer Elite -- Jason Statham! Clive Owen! Robert De Niro! What's not to like ... if you like your action with a heavy dose of screen candy. (wide)

Life, Above All (pictured at top)-- A South African tale of mother-daughter relationship adapted from the Allan Straton novel. (Arbor)